I have a few days off, which I’ve decided to spend on Lake Geneva. The forecast is for mostly good weather, so I should be okay. My stay at the Mövenpick Hotel is unexpectedly good. The hotel’s location is excellent, sitting right across the road from Lake Geneva and just a short distance away from the boat landing and the metro station. Frankly, the hotel really isn’t much to look at from the outside, and even the lobby looks somewhat generic, but my lodgings are rather nice!

Duplex Suite with Lake View

I’m staying in a duplex suite with a double bed on the sixth floor. The front door opens into a large living room. Straight ahead, opposite the door, is a toilet for guests. To the left there is a large dining table that can sit six persons comfortably and that has a whole set of power sockets let into the middle of the table. The downstairs area is dominated by two large windows, with one looking out to the side and the lake behind a cluster of trees, and the other facing directly towards the lake.

On the upper floor there is another sitting area with a chaise longue, a double bed, a separate toilet and then the bathroom and cupboards.

The bathroom is enormous and features twin washbasins, a jacuzzi and a separate enclosed shower. There’s plenty of space and plenty more towels.

Amenities

On the table when I arrive at the room is a bottle of Dôle, together with a bar of chocolate from Geneva, and a welcome note. In addition, there are more chocolates on the bed. The suite comes with bathrobes and fluffy, comfortable slippers. Downstairs there’s a kettle and a Nespresso machine on the credenza with six Mövenpick capsules that are replenished daily.

Dining

I only have breakfast at the hotel during my stay. They have an extensive buffet selection of dishes. Notable is the variety of Swiss breads and the daily changing selection of cheese. Just beware of the Fribourg Vacherin, which is usually what they make fondue with in Switzerland – at least partly. In its solid state it initially seens harmless enough. But in fact it packs quite a punch and the taste can quickly be overpowering.

The service at the restaurant is truly excellent. There are four ladies in charge and they run a very tight ship. No sooner has a table been vacated, they sweep in and clear it, clean it, and place down new sets of cutlery. The Mövenpick seems to be a popular hotel with bus tours. On my first day, two busses arrive in the evening, each ejecting a full load of Asian tourists who, judging by their luggage tags, have just arrived in Switzerland on the Emirates evening service from Dubai. And then the next day, a further bus with German old-age pensioners arrives as well. I expected it to be very busy at breakfast – which it is, although the waiting staff do a stellar job to make sure there are always clean tables available.

Conclusion

The Mövenpick Lausanne is a nice hotel in an excellent location, right on the waterfront. Especially from the outside, the Mövenpick is not as grand and imposing as some of the older buildings further along the coast road towards Vevey – mainly because it’s a much newer and more modern design. The duplex suite is brilliant and feels more like a comfortable flat than a hotel room. I should also like to add that the housekeeping is excellent!