Le Mirador Resort & Spa

The Le Mirador Resort & Spa opened its doors in 1904, offering unparalleled views of Lake Geneva from its hillside location that’s at the end of the funicular railway line, which begins its climb from the lake shores in Vevey town. No other hotel in the area has a higher vantage point. The hillside location lacks garden space, however, but terraces at the restaurant and bar provide lounge areas to take in the beautiful scenery. Bronze statues are placed throughout the hotel, showing tourists lounging on benches and peering toward the lake through binoculars. Split into a turn-of-the-century building and a modern wing, the property almost feels like two separate hotels. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby create an airy and modern atmosphere, with wooden wall paneling, leather and zebra print furniture, and, of course, lake views. The early 20th-century section of the hotel features oil paintings, stained-glass windows, a wrought-iron staircase, and antiques throughout the hallways.  

Nestled at the Mont Pelerin foothills, the narrow road to the hotel meanders past upscale homes, vineyards, and farmland that sits above Chardonne, overlooking Lake Geneva. A small church is beside the hotel, with a grassy playground. The location provides a relaxing atmosphere that most travelers expect, but the steep, narrow sidewalks make it difficult to explore on foot and there isn’t a town within walking distance. Guided mountain hikes can be arranged through the hotel. It’s a 15-minute car ride or 20 minutes via bus and the funicular railway to Vevey, where there are restaurants, museums, bars, and shops. The Swiss Museum of Games and the Lavaux vineyards are a 15-minute drive, while the Montreux Jazz Festival and Casino de Montreux are 20 minutes away. Lausanne is 30 minutes away, and it’s a one-hour drive to the Geneva International Airport. 

There are two different styles of rooms in the hotel, featuring either contemporary or traditional interior designs and are respectively located in the hotel’s modern wing or the historic section. One Bedroom Suites and Deluxe Rooms, for example, are designed in brocade patterns, while Junior Suites feature modern decor with contemporary furniture and wood floors. All rooms have stunning lake views from balconies or terraces, as well as flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, iPod docks, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Suites have separate living rooms as well as added amenities such as trouser presses, fluffy bathrobes, Nespresso machines, and whirlpool tubs. One-, two-, and three-bedroom suites are also available and have dining areas as well as either full kitchens or kitchenettes with minibars and microwaves. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos or freestanding bathtubs as well as separate showers, plus designer toiletries and heated towel racks. Some suites offer separate water closets and bidets. 

Dining on-site provides the best views in town, although the menu is pricey and the removed location of the hotel means that the closest eatery is 15 minutes away. As of 2016, there is just one restaurant on-site: Le Patio, which serves Italian cuisine and has a lovely terrace for alfresco dining. The modern Piano Bar offers live entertainment, a fireplace, as well as a terrace.  

For luxury pampering, the Givenchy Spa offers 12 treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, and a wide list of treatments. The fitness center has modern cardio and weight machines facing floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views. A domed glass ceiling over the pool and hot tub brings the blue skies indoors while large windows overlook the lake, with better views available on the sun terrace. The La Mirador medical center is also on-site, providing anti-aging remedies, dermatology, and dental services.

Business retreats can be accommodated with eleven meeting rooms that fit up to 130 people. There’s also a 24-hour business center that has two PC computers, a printer, and secretarial services. Wi-Fi is free throughout.