Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Montreux

Went here for our 30th Wedding Anniversary so wanted something special. Hotel was nice enough but no tea or coffee making facilities in the room although there was a free coffee making facility in the lobby, also free internet access in the business centre which came in handy. Our travel agent asked for an upgrade to a lake view room as it was a special occasion but they weren't accommodating and we had a back room facing the station. Really disappointed about that so won't be staying there again. Staff were friendly and helpful however and rooms were clean with plenty of storage cupboard space for the shopping!

Of course being that it was our first time to Switzerland, I researched the hotel before I went. My assumption was we would be rather pleased. The hotel is old (a.k.a. charming) If you like newer comtempory styles, you would not like this. However, it had it's charming attributes (the elevator for one). Also, smoking is allowed every where. Our clothes reaked of smoke from the room next door. The walls are paper thin -- so thin I could hear the person next door everytime he went to the bathroom. No joke! The beds were not comfortable at all -- very low to the floor and lumpy. Make sure you ask for extra pillows, as the ones you will have are like sleeping on nothing. The beds and floors squeaked (maybe that was the 'charm' again). Make sure to take your own shampoo and conditioner, since what they offer is shampoo/body wash in one. Our converters did not work in the bathrooms so we had to plug them up in one of the outlets by the beds which meant unplugging one of the only three light sources we had. So you sit by the bed to curl your hair while trying to see yourself in the mirror several feet in front of you with very little light. That was fun for us women. A/C season must have been over (we just returned Oct. 22) because we had no air so we had to sleep with the doors open. That was no problem since the nights were cool. However, since we were on the second floor we heard all the street noise. So, it was either not sleep because it was too warm or not sleep because it was too loud! Now ... for the positive side. We had a lake view with a private terrace and the view was beautiful! The down comforter was comfy. The hotel is right across from the train station -- very convenient. Coffee bar is free to all guest. That was nice. And as much as I am trying to think of what else I could write that was good, I just cant think of anything else. I hate to write bad reviews, but it just wasn't as good as I had hoped for. HOwever, I didn't take advantage of their restaurant which I heard was very good. Plus, I'm not a drinker, but they had a house white wine that was really good.

We arrived at the hotel on a Saturday, planning to leave on Tuesday. An hour later and by the time we encountered the staff, saw the hotel and room (which was very comfortable, clean, roomy -- and the bed was superb), marveled at the vew from our balcony . . . . we cancelled the next two segments of our trip and extended our stay at the Grand Hotel Suisse for as long as the room was available. We loved Switzerland, especially Montreux, and by staying at the Grand Suisse our vist there was the highlight of a month-long European trip. The hotel was lovely, but I would be remiss without mentioning a word about the staff. They were helpful, considerate, friendly, pleasant . . . and at one point as we were rearranging our itinerary, one of the two desk people went across the street to obtain a refund on our Eurail passes while another called and cancelled hotel reservations as our plans changed. Were we to return, we would look forward to staying at the hotel again . . . for an even longer time.

the hotel is very suitable for the first time visitor, like me, in Montreux, right opposite to la Gare (station) and the other side of the hotel is facing the Genf Lake! We were put into the deluxe room with lake view of the 5th floor. Amazingly beautiful and relaxing, it's calm and quiet. Something one looks for during vacation. Their breakfast is simple but nice, don't miss the walking path along the lake to almost Chataux Chillion. And the restaurant La Rouvenaz is to be recommended (next to the italiano Restaurant Au Parc, also facing the lake) Good food, fair fare. We got special price of 200 CFF per night which is quite a good deal. very accessible to everywhere.

first and foremost: the location and view. from the balcony of our beautiful and perfectly clean room we looked out over lake geneva at the alps on the other side. the lake is literally steps from the hotel, and the mountains are so large it seems like they're almost on top of you. the hotel has many adorable old-world touches, from the antique elevator to the stunning ballroom. a small, intimate bar is perfect for an after-dinner drink, and if the hotel restaurant isn't to your liking (although its food is also excellent), there are many many restaurants in the area. the casino is a 15 min walk (along the lake-side gardens) away. highly recommended--not the cheapest hotel out there, but very very beautiful.