Lausanne
Switzerland


The Experience

The Beau-Rivage Palace is every inch a grande dame, reigning supreme over all other hotels in the Lake Geneva region. The stately neoclassical property sits pretty on 10 manicured lakeside acres and enjoys what are perhaps the area's best views of the Alps. And while Old World features come standard in Switzerland, of course, here the expected wall murals, stained glass and brocade fabrics are truly grand. Still, the hotel isn't caught up in the past: A recent $91 million renovation brought Wi-Fi and other modern twists, as well as a sleek top-ranked spa.

The Rooms

Sure, even the basic rooms have Jacuzzi tubs, but you don't stay here to look out onto the garden. Basic lakeview rooms -- with a full-on view of the blue (mountain backdrop included) -- give you decent breathing room, at almost 350 square feet, which you may need if the Chinese vases, tapestries, impressive mirrors and artful flower arrangements feel too cluttered for your taste. Still, nothing is too over the top, and new amenities like remote-controlled lighting and towel heaters keep you firmly rooted in the modern era. What is over the top, though, is the Imperial Suite, which has a lake-facing terrace large enough to accommodate a cocktail party for 50.

The Service

The service is flawless from the moment you step out of the hotel's own British taxi. The formal yet unpretentious doormen, receptionists, concierges and housekeeping staff are veritable experts at what they do; even the bartenders at the wood-and-leather Bar Anglais are masters of their craft.

The Highlights

It's not just alpine air you'll smell outside in the garden, but cedar and roses as well. Finish your stroll in the brasserie atmosphere of Café Beau Rivage. Relax in the Cinq Mondes Spa (the founder spent 10 years traveling the world in search of the best treatments), which is as famous for its glassy rectilinear pools as for its menu. But for a truly romantic experience, dine at La Rotonde, the hotel's acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant, with wraparound views of the mountains and Lac Leman. Enjoy succulent dishes like baked wild duck with juniper tea, paired with one of 75,000 wine bottles. Or head out on the lake on the hotel's 100-year-old steamboat. It may sound hokey, but it's not just a way to sightsee: The lunches and dinners are positively gourmet.

-- Alistair Scott

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