Angleterre & Residence Hotel

The Angleterre & Residence Hotel is an upscale retreat that’s rich in history and offers an idyllic setting on Lake Geneva. The property is comprised of six different buildings, dating as far back as the 18th century -- British poet Lord Byron was a resident in 1816, when he penned “The Prisoner of Chillon” in one of the lakefront rooms. Charming gray shutters, cobblestone pathways, manicured gardens, and potted topiaries make the hotel feel like its own aristocratic neighborhood, set against the French Alps. At the hotel’s center is the stylish, modern lobby that has floor-to-ceiling windows, square-shaped leather seating, and a frosted glass front desk. 

The hotel is in Lausanne, situated on the north banks of Lake Geneva in an upscale residential area that’s within walking distance of several sights, including the Musee de l'Elysee, the Olympic Park, and Avenue d’Ouchy with its shops and restaurants. Also reachable on foot is the port -- with ferries to Thonon les Bains, Evian les Bains, and Chateau de Chillon -- and the Metro, which gives access to the Old Town in 15 minutes (the hotel provides free Metro passes). The Old Town is full of museums, shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and historical buildings -- including Lausanne Cathedral, the Musee Cantonal des Beaux Arts, where the Treaty of Lausanne was signed, and the Place de la Palud. The Geneva International Airport is a 40-minute drive away.

Decor varies from room to room, but all are attractively furnished with wooden floors, soft lighting, and homey textiles in paisley, plaid, stripes, or floral patterns. The overall look is either French country -- gingham curtains and chinoiserie bedding -- or a more contemporary, clubby style, with striped blankets and rounded armchairs. Some rooms have stenciled landscapes on the ceiling or exposed wooden beams. Executive Rooms offer more space than Superior Rooms, while Junior Suites have sitting areas as well as French doors (in some units) that lead to terraces. All rooms have writing desks, flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, bathrobes, safes, and free Wi-Fi, as well as beautiful garden or lake views. Clean, modern bathrooms have heated towel racks and shower/tub combos and sometimes additional separate showers. 

Although the hotel is on a fairly busy lakeside street, the enclosed property feels like its own elegant town, with on-site dining at an elegant Italian restaurant, L’Accademia. The classically furnished dining room features Murano glass fixtures, a buffet, an outdoor terrace, and an adjoining bistro with cocktails and ice cream. A heated outdoor pool with stylish patio furniture and lounge chairs is open seasonally. The hotel’s small gym is equipped with modern treadmills, an elliptical machine, a stationary bike, free weights, fresh towels, and earphones. The hotel also has four stylishly decorated conference rooms that can accommodate between 20 to 60 people. In the summer, the hotel offers pedal boats, an electric boat, and bicycle rentals. Guests also have access to the facilities of the neighboring sister hotel, the Beau-Rivage Palace, including two tennis courts, a playground, and the spa’s indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, hammam, and fitness center, though all this requires an additional fee.