Le Mirador Resort & Spa — Hotel in Chardonne

First day of our stay ruined; also problems with the restaurant.

Upon checking-in, we were informed that we would not be able to have dinner in the restaurant that evening and also lunch the next day, because the restaurant was already fully booked. As a data point, the hotel is located on a steep slope in a rural area, so there are virtually no alternatives for eating in a vicinity. When I subsequently applied to the hotel manager (also in relation to the item 2 below), he was finally able to secure us a table reservation for dinner after making some phone calls. "I will try to do the impossible" - were the manager's own words in regard to table reservation. Unexpected as it sounds for a 5-star hotel, from our experience it seems it is your task to secure yourself a table for dinner, apparently even prior to actually arriving.

Our main goal in choosing that hotel was the indoor swimming pool, and our 5-year son has been dreaming about it for days since we arrived. Therefore the first thing we did upon unpacking our things was to get dressed for the swimming. Already wearing bathrobes, we discovered that the hotel room safe does not work: the safe shows a "battery error" when trying to lock it. I called the reception and 2 employees visited us in succession, but were unable to fix the safe. Their summary was: "Today we cannot fix it, we will need a technician for safes to visit tomorrow".

I had to go to the reception to speak to the hotel manager. He suggested me to change rooms and asked us to wait for 20 minutes until the other room was prepared. Still wearing bathrobes, we were now packing our things back into the suitcases for the move. Upon entering the new room (number 228), we at once noticed a cigarette smell there. The room service suggested bringing an electronic smoke cancellation device; the device was running in the room for an hour while we were in the swimming pool. Returning back, the smell was still distinctly present, and after 15 minutes of staying in the room while getting dressed for dinner, both my wife and I started feeling headache, even though we are normal healthy people. The smoke cancellation device continued running for the next 2 hours without making the situation considerably better.

At that point, we all went to the same hotel manager again. With the time being after 9 pm, we agreed upon moving back to our initial room with the promise that the safe would be fixed next morning. Again packing, moving and one more unpacking. So instead of enjoying our stay, we spent the whole first day solving problems.

The next morning we were informed that the technician would not be coming that day as well. Going for a day walk downhill into the city, we therefore had to carry our valuables with us.

The water in the indoor swimming pool was unpleasantly cold, reminding me of a pool in my high school many years back, but not in a 5-star hotel.

Contrary to what we experienced in any other hotel with a Spa, there were no refreshing drinks in the Spa zone in Mirador.

Even though we specified the age of our child upon booking the hotel, the only bathrobe we received for our child was clearly too big: it would have probably fitted a young man twice that age.

During our dinners in the hotel restaurant, I was always doing decent tipping for the waiters. Yet in the last evening of our stay, the waiters forgot  the main dish for my wife. There were fewer visitors that evening and the waiters were all the same, but they were mostly busy by the other tables. After waiting for 2 hours and observing our child literally falling asleep right there, my wife decided not to wait any longer, hungry as she was.With that experience of ours, I cannot recommend tipping waiters in that hotel, as you cannot count on a better service next day anyway. To summarize on our experience, let me say in my wife's words during our first day: "If not for our child whom we promised a vacation with swimming, I would have persuaded you to leave this hotel...

Our recent stay at Le Mirador Resort & Spa was deeply disappointing and far from the five-star experience it promises. The hotel heavily underdelivers on both luxury and service and calling it a “spa” is quite frankly misleading.

Let’s start with the spa: there’s one small mixed sauna (which was broken during our stay), a tiny Jacuzzi, and a small indoor pool. That’s it. There’s also a gym and separate steam and sauna rooms, but they are cramped and hardly meet even basic wellness standards. I’ve seen far better facilities in budget gyms charging €35/month. To call this a spa hotel is almost insulting — the facilities are more in line with a 2-star hotel.

The room itself was okay, and yes — the view is stunning. But that’s about the only highlight.

The breakfast was shockingly poor for a five-star hotel. The variety was minimal, the quality was underwhelming, and getting a cup of coffee was a mission. There was no self-service option for hot drinks, and ordering coffee meant waiting up to 10 minutes — sometimes it arrived cold. Even 3- or 4-star hotels offer far superior breakfast experiences.

When we expressed our concerns at checkout, we were met with the same empty phrases: “We’re sorry it didn’t meet your expectations,” and “This is not what we aim for.” These meaningless apologies don’t change the fact that we paid for a premium experience and received something far from it. The disappointment and frustration linger long after the stay is over.

This was not just a waste of money, it was a waste of time, and it left us feeling taken advantage of. I genuinely hope others see this review and reconsider. Too many guests have clearly had similar experiences, and yet the hotel keeps repeating the same excuses.

Answer to hotel’s response:

PS: I was offered a lunch at Le Trianon — the same restaurant where I had already experienced a very unpleasant dinner, as reflected in my Google Maps review. That meal left me with stomach discomfort and the service was well below expectations, so naturally, I declined the offer. No sincere compensation was provided during or after the stay. And to be clear: luxury is not a “matter of perception” when the spa facilities are minimal, a sauna is out of order, and breakfast is subpar. These are objective shortcomings, not personal preferences. I booked what was marketed as a five-star spa resort what I got was a basic hotel with a beautiful view. That’s not worth the price, and certainly not worth the excuses. My vacation time is valuable, and I have no interest in post-stay damage control meetings with...

Le Mirador Resort & Spa - A Slice of Heaven on Lake Geneva! If you're seeking an experience that transcends mere dining and delves into pure indulgence, look no further than Le Mirador Resort & Spa. Perched majestically above Lake Geneva, this establishment offers not just a meal, but a breathtaking panorama that elevates every moment. From the moment you arrive, the elegance and sophistication are palpable. The staff exudes Swiss precision and warmth, making you feel like a most valued guest. They are attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely committed to ensuring your comfort. Now, let's talk about the culinary journey. Whether you're dining at [mention a specific restaurant if known, e.g., "Le Patio" or "Hinata"], the food is nothing short of exceptional. The chefs here craft dishes that are both innovative and deeply satisfying, using only the finest ingredients. Each plate is a work of art, a testament to culinary mastery. I particularly savored [mention a specific dish type, e.g., "their perfectly seared scallops," "the delicate flavors of their tasting menu," or "the exquisite Swiss specialties"]. The wine list is equally impressive, featuring a curated selection that perfectly complements the exquisite cuisine. And then, there's the view. It's simply unparalleled. Dining here as the sun sets over Lake Geneva, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, is an experience that will stay with you long after the last bite. It's truly magical. Le Mirador Resort & Spa is more than a restaurant; it's a destination. It's where unforgettable memories are made, where every detail is perfected, and where luxury meets nature in the most spectacular way. For an extraordinary culinary and sensory experience in Switzerland, I cannot recommend Le Mirador highly enough. It's an...