Montreux, Switzerland
Opened in 1906, the ornate Fairmont Le Montreux Palace hotel sits on the shores of Lake Geneva and offers lavishly furnished rooms, fine dining, outdoor swimming pool and spa
Our review
This grand hotel, purpose built in 1836 in Belle Epoque style, was the first in Switzerland to have electric light and bathrooms attached to guestrooms. A feature of the hotel is the sumptuous ballroom – well worth a look – formerly a theatre and now used for private events. The hotel is well positioned, just a short walk to a variety of shops and a supermarket.
With the jazz festival in mind, the hotel has close associations with that musical genre. Funky Claude’s Bar – as well as having a delightful name – has a cosy central firepit, Freddie Mercury’s kimono on the wall and jazz is played here every evening, so you don’t have to wait for the annual event.
The Spa looked very inviting with ten treatment rooms and indoor pool with Jacuzzi.
The hotel corridor walls are stylishly covered in a pretty shade of pistachio with a darker shade for the woodwork and a soft lilac carpet.
We were in a lovely room – 418 – with balcony and lake view. All rooms have separate bath and shower; and all lake view rooms have a balcony. The soft tones of the corridor flow through into the room: soft lilac with pale green. There was a wooden floor with inset carpet. I liked the fact there was ample storage. Also gaining approval was the large safe – with room for a laptop, the good selection of English TV channels and complimentary water.
The marble bathroom did not have a separate toilet, which I always find a bit disappointing. In addition, the shower controls were hard to operate. Rose 31 toiletries were of a good quality. I liked the glass jar with unwrapped cotton wads and buds; so much better than fiddling with cellophane. There was also a little seat and heated towel rail.
We had a perfectly nice breakfast, most cooked items were kept hot but there was an egg station with items to order.
In summary, this is a beautiful classic hotel with bright, inviting guest rooms, a good choice for a stay in Montreux.
Rooms
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace features approximately 235 rooms and suites set within a historic Belle Époque building. Rooms are generously sized and elegantly furnished, many offering balconies with panoramic views of Lake Geneva or the Swiss Alps. Suites provide separate living areas, refined décor and enhanced amenities suited to longer or more luxurious stays.
Food and Drink
MP’s Bar & Grill is the hotel’s signature restaurant, known for its contemporary brasserie cuisine and relaxed atmosphere, with indoor and terrace seating overlooking the lake. Montreux Jazz Café celebrates the town’s musical heritage while serving casual international dishes inspired by global flavours.
Additional venues include a classic lounge for afternoon tea and cocktails, as well as seasonal dining spaces that maximise the hotel’s lakeside setting.
Wellness
The Fairmont Spa covers a large wellness area featuring indoor and outdoor pools, sauna facilities, steam rooms and treatment suites. A full range of massages and beauty treatments is offered alongside a modern fitness centre and wellness programmes designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Facilities
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Full‑service spa and wellness centre
- Restaurants, lounge and bars
- Fitness centre
- Lakeside terraces and gardens
- Meeting and conference facilities
- Concierge and transport services
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, close to the Montreux Jazz Festival venues. Nearby attractions include Château de Chillon, lakeside promenades, alpine excursions and direct rail connections to Geneva and the Swiss Alps.
Getting there
Address: Avenue Claude-Nobs 2, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland
Arriving by air: Geneva Airport – 56 miles (90km) – 1 hour by car
More information
To see hotel pictures, for more information on facilities, to check availabilty or to book a stay then please click below
Disclaimer
Paul and Livvy will earn a small commission if you book using the links above. This never affects our review and helps us provide useful information. We endeavour to make our hotel information as accurate as possible but things change over time. For any specific requirements or questions, please always check directly with the hotel before booking. We cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.