Modern comfort with turn-of-the-century charm, Hôtel Royal Savoy Lausanne in Switzerland is the ultimate escape for opulence and fine service.
Location
Sandwiched between Lake Geneva and the tiered alleys of historic Lausanne, the Royal Savoy is handily located for the city’s main points of interest. On foot, the central shops and bars can be reached in 15 minutes, while the excellently interactive Olympic Museum is the same distance away along the lakefront. Little wonder the hotel isn’t short of a view, from the rooftop Sky Lounge, you can see the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Lavaux and, on a clear day, Geneva.
With turrets that rise between gigantic listed pines, the imposing Art Nouveau structure is a sleek affair in shades of grey. Its landscaped parkland, well-appointed spa with indoor and outdoor pools, and sky lounge with 360-degree panoramas, inspire relaxation.
Style
A recent refurbishment restored the Royal Savoy to its former glory, with a modern twist. In the lobby, intricate murals based on originals uncovered in the building lead the eye to ceilings of ecclesiastical proportions. They lend roominess for a dramatic chandelier and gallery wall, which can be enjoyed from velvet seating.
Rooms
The hotel is split into two sections, in the historic building there are 101 rooms which have the views, and in the new wing there are 95, all storm cloud grey against mahogany, creating the feel of a sleek bachelor pad. Opulent throws and chrome detailing complete the moody look. While the emphasis is on design, attention has been paid to function, heavy-weight curtains block out light, and mirrored walls artfully make the standard rooms seem bigger. The brightly lit bathrooms have good showers, soft towels and Hermés toiletries, and in some, deep Japanese bathtubs.
Food & Drink
Signature chef Marc Haeberlin has three Michelin stars, but La Brasserie du Royal is designed to be down-to-earth. During the day, the Sky Lounge and the manicured Japanese garden, where gigantic listed pines offer shade, are good for light bites and cocktails.
Spa
Headed by charismatic Jocelyn Pederson, who has worked at some of the world’s leading spas, it is a haven of black marble, and is generously outfitted. There’s a large indoor pool that spreads outside into a bamboo-bordered garden, a plunge pool, foot baths, a sauna, two steam rooms, and treatments which are just as impressive.
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