{mosimage)A mythical hotel for several reasons: For its construction, started in the late 19th century and completed in 1914, when the train service to Bretaye also began, giving a boost to skiing in the region. Also, for its legend about the ghost of the duchess who used to stay there and who still haunts the hallways some nights. And for its slightly old-fashioned charm, which Club Med, who bought it in 1969, found alluring. In 2007, after several renovations, it became one of their jewels.  Incidentally, the hotel has gone from 3 to 4 star, with a heated outdoor swimming pool, a turkish bath, a sauna and a fitness room.

Contact and information:  Club Med Villars Palace
To access current Club Med offers, click here

Things to do in Villars:

Of course, the Auberge du raisin is an extraordinary gastronomic experience in the heart of Le Lavaux. And the mythical chef, Adolf Blokbergen, disappeared in 2007 after passing on the torch to Peter Hasler, who had been his right-hand man for twenty years.

But it's probably less known that the Auberge is also a charming hotel. Seven rooms, one suit, an apartment. All of them unique spaces. The biggest one has a fireplace and a bathroom and bathtub. The others are cosy nests under massive ceiling beams, with canopied beds and stylish furniture. This residence has been beautifully renovated. It was first mentioned in the Paris Commune archives in 1452. By turns, it was an arsenal, a City Council hall, a clock-making workshop, and even a courthouse!

Contact et informations:

Auberge du Raisin
1, place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville
CH-1096 Cully
+41 21 799 21 31
www.aubergeduraisin.ch
Photo: Auberge du Raisin,  Lord Byron room 

Things to do in Cully:

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:

Are you in the mood for a short side-trip? Visit the residence built in 1695 by Jean-Pierre Roy. Lieutenant Baillival pursued a career in the Swiss army abroad, but also allowed himself to be guided by the innovative French art movement of the time. His residence has been able to preserve its treasures over time: paintings, decorated faience woodwork, stained-glass windows illustrating the trades of the time, and a beautiful garden adjoining the priory. A dream house that today holds 7 rooms, each different and passionately chiné-furnished. Add to this experience a breakfast with homemade jams, classical music, and a warm welcome. You'll surely have trouble leaving this place!

Hôtel Au Lieutenant Baillival
1323 Romainmôtier (locate)
Last news, see www.romainmotier.ch/baillival
Photo: CCA

Related articles:
Romainmôtier: where time has stopped
A walk to enjoy: Romainmôtier in the Nozon Valley
The Prior's House: 7 centuries facing you
The Romainmôtier Abbey: a jewel of romanic art 
Things to do in Romainmôtier
Romainmôtier: locate

This « Hostellerie»,  built at the end of the 19th C. on the edge of the Jorat forest, is commended for its room and board, among other titles. Situated in the countryside, its 30 soft-coloured rooms open out onto the Alps, leaving you with a feeling of absolute tranquillity. The food has also made its way to among the « best», serving creative and regional dishes at great prices. The beautiful wine cellar offers an excellent selection of vintages to be tasted. Enjoy yourself around a luxurious fireplace during the winter, or under a bright veranda, or during the summer on a terrace surrounded by greenery. Who said paradise doesn't exist?

Contact and information: www.chevreuils.ch

Hostellerie Les Chevreuils
Route du Jorat 80
Vers-chez-les-Blancs
1000 Lausanne 26
Tel + 41 (0)21 785 01 01

To unwind for a while, or just to forget about time for a moment, here is a charming little inn above Lake Léman where you will feel like staying.  A warm and homely atmosphere, complete calm, and rooms with character. The feeling of being at home, without the troubles.

Agnès Stutz, the owner, concocts delicacies in which she uses the wild plants she collects herself: bear's garlic pesto, an interesting nettle terrine or her fir buds iced parfait. And then, at an altitude of 1250 m, the hotel offers an uninterrupted view of Dents du Midi which you can admire from the chaise longue on the terrace or from the jacuzzi, in its natural surroundings. Yoga, hammam, sauna, all for your convenience: an excellent way to get back to one's roots just above Vevey and Montreux.

Contact et informations : www.les-sapins.ch

Hôtel-restaurant Les Sapins
Route des Monts
CH - 1807 Lally sur Blonay - Les Pléiades
Tél + 41 21 943 13 95

Not to be missed: the activities offered by the hotel, that may range from snowshoe hikes in the wintertime to brunches on the high pastures in the summer (know more) 

For access to the hotel,  click here

Package including meals and room: starting at CHF 130/person

This hotel built in the beginning of the 20th century in the great tradition of the Palaces of this era is a must. A timeless scene to visit, almost like a museum: «Heimatstil»-influenced architecture inspired by fortified castles with painted woodwork, a massive oak fireplace and stained-glass windows with geometric «Art nouveau» designs.

A slightly old-fashioned charm emanates from this spot, which is still telling the story of the golden age of tourism and industry, of music boxes in particular. After the dark age of the economic crisis in the 70's, the hotel, acknowledged meanwhile as a historic monument, gradually regained the sophistication held at the beginning of the century, but with the comfort of a three-star hotel including indoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness room. Do not miss the beautiful Belle Epoque dining room with windows opening to the entire Alps range, from Mont-Blanc to Pilate.  

Take a century-old building renovated in 1999, add a team of dynamic managers, add a generous dose of conviviality and creativity, site it right on the port and you have the Hotel le Rivage in Lutry. Rooms that marry wood and stone: we were particularly struck by the “junior suite” (ask for room numbers 105, 205 or 305) because of the room size and a balcony that opens directly onto the marina. A wood fire in the large restaurant chimney in winter and a terrace under the Plane-trees or fronting directly onto the port in summer. A little southern paradise in the heart of the medieval village of Lutry, close by the celebrated vineyard slopes of Lavaux.

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