Located in Switzerland’s French-speaking region, Lausanne occupies three hills on the north side of Lake Geneva. Once known as a university town, Lausanne boasts dramatic landscapes, with a superb view of the Alps across the lake. Nowadays, the city has been transformed into a busy commercial and business district. Various magnificent attractions such as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Place de la Palud, to the Musee des Beaux-Arts, can be found here. So start packing bag, search about hotels in Lausanne Switzerland, and book flight tickets, because this city offers never-ending fun!
Where to Stay in Lausanne
Apart from being one of the largest cities in Switzerland, Lausanne also offers attractive city trips and nightlife experiences. It’s not difficult to find a line up of the best hotels in Lausanne, considering the area is filled with restaurants, shops, and museums. You just have to choose one according to your budget and needs.
There are tons of things to do in Lausanne. For those who are interested in historical things, we recommend moving to Ouchy. In the lower part of the city, you’ll find a historic center on the hill. As a bonus, you’ll also get magnificently gorgeous views of Lake Geneva and the Alps!
However, most of Lausanne’s must-see sights are located in the city center. One district that we recommend is La Cite. Carved by the rivers Flon and the Louve, this hill is where the Cathedral of Notre Dame sits, as well as the Lausanne Palace. Our pro tips, do a little exercise before planning a trip to Switzerland and come here because there will be lots of steps and hills to climb every day!
For nightlife, the Esplanade de Flon is still considered the best today. Night clubs, apartment buildings, and shopping malls, you can find all here. It has become one of the most prominent destinations for tourists and young people alike in Lausanne.
After reading all the information above, have you decided where to stay? Not yet? Well, don’t worry. Our list of recommendations for the best hotels in Lausanne below might help you a bit.
Novotel Lausanne Bussigny
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Of all the hotels in Lausanne Switzerland, this one is quite kid-friendly. Novotel Lausanne Bussigny has a terrace overlooking a leafy park. Those traveling with family can sit back and relax, enjoying the surrounding atmosphere, while the children have fun safely in the play area. Outdoor play equipment is provided for free by the hotel. Even better, they don’t charge accommodation for children up to 16!
When it comes to facilities, Novotel Lausanne has a fitness center, a private parking area, a sauna, and a swimming pool. Free WiFi access is available in all areas, while all rooms here come with air conditioning, TV, and soft beds. If you’re not sure where to go, relaxing for a while at the hotel’s restaurants and bars isn’t a bad idea. They’re ready to serve you continental and American dishes, plus some great drinks, from morning to midnight.
Novotel Lausanne stands in an ideal location. It only takes two minutes to get to the A1 motorway. Meanwhile, to get to the city center, all you have to do is take a 50-meter trip to the nearest stop and take bus number 17. Once you arrive, don’t miss stopping by some of the city’s most famous, such as the Olympic Museum, Riponne, Vigie, and Grancy.
Continental Hotel Lausanne
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If you need a refreshing touch during your stay in Lausanne, this is the place to be. Originally built for the Swiss National Exhibition in 1964, the Continental Hotel Lausanne has been recently overhauled, modernized, and enlarged. There are several facilities that have recently opened, such as a 12,196 square foot fitness center in the building. Apart from that they also have Le Pain Quotidien, a restaurant and bakery that serves fresh bread and organic dishes every day.
Speaking of the rooms at the Continental Hotel, all of them are non-smoking. Standard amenities such as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, and a private bathroom are all provided. If you need anything from the internet, free WiFi access is available in all areas. For breakfast, the hotel provides rich buffet menus in the lobby every morning.
Located in the heart of the city, you definitely won’t miss all the fun while staying at one of the best hotels in Lausanne. Vevey and Montreux are only half an hour’s drive away, while Evian is 30 minutes away by boat. For a closer alternative, you can walk for about 10 minutes to the old town area. There you should be able to find lots of shops, restaurants, and shopping centers. After all, this is one of the small towns in Switzerland worth visiting!
Alpha-Palmiers by Fassbind
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Despite being in the center of Lausanne, Alpha-Palmiers by Fassbind occupies a quieter location. The hotel building is surrounded by tropical gardens that offer a serene ambiance. It’s perfect for those who prefer to stay in a less crowded place while traveling to the City of Bread.
All rooms here are modernly decorated and equipped with individually controlled air conditioning. Just like most of the best hotels in Lausanne, standard amenities such as LCD TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker, and private bathroom are all available. Since all the large windows here can be opened, we recommend you to book a room with a beautiful view of the tropical garden. Let the air enter freely in the morning and open the day to the fresh atmosphere of the Alps!
Classic Swiss dishes and buffet menus are available for breakfast at the brasserie L’Esprit Bistrot. But if you prefer something unique, they also serve some Thai cuisine here. Have some time while waiting for friends or family to come down to the lobby? Stopping by the bar isn’t a bad idea. Get yourself some light refreshment while asking the local staff for recommendations of places to visit around here.
We ourselves highly recommend stopping to the city center, since every guest at Alpha-Palmiers gets a free pass for public transportation. Visit some of Lausanne’s top attractions, from the Olympic Museum to Montelly, Provence, and the CHUV. If you prefer a more natural charm, enjoying the beautiful view of Lake Geneva is also great.
Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind
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Here comes another alternative for those who prefer a less crowded atmosphere while staying in Lausanne. Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind is located in a quiet green area. Their breakfast room even offers amazing views of the lake, the Jura mountains, and the Alps. If you want to indulge in the natural charm of Bread City, this is one of the hotels in Lausanne Switzerland that we recommend.
Air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, and a flat-screen TV with international channels are some of the amenities you’ll find in Agora Swiss Night rooms. For a more memorable holiday experience, we recommend choosing a room with large windows overlooking the garden. Oh, and don’t forget to introduce yourself to Swiss delights, since their minibar is filled with beverages and Swiss chocolate!
A three-minute walk from the hotel will get you to the closest train station, while Lake Geneva is less than a mile away. However, we’d better recommend trying to explore around the city center, since Agora Swiss Night gives all their guests a free pass for public transportation. Check bus schedules with local staff and take trips to some of the interesting attractions such as Le Bourg Music Club and the Olympic Museum.
Carlton Lausanne Boutique Hotel
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Housed in a gorgeous building dating from the 19th century, the Carlton Lausanne Boutique Hotel has successfully captivated dozens of famous figures since its opening in 1906. Sergio Reggiani, Nina Hagen, and Jean Ferrat, just to name a few, all have experienced how excellent the service and hospitality at this accommodation. Only 10 minutes from the city center, this hotel is like an oasis of tranquility and comfort that you desire while on holiday in Switzerland.
The 47 rooms at Carlton Lausanne are designed in such a way as to create an intimate atmosphere and provide ultimate comfort. Everything is decorated elegantly with period furniture. A TV, minibar, and marble bathroom with shower are all available here. To open your day with a beautiful view of the garden, we recommend booking a room with a private balcony.
Just like most of the hotels in Lausanne Switzerland, the 24-hour front desk is ready to help provide all your needs. Meanwhile, business travelers can use the meeting room to hold training, conferences, or conventions. Additionally, there’s an inviting bar near the lobby which would be great for simply lounging or meeting colleagues.
Since all guests here get a free pass for public transportation, we also recommend getting around the city center. Stop by some of the city’s top landmarks, such as the Olympic Museum, which is only 500 meters away.
Hotel Aulac
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Located in the lower part of the city, the Ouchy district is known for its calmer atmosphere. It’s the perfect area for a romantic getaway as well as a family vacation. One of the hotels in Lausanne Switzerland that we recommend around here is Hotel Aulac.
Standing on the shores of Lake Geneva, this three-star property is surrounded by Alpine splendor. It’s also ideal for both business and pleasure trips, as it’s only 10 minutes from the city center and the nearest railway station. Even in just a few steps, you’ll arrive at the Olympic Museum, one of Lausanne’s pride which houses more than 10,000 artifacts and is the largest archive of Olympic games in the world.
Buffet breakfast is available each morning at the brasserie and restaurant Le Pirate. For a more intense culinary experience, they also serve several regional specialties from Lake Geneva. One that we recommend is perch, a popular fillet made with local arctic char, trout, pike, and vendace.
Boasting spectacular views of the Alps, this hotel is also ideal for hosting seminars, training, and conventions. They have rooms that can accommodate a group of 10-50 people. Meeting and banquet services can be arranged by communicating with the hotel in advance. One more thing we like is, Hotel Aulac also provides free access to public transportation in Lausanne. Sweet!
Hotel des Patients
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They say that happiness is the best medicine, and if you’re looking for a good balance between vacation and medical care, well, this is it. This first patient hotel in Switzerland opened in the fall of 2016, providing a wide range of care, accommodation, and catering for patients hospitalized at CHUV. They also have a 24-hour front desk, a patio, and gorgeous views of Lake Geneva.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to be sick to stay here. As with most hotels in Lausanne Switzerland, the rooms at the Hotel des Patients come with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. For extra comfort, book a room with a sitting area so you can relax a little. Some even have private terraces and balconies, for those who need such a feature.
Buffet breakfast is available every morning near the lobby. However, if you prefer continental, vegetarian, or gluten-free menus, they’re all also available at the on-site restaurant. There’s also a bar which provides a few drinks and a more relaxing atmosphere.
Since it’s located right next to the M2 metro station, Hotel des Patients is also ideal for exploring every corner of the city. The lake and the city center of Lausanne can be reached in just a few minutes. Meanwhile, local supermarkets such as Coop and Migros are only 1.24 miles away.
Swiss Wine by Fassbind
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Right in front of Lausanne’s famous gothic cathedral, Swiss Wine by Fassbind is also conveniently located close to the city’s main shopping district. Getting a perfect night’s rest won’t be a problem here, as each room is soundproofed. For those looking for leisure facilities, this three-star accommodation provides full access to the fitness center and sauna for all guests.
Start your morning by going down to the lobby and coming to the breakfast room. Enjoy a buffet menu or continental dishes, while being accompanied by a beautiful view of the old town and the Gothic Cathedral. Want to find information on nearby attractions? Just like most hotels in Lausanne Switzerland, you can use the free WiFi internet connection that’s available in all areas.
To explore the surroundings, you can take the bus. One of the closest stops, Bessieres, is located right in front of the Swiss Wine hotel building. But since Lausanne is one of the cities with the most extensive metro system in the world, we recommend giving it a try. Moreover, the hotel provides a free pass for public transportation for all guests. Isn’t that amazing?
Residence de l’ours
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Most hotels in Lausanne Switzerland offer a convenient location, close to some of the city’s top attractions. Residence de l’Ours is no exception, considering that it’s only about 1.3 miles from the Palais de Beaulieu, one of the historical and emblematic buildings in the City of Bread. Hundreds, if not thousands, of events and conventions, have been held here. Some of them are quite famous, such as the international ballet competition The Prix de Lausanne and the 1989 edition of the Eurovision contest.
When it comes to facilities, Residence de l’Ours offers free WiFi access in all areas. Those arriving by driving a private car will be pleased to know that all guests here have free access to the private parking area. The hotel is also perfect for family vacations since they boast spacious rooms with private terraces. They all come with essentials such as a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a desk, and a private bathroom.
For breakfast, you can stop by the restaurant l’Ours. This hotel-owned dining venue serves Italian and Mediterranean menus and offers a calming atmosphere. After you’ve finished filling your stomach, you can start taking a walk because there’s a lot to see around here.
In just a few steps you’ll arrive in the old town area, which is filled with many shopping districts and cultural activities. Meanwhile, Lake Geneva is also only about 10 minutes away. However, if you want a more immersive experience, we recommend trying the 1-hour private walk of Lausanne with a local. Find lots of interesting things that are often not mentioned in travel guidebooks!
Hotel Elite
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Thanks to its gardens, the Elite Hotel provides a peaceful atmosphere that most hotels in Lausanne Switzerland may rarely offer. The location is also classified as strategic because it’s between the two main streets of the city, Place Saint-Francois and Place de la Gare. Experience a less stressful vacation because this hotel provides WiFi internet access in all areas, which means no more hassles from managing quota or roaming during your trip. For guests using private vehicles, this three-star accommodation also provides a private parking area, for free!
Although not the most luxurious, Hotel Elite excels in terms of location. Within a few steps, you’ll arrive at the Rue de Bourg, a street in the center of Lausanne where you can find many luxury shops. Other top attractions, such as The Opera and the historical center, are also easily accessible by bus or metro line from here. One that we recommend, of course, is the Olympic Museum, a place to find everything about the Olympic games. From history, documents, to artifacts, everything is here!
For breakfast, you can get it at the on-site restaurant. They serve a variety of bread and croissants every day. But if you want something more filling, you can order a variety of continental dishes here. Coop, the closest supermarket, is less than a mile away, just in case you want to buy some snacks and soft drinks.
Hotel AlaGare
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When it comes to ease of access, no accommodation is more ideal as a base for exploring around Lausanne than Hotel AlaGare. That’s because this three-star hotel stands right next to the Lausanne Center Station. Furthermore, you’re guaranteed to always be connected to the virtual world while you’re here because they provide free WiFi in all areas.
Although you can find many restaurants around, we highly recommend dining at the hotel at least once. That’s because their breakfast room has a very unique design, styled like a classic wagon train. You can enjoy breakfast while accompanied by a miniature train decoration. Now that’s what you call an unforgettable culinary experience!
Each room here comes with a flat-screen TV, laptop safe, electric kettle, and a hairdryer. We recommend that you pay close attention before making a booking because there are some rooms that don’t have private bathrooms. Apart from that, standard services such as daily housekeeping, luggage storage, currency exchange, and 24-hour front desk are available here.
Like most hotels in Lausanne Switzerland, Hotel AlaGare is easily accessible from all corners of the city. You can find some of the best attractions in just a few steps. However, if you prefer a more natural charm, we recommend stopping by to Lake Geneva, which is only about 0.74 miles from here.
Recommended Bars/Restaurants in Lausanne:
- Le Pointu – Featuring boho-style decorations, these restaurants have long been a byword in Lausanne. They serve some of the best cocktails, gourmet salads, and open sandwiches in town. If you come on the weekend, treat yourself to a brunch menu such as blueberry pancakes and a variety of smoothie bowls.
- Eat Me – There’s no better place to enjoy tapas in Lausanne than here. The creative twist they provide is truly surprising. From tapas with baby burgers, Sichuan sashimi, to shrimp lollipops, you can find everything here!
- Holy Cow – This burger restaurant is one of the most successful in Lausanne. They even have branches in Geneva, Zurich, and France. Apart from using local ingredients, the burgers here are also served with creative toppings and a witty name. If you’re having trouble finding a seat, try stopping by their second outlet on Rue des Terreaux.
Recommended Activities in Lausanne:
- Lausanne: Art and Culture Toure with a Local Guide – Discovering a city from a local perspective is always interesting. On this 90-minute tour, you’ll get to see the creative street art scene around Lausanne. See how it captures real-life phenomena so well, as a local guide explains.
- Lausanne: Architectural Walking Tour – For 90 minutes non-stop, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide to learn about ancient buildings and classic boulevards in every corner of Lausanne. Marvel at the most iconic architectural masterpiece at the City of Bread. From the Grand-Pont to the Maison du Sport, you’ll see it all on this tour.
- Lausanne: Photogenic City Tour – Prepare your best camera and free up some memory space. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll discover the most photogenic places in Lausanne, as well as get to know more about the city. A little spoiler, at one point you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of Lausanne from Sauvabelin Tower!
