It’s no secret that Lausanne and nearby Geneva are absolute catnip to the world’s elite. What’s not to love? Lakeside charm, excellent international schools, privacy, top-notch healthcare and a supremely unhurried pace of life. But there’s also an edgier side to the city – a burgeoning design district, vineyards magicking wine that doesn’t get exported and a buzzing rooftop bar scene.
And in this picture-postcard setting, the Royal Savoy Lausanne is the perfect place to bed down.
Located minutes from Lausanne’s key international institutions, including the International Olympic Committee headquarters, multiple sports federations and prestigious business schools, the Royal Savoy draws a pretty diverse crowd. Sure, about 60 per cent of its guests are here for business – but it’s also a peaceful retreat, a gateway to carefree Alpine adventures and lakeside escapes.
Tucked into the elegant Ouchy district of Lausanne, a quick amble from the shores of Lake Geneva, the Royal Savoy is the crispness of modern luxury softened by a Belle Époque wink. Step through its doors and you’re greeted by a lobby bathed in soft, coloured stained glass, warm woods, and intricate Art Nouveau details. Originally built in 1909, it’s been sumptuously restored (to the tune of CHF 100m) with no detail spared, but you can still feel the history in the walls.
There are 196 rooms and suites (many overlooking gardens or Lake Geneva) spread between its grand, historic Savoy Wing and more modern Park Wing, linked by a glass walkway. Across both, the feel is calm and refined, with soft blues and gentle greys. The rooms think about your comfort: blackout curtains for deep slumber, Bulgari toiletries, marble bathrooms and Nespresso machines that make mornings a pleasure.
If beautiful rooms and stunning views were all there was to the Royal Savoy, that would be just dandy. But the hotel has also become a real social hub.
One of the highlights is “Les Rencontres du Royal,” a series of events co-hosted with the well-known TV journalist Romaine Jean. These bring together a mix of intellectuals, artists, business leaders and local figures for informal yet inspiring talks and discussions. It’s one of those rare chances where guests mingle with the local residents, sparking fresh ideas and making connections over great wine. This is very much at the heart of Lausanne’s cultural life – and a highlight that keeps people coming back year after year.
Well, that, and the stunning Sky Lounge. High above Lausanne, this rooftop bar, a favourite haunt for locals and visitors alike, offers sweeping, jaw-dropping views over the city’s rooftops, the lake and the distant Alps. Rooftop terraces aren’t exactly common in this city, which gives this panoramic perch extra punch; and the vibe is a perfect blend of lakeside calm and chic city buzz over expertly mixed cocktails and simple, seasonal Italian plates.
Dining more formally at the Royal Savoy is just as enticing: the Brasserie du Royal offers the best of Swiss culinary traditions with a modern twist: lake fish with a hint of citrus, local favourites such as the Papet Vaudoise cabbage sausage, and a wine list featuring boutique vineyards from the nearby Unesco-listed Lavaux region.
Really, Royal Savoy Lausanne feels less of a stopover and more of a salon, where visitors can quickly feel part of Lausanne’s intellectual and creative circles. It’s a place to make an entrance, engage and truly find your voice at the table. With great wine, of course.
Av. d’Ouchy 40, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland; royalsavoylausanne.com
Lysanne Currie is editor-in-chief of Meet the Leader. She also writes for Robb Report, Diplomat, Guardian, Influence, Tempus and Investor
