Review of Hôtel Royal Savoy Lausanne

Switzerland is renowned for its palatial hotels and the Hôtel Royal Savoy Lausanne stands as a true icon of refined hospitality. Nestled in the heart of Lausanne-Ouchy, this legendary property is a testament to Swiss excellence, befitting a city celebrated for the prestigious École hôtelière de Lausanne.

Spanning beautifully manicured grounds, the hotel comprises 196 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, thoughtfully divided between the historic main building and the sleek, modern Park Wing. For wellness aficionados, the Spa du Royal offers an expansive 1,500-square-metre sanctuary, featuring both indoor and outdoor heated pools, thermal experiences including saunas, steam baths, Jacuzzis, dedicated women’s zones, tranquil relaxation areas, and eight lavish treatment suites. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the round-the-clock gym equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Gastronomy is a highlight here, with a curated selection of venues: La Brasserie du Royal, the inviting Lobby Lounge and Bar, the panoramic Royal Terrace, and the celebrated SkyLounge, each promising unique culinary experiences in a sophisticated setting.

Positioned within Lausanne's exclusive Ouchy district, the Hôtel Royal Savoy is surrounded by 5,000 square metres of lush parkland and commands enchanting views over Lake Geneva. Arriving by private jet to Lausanne-Blécherette airport, you’re only a 15-minute drive away, while Geneva Airport is about an hour’s transfer. Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg and Zurich are reachable within 2.25 and 2.5 hours respectively. The hotel is also conveniently connected to Paris and Milan by train in under four hours, making it a strategic hub for both leisure and business travelers.

Upon check-in, guests receive a complimentary Mobilis transport card valid for the entirety of their stay, granting unlimited access to local public transit (including metro, trains, and buses) across key Lausanne zones. The nearest metro, Délices, is a short stroll from the hotel’s entrance, ensuring effortless exploration of the city.

Lake Geneva—Lac Léman—awaits just an eight-minute walk away, offering direct access to the pier for scenic crossings: reach the French spa town of Évian-les-Bains in 35 minutes or Thonon-les-Bains in 50 minutes. As Western Europe’s largest freshwater lake, it’s a year-round playground for water sports, from sailing and wakeboarding to tranquil paddleboarding. The contrasting landscapes of vineyard-clad French hills and the dramatic Swiss Alps create a picture-perfect backdrop.

Ouchy itself is celebrated for its green spaces, including the Denantou Park with its storied Thai Pavilion, the Elysée gardens, and the Olympic Park. The rose garden at Place du Général Guisan, with over 130 varieties, is a local gem. The area is also alive with chic cafés, intimate bars, and the renowned Olympic Museum, where interactive exhibits bring the spirit of the Games to life—including a chance to race against virtual legends.

Lausanne is Switzerland’s fifth largest city and serves as the global Olympic Capital, home to over 40 international sports federations. The city boasts 360 hectares of parks and gardens, 60 km of cycling routes, 33 hectares of vineyards, dozens of museums, and 11 km of lakeshore. For alpine adventures, Glacier 3000 is less than two hours by train. Cultural highlights range from the newly expanded Plateforme 10 arts district and Lausanne Cathedral to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards and quirky attractions like the Typewriter Museum and Chaplin’s World.

The hotel’s 196 accommodations, split between the heritage palace and the contemporary Park Wing, offer a seamless blend of classic charm and modern sophistication, many with panoramic views across either Lausanne or Lake Geneva.

Entry-level Deluxe Rooms in the Park Wing are flooded with natural light, each exceeding 30 square metres and opening onto private balconies overlooking the gardens. Interiors feature polished wood floors, neutral tones, and vibrant accents from curated art and floral arrangements. In-room amenities include a curated minibar, Nespresso machine, ergonomic workspace, and marble bathrooms with rain showers or soaking tubs, stocked with Bulgari toiletries. Advanced climate control, 122-cm flat-screen TVs, and secure laptop safes ensure convenience and relaxation.

South-facing Savoy Executive Rooms and Savoy Lake View Executive Rooms, located in the Art Nouveau main building, range from 25 to 30 square metres, with generous balconies offering vistas of the city skyline, lake, and distant Alps. Breakfast is included for these categories, elevating the morning experience.

For families or longer stays, suites—such as the Savoy Suite with Terrace and the Savoy Lake View Suite—offer up to 70 square metres of space, featuring separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchenettes, guest powder rooms, and master bedrooms with dressing zones. Interconnecting options are available for added flexibility.

The Royal Savoy Suite is the pinnacle of opulence, embodying refined Art Nouveau elegance with antique furnishings, sparkling chandeliers, and a library of art books. This residence includes a formal dining room for up to 14, a chef-ready kitchen, a grand living area, a master suite, and a spacious balcony, enhanced by a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

For the ultimate in exclusivity, the Penthouse crowns the hotel with nearly 700 square metres of indoor-outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a wraparound terrace with sweeping views of the lake and mountains. The Penthouse features three master suites, a private gym and spa, elegant dining and living rooms, a library, and marble bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs—an address for the truly discerning.

Wellness is at the heart of the Hôtel Royal Savoy experience. The Spa du Royal spans 1,500 square metres and features interconnected indoor and outdoor pools, thermal suites with steam rooms, ice fountains, saunas, Jacuzzis, a serene women-only zone, and eight bespoke treatment rooms. Couples can indulge in privacy within the exclusive Spa Suite, perfect for restorative escapes.

The spa’s program includes a diverse selection of group classes—yoga, Pilates, and body sculpting among them. Treatments are expertly tailored using premium Biologique Recherche and Aromatherapy Associates products, encompassing energizing, relaxing, prenatal, and sports therapies. The on-site salon provides essential beauty services from manicures to waxing, ensuring guests look and feel their best throughout their stay.

Fitness is never out of reach, with a 24/7 gym equipped with the latest cardio and strength-training machines, making it easy to maintain your routine, even while traveling.

The Hôtel Royal Savoy Lausanne has long been a favored retreat for dignitaries and royalty since its opening in 1909. The Spanish royal family once sought sanctuary here, and King Bhumibol (Rama IX) of Thailand spent his formative years at the property—his legacy honored by the striking Thai Pavilion in Denantou Park, commemorating Swiss-Thai diplomatic ties.

Following a transformative restoration in 2015, the Royal Savoy has masterfully balanced historic grandeur with contemporary refinement. The interiors reflect a harmonious fusion of Middle Eastern opulence and Art Deco elegance, with Moorish arches, golden accents, and plush textures in communal spaces, while guestrooms offer a crisp, modern aesthetic. The hotel’s façade has been meticulously preserved, maintaining its early 20th-century allure.

As part of the Bürgenstock Selection—which includes the renowned Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort perched above Lake Lucerne—the Royal Savoy upholds a tradition of Swiss hospitality excellence, consistently evolving to meet the expectations of today’s well-heeled traveler.

The Royal Savoy offers four distinct venues for food and drink: La Brasserie du Royal, the Lobby Lounge and Bar, the Royal Terrace, and the SkyLounge.

La Brasserie du Royal is the hotel’s gastronomic centerpiece, where the executive chef reimagines Swiss and regional classics with seasonal flair. The restaurant comprises multiple dining spaces—from intimate alcoves to a sunlit terrace and a glass-enclosed veranda—each framed by a corridor of wine cabinets showcasing an impressive selection of vintages. The ambiance is serene and elegant, with panoramic views over the Japanese-inspired gardens.

The Lounge Bar & Cigar Lounge exudes Art Nouveau sophistication, making it an ideal spot for meetings or leisurely afternoons. High ceilings, plush seating, and designer lighting create a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can indulge in traditional afternoon tea, creative cocktails, and a casual menu featuring everything from gourmet burgers to mezze platters. Cigar aficionados will appreciate the curated humidor with rare selections.

Both the Brasserie and Lounge Bar spill onto twin terraces, allowing guests to dine al fresco when the weather is fine.

The SkyLounge crowns the hotel, boasting a 360-degree panorama of Lausanne, the lake, and the Alps. The menu is a cosmopolitan journey, offering international favorites from lunch through late-night drinks. Each May, the SkyLounge reopens for the season, quickly becoming Lausanne’s social hotspot. The monthly "Meet the Winemakers" series is a guest favorite, pairing local wines and regional charcuterie with breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss the signature desserts—they are legendary among connoisseurs.

Since its comprehensive renovation in 2015, Hôtel Royal Savoy Lausanne has placed sustainability at the core of its operations. The property utilizes advanced insulation, energy-efficient heating, and optimized air conditioning to minimize its environmental impact. Laundry operations employ ecological detergents and solar-powered washers, while waste management includes recycling plant oils into biofuel for municipal vehicles and converting food scraps into biogas and compost. Culinary outlets prioritize sourcing from regional producers, emphasizing local breads, produce, and wines. The hotel collaborates with third-party organizations for regular audits, continually seeking innovative solutions to enhance its eco-friendly practices and reduce its carbon footprint.

• Scenic Vistas: Rooms and suites in the historic palace wing boast unrivalled views of Lake Geneva and the snow-capped Alps. Higher floors offer particularly spectacular panoramas, and private balconies are perfect for a leisurely breakfast or a Champagne toast at sunset.
• Signature Cocktails: The SkyLounge is Lausanne’s go-to rooftop destination, serving innovative small plates and world-class cocktails. Enjoy delicacies like burrata or wood-fired pizza with a signature Satsuma Sour (Bruichladdich Single Malt, Aperol, lime juice, egg white, and bitters) while soaking in the cityscape. The tiramisu is an absolute standout.
• Personalized Concierge: Led by Goran Stević, the concierge team excels at crafting bespoke experiences, from arranging exclusive wine tastings in the UNESCO Lavaux vineyards (famed for Chasselas grapes) to securing seats at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Their dedication ensures every guest’s stay is seamless and memorable.Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass 

• Exceptional Cuisine: The hotel’s varied dining scene shines with inventive plates at La Brasserie du Royal, where the chef reinvents classic brasserie fare using the region’s best ingredients. The SkyLounge’s sweeping views over Lake Geneva and Lausanne pair beautifully with creative cocktails and seasonal tasting menus.
• Holistic Wellness: Spanning over 1,500 square metres, the Royal Savoy Spa is dedicated to both physical and mental well-being. The innovative Vitality menu, crafted by the culinary team, features nutrient-rich dishes free from refined sugars and processed oils, designed to enhance wellness from the inside out.
• Outstanding Team: At Royal Savoy, the staff’s passion and professionalism elevate every stay. The team strikes a perfect balance between warmth and sophistication, ensuring that each guest’s visit is truly unforgettable.Alain KROPFGeneral Manager Royal Savoy Hotel, Lausanne