best bed: Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland

It is easy to see why the Beau-Rivage Palace was one of Coco Chanel’s favorites. The hotel and her clothes share an easy glamour, as does the town.  Lausanne opened its railway station in 1856; tourists followed. The Beau-Rivage opened in 1861 on 10 acres of waterfront garden to cater to the wealthiest of these travelers. Right from the beginning it was noted for its elegant yet comfortable rooms and exquisite service. Luckily somethings don’t change… the hotel is still know for these very same attributes today. To keep up with demand,  an art nouveau wing was built in 1908 and Palace was added to the name. A fairy tale Rotunda connects the two and is where breakfast is served… don’t skip it! The Beau-Rivage Palace has been owned & cherished by the Sandoz family for 4 generations. They are dedicated to preserving the details of the historically important décor- think stained glass, frescos, large murals- while keeping up with the needs of the modern visitor. In 2012 – 2014 Pierre-Yves Rochon oversaw a renovation of all the rooms. He is also known for his work at the George V in Paris & the Savoy in London. Mme Chanel was not the only celebrity who has enjoyed this Swiss luxury. Charlie Chaplin, Victor Hugo, Nelson Mandela, Rod Stewart and Tina Turner are but a small sample. But for me, it is the star power of Chef Anne Sophie Pic that most impresses. She was only the fourth woman ever to be awarded 3 Michelin stars (at Maison Pic in France). Her gastronomic restaurant at the hotel has 2. I would not be surprised if she becomes the first woman to win three stars at two establishments… her cooking here is that good. Reservations are a must!

Number of Rooms: 169

Sweet Suite: While I was staying at the hotel, the original wing, where most of the suites are located, was undergoing a major renovation. I was given a behind the scenes peak at the construction. No finishing’s yet, only the bones…but what wonderful bones! These suites are going to be a huge WOW when they are ready… I’ll update then. In the meantime, the junior suite, room 215, I stayed in was perfection… lovely sitting area, balcony with view over the Lake, comfy bed and huge marble bathroom. Everything a girl could desire.

Favorite Thing: The Sandoz Ballroom, large & majestic… this is one dance I want to be invited to… clearly Phil Collins felt the same… he chose the lavish space for his wedding. It is also where statesmen met to negotiate the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 which dissolved the Ottoman Empire.

Near By: the center of Lausanne, the Olympic Museum, Lake Geneva, wonderful promenade along the lake, restaurants, bars, shopping

Amenities: 10 acres of gardens, huge spa, 2 star Michelin Anne Sophie Pic Restaurant, breakfast in the Rotunda, private boat, indoor & outdoor pool, tennis court, fitness centre, Miyako Japanese Restaurant, Café Beau-Rivage, 75000 bottle wine cellar, hammam, tropical rain walk, hair stylist, outdoor chess board, Bar

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https://www.brp.ch/en/home/

The Beau-Rivage Palace is a Virtuoso Hotel offering special amenities including complimentary breakfast & a resort credit when booked through a Virtuoso Advisor (like me!)