Anne-Marie Sèvegrand, the hotel's host, says that this establishment was founded in 1829 and is the oldest in Montreux. She welcomes you like an old friend. High ceilings, ancient wooden flooring, a big fireplace in white faience, furniture that brings about a sense of nostalgia, and a garden with hundred-year-old trees.

You see the charm of wealthy-looking 19th C. residences everywhere, even in the blooming flowers on the wallpaper, bed covers and furniture. The place has such a well-preserved ancient feel to it that you almost expect to see guests of yesteryear appear in front of you. Notable 19th C. Russians, the philosopher Edgar Quinet, the Swiss painter Eugène Burnand, and even Victor Hugo. This hotel was originally a wine-grower's house built by Jean-François Masson, and then it was officially registered as a room and board hotel in 1855.  You quickly become a regular here.

Contact and information:

Hôtel Masson***
5, rue Bonivard (locate)
1820 Montreux-Veytaux
Ph.: + 41 21 966 00 44
http://www.hotelmasson.ch

Walks:

The Château de Chillon - the hotel is a short walk from one of Switzerland's most visited monuments. A phantasmagorical hotel. Halls with monumental fireplaces, where you can imagine a whole animal roasting, panelling that recounts the castle's history, secret passages, dungeons and prisons. http://www.chillon.ch. .

The Wharfs between Villeneuve and Vevey - 10km walk along the lake

Rochers-de-Naye - an elevation change of 1,600m in less than an hour by rack train. The famous panoramic viewpoint at an altitude of 2,045m offers one of the most perfect views over Lake Léman and the Alps. Do not miss the marmots, as this is their paradise. For directions, see here

A cute little inn just above Montreux (see here)