Casino Barrière Montreux — Attraction in Montreux

Probably the best casino in Switzerland, based on the range and quality of services offered.

Montreux Casino offers the usual, ubiquitous slot machines, but they are relatively quiet; no (well, very few) American-style sirens, loud announcements or simulated cash register noises. In addition there is an extensive range of elegant table games available, ranging from blackjack, through various forms of poker, to baccarat and pretty much everything in between, all with reasonable minimum bets (starting from CHF 5 in most cases). In addition to roulette wheels, the casino also offers electronic roulette based on an actual wheel, horse races with mechanical horses, and wheel-of-fortune-style games of chance. There is a high roller room for those who enjoy playing with chips up to CHF 200,000 individual value (the largest denomination on the regular tables is CHF 10,000).

The casino offers two very good restaurants plus a snack bar. The food is excellent and the prices quite reasonable for Switzerland. A large selection of cocktails is available from the bars. Entry to the gambling area is not required to enjoy the bistro and bar upstairs.

The casino at Montreux carries some musical history; recording studios operated on the site for many years (the subject of Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water", of course), and among others, the legendary band Queen recorded there. The casino hosts an excellent museum exhibition with free entry, commemorating Queen's association with the site.

The location of the casino, bordered by beautifully tended gardens right on the shores of Lake Geneva/Lac Leman, is also exceptional. The iconic statue of Freddie Mercury in rock god pose is a short stroll away.

Well worth a visit when...

I was extremely disappointed with my visit to this casino! Right from the start, everything went wrong. At the reception, I spoke in English since it's my native language and presented my Ukrainian passport. However, the employee, Olga, instead of continuing the conversation in English, abruptly switched to Russian, which was very unexpected and disrespectful.

But the strangest part was the **entrance fee they demanded! When I asked whether I needed to exchange money for chips (1000 or 2000 to avoid this fee), I was rudely told: «Maybe in Ukraine casinos are free, but here it's different."

Seriously? Anywhere else in the world, when you exchange money for chips and start playing, no one charges an extra fee just for entering. This makes no sense and feels like a cheap way to squeeze money out of customers.

Very unpleasant experience—I do not recommend this place. Better to find a casino with fair policies and respectful...

Conferences and congresses

Montreux Riviera is the ideal place for unforgettable events. Ideally nestled between the lake and the Alps, Montreux Riviera with its microclimate and its sun-filled Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO World Heritage) is the absolute top destination for meetings and events. Centrally located and close to the international Airport of Geneva, the destination is an outstanding place to hold international congresses, conferences, or incentives. A unique region, attached to its roots but open to the world, Montreux Riviera, home of the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival has inspired many artists over the years. After Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury it’s now your turn. Come to Montreux Riviera, get inspired and make this beautiful place the ideal location for your...