Hotels in Lausanne, Switzerland

There is a good spread of facilities to keep your stay comfortable, whatever brings you to the city. Most places cover the essentials, such as free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurants and fitness rooms, and it is common to find indoor or outdoor pools, wellness areas and family-friendly touches too. Popular extras include business centres, room service and accessible rooms, and some stays add lake views or sit close to the main transport links. That mix of practical services and relaxing details suits both leisure trips and work visits.

You can pack a lot of variety into a visit, from culture and history to time by the water. The Olympic Museum is a real highlight, with engaging exhibitions and lovely views over Lake Geneva. Wandering the Old Town reveals cobbled streets and landmarks such as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, while the waterfront at Ouchy is made for unhurried strolls and boat trips. Add in the museums and arts venues, and there is enough to keep history buffs, sports fans and casual wanderers happy.

A few sights really stand out when you are planning your days. The world-renowned Olympic Museum and the striking Lausanne Cathedral are firm favourites, while Plateforme 10, the city's new arts district, gathers several distinctive museums in one place. For a wider outlook, the Sauvabelin Tower rewards the climb with panoramas over the city and lake. Just outside town, the Lavaux terraced vineyards, a UNESCO site, offer scenic walks and tastings, giving you a taste of the region's culture, history and natural beauty.

Lausanne’s local food scene brings together Swiss classics and international touches, shaped by the lakeside setting and regional traditions. Specialities such as fondue and raclette put rich Swiss cheeses centre stage, while dishes featuring freshwater fish from Lake Geneva, like perch fillets, are much loved. You can move easily from elegant French dining to hearty Vaudois fare, and chocolate and pastries make a sweet way to finish. Exploring what is on offer is a tasty way to get to know the area's character.

Lausanne’s public transport is genuinely easy to navigate, which makes seeing the city and wider region a pleasure. Lausanne is home to Switzerland's only metro, backed up by frequent buses and trolleybuses that reach most corners. If you are staying in a city hotel, you will usually receive a Transport Card, letting you use local services free for the length of your stay. The network ties together the main sights, the neighbourhoods and the lakeside, so quick hops and longer days of sightseeing are equally simple.