During our travels I am usually the one responsible for selecting the hotel and room category in the cities/towns that we visit. So after Susan determined which areas of Italy, Switzerland and France that we should visit during our road-trip through those countries I started my research. One of the cities Susan selected was Lausanne, Switzerland and I was in full agreement.
There were several interesting areas in Lausanne that have the type of hotels that we are attracted to and these were in locations where there are a number of nice restaurants and bars/pubs which is important to us. It was also important that we were within walking distance of the “Old City” and the grand Lausanne Cathedral.
During this planning phase consisting of researching numerous hotel, restaurant and bar/pub internet search engines as well as studying maps of the city; the Hotel de la Paix, easily became my choice.
There were several interesting areas in Lausanne that have the type of hotels that we are attracted to and these were in locations where there are a number of nice restaurants and bars/pubs which is important to us. It was also important that we were within walking distance of the “Old City” and the grand Lausanne Cathedral.
During this planning phase consisting of researching numerous hotel, restaurant and bar/pub internet search engines as well as studying maps of the city; the Hotel de la Paix, easily became my choice.
Upon our arrival we were so pleased to find that the hotel conveniently had valet parking and lots of temporary curb parking for dropping off luggage and checking-in. This is always very important to us when we are on a road trip! The large lobby was elegant and the staff members were welcoming and efficiently checked us in. The hotel itself was a mix of old world charm and modern convenience.
above photo credit: Hotel de la Paix website
We had reserved a suite with a lake view and while the room was huge and very nice, the view was truly amazing. The suite consisted of a very large stylishly decorated living area with a separate sizeable bedroom and a nicely laid-out, sparkling clean bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower. The bed was large and very comfortable and we slept well during our short two night stay. Susan and I have totally different taste when it comes to television programs so the fact that the suite had a TV in the living space and another in the bedroom was greatly appreciated.
Even though the suite was very comfortable we did not spend a lot of time sitting around in it as we were either walking or driving around seeing the sights or sitting in one of a number of enjoyable cafes, pubs or restaurants. But when we were at the hotel much of our time was spent sitting on our balcony enjoying a cold drink while taking in the amazing scenery.
The hotel has a very attractive bar off of the lobby that we sadly discovered is closed on weekends and we were there on a Saturday and Sunday night. However, across the lobby from this bar is a second contemporary styled bar inside the Bistro. It lacked some of the ambiance of the first one but made up for it due to the friendly, helpful and extremely professional bartender.
above photo credit: Hotel de la Paix website
above photo credit: Hotel de la Paix website
Upon returning to the hotel in the evenings after wandering around the city for hours we would stop at the bar for a drink and would only drink a small amount from our glasses before the lure of our balcony propelled us to finish our drinks there, while thoroughly enjoying the view of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Before leaving the hotel each morning we would take the elevator down to the lobby level where the breakfast room is located in the Bistro. The breakfast staff was efficient and the food was tasty and plentiful.
The only negative thing that I can say about our stay in the Hotel de la Paix and the city Lausanne, in general, is that we did not stay long enough! A couple of extra days would have really been nice. The hotel, and specifically the suite, was wonderful and I really mean it when I say don’t miss the chance to stay there when you visit Lausanne.
