We had such a wonderful stay at the charming Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic. The location is absolutely outstanding, it couldn't be more perfect! It's just a two-minute walk to the train station, which made our travels so convenient. At the same time, it's right on the lakefront, so you're never more than a couple of minutes from a beautiful stroll along Lake Geneva. The views from the hotel's common areas are fantastic, even though we didn't pay for a room with a view ourselves.
A huge bonus is the sheer amount of dining options right on your doorstep. If you're on a budget, there's a Coop supermarket just around the corner where you can pick up a lot of reasonably priced food. For those willing to spend a bit more, you'll be spoiled for choice with the countless other fantastic cafes and restaurants nearby. We also received the Montreux Riviera Card for free, which was a huge benefit, as we used it to great effect for free and discounted travel on local public transport and visits to attractions.
What truly made our stay special, though, was the excellent staff. Everyone we encountered was so friendly and helpful. While a few of the younger team members at the front desk are still learning, they were so kind that it really didn't matter. It's completely natural to have staff in training, and they were a pleasure to deal with regardless. We even stored our luggage with them on our arrival and departure days, which was so convenient. They went above and beyond, helping us charge our phones and refilling our water bottles while we waited!
We did notice that some large tour groups appear to use the hotel as a base, so it can get a bit busy at times, but this is a minor point given the hotel's great location.
Our room, which we booked through Expedia, didn't have a great view, but we were more than happy with it as it was quiet and extremely comfortable. While the room was a little compact, it was perfectly functional and still a good size - certainly much better than the one we had in Geneva! It was an ideal base for our travels.
One small observation we had was about the bathroom. While the classic design with a bathtub was nice, we felt a walk-in shower might have made better use of the space. The fixtures felt a bit dated, as the separate hot and cold taps made it tricky to get the perfect water temperature and pressure. We also noticed the water pressure was just okay, which made the bath shower a little less effective.
The in-room amenities were also excellent. We were thrilled to find a nice mini-bar that was completely free, with Coke Zero, water, and two juices that were refilled daily. There was also a kettle for tea and coffee, although we would note that the creamer could have been better labeled - I initially mistook it for sugar and didn't bother making my coffee!
As for the bed, it was a tad on the small side for my preference, but it was still incredibly comfortable and I slept very well. The air conditioning was definitely a bit noisy, especially on a higher fan setting, but I got used to it and actually found the constant sound helped me sleep!
We also really enjoyed the gym, sauna, and hammam facilities, which were a great way to relax. The only suggestion we would have for the hotel is to consider a reservation system for the sauna and hammam. Since they can only comfortably fit about four people at a time, it would be a great way to ensure a more private and relaxing experience for guests.
Overall, we had a fantastic stay and would highly recommend the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic for its unbeatable location, wonderful staff, and comfortable rooms. I stayed here on my first visit some 18 years ago and was...
Read moreAs soon as we left montreaux’s train station, we saw the Grand Hotel Suesse Majestic. It’s Belle Époque style architecture, and tropical vibes in the lobby set the stage for our stay in the Swiss riviera. The picture perfect lake welcomed us, as soon as we stepped in the lobby. The lobby emits a tropical vibe, with a huge restaurant terrace, fans, colorful furniture, and songs at the bar. The floor to ceiling windows gives the much needed natural light to complete the tropical lobby feeling. When we arrived at 2pm the room wasn’t ready, which was unfortunate as we hold gold elite status, nor did we receive any welcome drinks, despite us booking directly through the app. Nevertheless, we got our junior suite, on the 6th floor, with stunning views of the lake. There was a small balcony as well, and the tropical feeling continued to our room. With blue walls, and yellow umbrellas, it felt like a tropical paradise! At the same time the hotel had a very regal and elegant feel, with photos of the 1900s in our room, and colonial style furnishings. There was even a yoga mat and umbrella in our room. The toiletries were of l’ocitanne and daily housekeeping and turndown service was provided. The 2 elevators of the hotel worked very slowly, we had to wait 15 minutes every time to ride the elevators, and every time they were occupied by the hotel staff. Does the hotel not have service elevators for the staff? And why is the elevator taking so much time, that by the time it came, we were better of going down/up by stairs?
The hotel had one restaurant and one bar, several meeting rooms and banquet halls, a smoking lounge, concierge and luggage assistance services available. The hotel also had a health club on the 9th floor, with hammam, sauna and state of the art fitness center. The hotel has a very intimate feel, as it isn’t very large, which adds a touch of luxury. Every time we entered, the doorman greeted us with all smiles, and the staff was happy to explain us about the city of montreaux. We also got complimentary Swiss riveria card, which provides free transportation, and the minibar was complimentary as well. It contained 2 juice bottles, 2 coke bottles, a sparkling water and a still water. The room was very modern and spacious. The location of the hotel is excellent, couldn’t have been better. It’s right outside the train station, in the downtown area, and opposite the lake. Like other luxury resorts in the area, a direct lake access, or a restaurant/pool on the lake would have been preferable, as the hotel had no lake access. You had to walk around to access the lakeside promenade, which was public and not private to the hotel. The Air conditioning also didn’t cool properly, so when we told reception, to bring us a fan they said ok. We waited an hour, and they never came, so we called again, they said let us check we think we are out of fans, but we will cal you back to inform you. So we waited again, and got no call so when we called again, they said we are out of fans, when we have been waiting for over 2 hours and called over 3 times. If you didn’t have fans at least you should have called us back to inform us. It’s a shame how an hotel from autograph collection doesn’t have a fan and ACs that don’t cool. It’s also a pity of how the reception handled these things instead of calling us back they ignored and neglected our request. An amazing hotel, with stunning views, great location, and...
Read moreTerrible management. They say Swiss Hotel Management is great I guess that doesn’t serve the ones below five star eh? We booked a partial lake room via Expedia and stayed for one night in room 203. When we came back to the hotel around [10:40pm], we heard loud party noises from upstairs. We called front desk and was informed it ends soon. The front desk hung up quickly before I get an exact time. [11:30pm] still going on, I contacted the booking agency and complained, they said they will pass it on to hotel, and the reply we got is, the party will end by midnight. Ok. We can wait for the jumping and screaming to end. It was a mistake that we didn’t ask for room switch at that moment. They didn’t offer anything.
[00:21], the noise never stopped. I contacted booking agency again and the feedback they got was “the party is over”. NOPE.. [00:45], we are done with tolerating. We went up to the front desk, and saw many drunk people singing and talking loudly, they are definitely having fun, and not planning to leave any sooner. Then the manager came to the front desk, calling police or securities nervously, and offered to change room for us. At 1AM.
The manager explained it’s a one time thing, since this party host didn’t obey the deadline to end the party and they are banned from this hotel, we believe doing his best, but we are unsatisfied with the whole experience. Inefficient, chaotic, and lots of misinformation.
We went to bed at [01:33], my mom and I were exhausted.
Here are some things that I was most upset about: Allowing parties this late in a hotel. This is not a night club. It’s Friday and it’s okay to have party after dinner. BUT, A. If there’s party going on, you should have warned the guests at check in. B. do something with your booking program, avoid rooms that are RIGHT UNDER the PARTY ROOM. It’s definitely not fully booked, so have some transparency and flexibility.
Inconsistent communication. We were told the party will end soon/by night night/before 1am, by three different people. It seems like you are always making excuses for your in capability of managing the situation. If you can’t control the party guests, don’t host it.
Didn’t take complain seriously and no compensation. We didn’t demand a room switch in the first place because we thought it’s okay to have party a bit late. NOT UNTIL THIS LATE. Your staff seems to consider our multiple phone calls a minor concern, and every time the feedback we get is “I’m so sorry for the inconvenience”. No you’re not, or you could have offer mitigation plans. Our booking agency refunded us like 30CHF, I don’t even know what that count. I could offer you 30CHF to live in our room at that time if you think it’s a good compensation. We only get a room switch at 1am and the excuse from the manager was “I wasn’t aware of this”. Something wrong is with your staff communication, our multiple complains is not heard until we went straight up to confront the manager after 2hrs. A series of messed up things. This is how they run this hotel. Also could because I’m Asian and they don’t take non-Caucasian seriously 😇 I will never know.
This happened in 2023 but I never get a good resolution from Marriott, if it has improved that’s great, if not,...
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