Montreux boasts a picturesque spot, situated on the shore of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. The town dates back to Roman times when it developed due to its positioning at a fork in the road that came from Italy across the Simplon Pass. Later, viticulture developed on the sunny south facing slopes on the north side of the Lake. Then In the nineteenth-century Montreux became a popular tourist resort with its grand hotels attracting the rich and cultured from Europe and America. Indeed, over the years it has been home to many famous souls including David Bowie, Noel Coward, Zelda Fitzgerald, Igor Stravinsky and Vladimir Nabokov. The best places to stay in Montreux provide perfect bases for exploring this sophisticated area, and most enjoy stunning views of both lake and mountains.

Not much has changed really, the elegant hotels remain (and are still counted as some of the best places to stay in Montreux) and the town is still very fashionable. But it's perhaps as well known now for its recording studio - once owned by Queen and now a museum - as for its casino. Famously Deep Purple recorded their 1971 album ‘Machine Head’ here. They had intended to use the casino as their studio, and the iconic track ‘Smoke on the water’ immortalises that particular venue being burnt to the ground.

Out and about, you can stroll the Riviera Promenade along Lake Geneva to Vevey, jump on the MOB narrow gauge railway up into the mountains or take a cruise on one of the Belle Epoque steamers that grace the lake.

Montreux hosts its ever popular annual world-renowned jazz festival in July, so if you're planning a visit then, book well ahead. The best places to stay in Montreux will be heaving!

What Not To Miss

• Go for a long walk along the Lakeside Promenade Fleuri and enjoy the wonderful array of flowers on display.
• The Queen Studio Experience is an absolute must for music-lovers!
• Take the Golden Pass Line to experience the full beauty of the area.
• Hop on the cog train up to the 2,042-metre tall Rochers-de-Naye to bask in the wonderful views.

The best places to stay in Montreux

For Montreux

• La Rouvenaz Hotel and Restaurant enjoys a good location by Lake Geneva. It is simple but smart with modern spacious rooms - some with balconies overlooking the lake. The restaurant serves fantastic Italian cuisine, and you can stay from as little as €140 per night B&B.
• Lakeside Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic features stunning interiors, ultra-smart bedrooms and a top-notch glass-fronted restaurant. Wonderful.
• The Tralala Hotel is located in the heart of the old town and offers sleek contemporary accommodation that won't break the bank, in an historic 17th-century building. The property evokes the spirit of the annual Jazz festival with rooms themed around the likes of Alicia Keys, Santana and Deep Purple!

For Vevey

• Grand Hotel du Lac is, as the name suggests, a grand spot with elegant rooms oozing traditional style. Tuck into gourmet Michelin-starred cuisine and lounge by the pool - dreamy!
• Hotel des Trois Couronnes is a similarly smart spot that's ideal for the high-end traveller. The luxurious spot boasts stunning views and excellent service - everything you'd expect from a first-rate Swiss stay.
• Le Mirador excellently combines classical and contemporary décor with views to die for. Enjoy seasonal local cuisine and shows at the piano bar each evening.

For an apartment or villa

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly into Geneva Airport before taking the train across to Montreux (the journey should take just under an hour).
• Weather-wise, you're best off visiting in the summer months - with the average temperature climbing to 21°C in July. This, however, is peak tourist season, so for a quieter and cheaper alternative consider coming in the shoulder season months (May and October).
• If you'd like to see more of the area then consider hiring a car with Rentalcars.

Nothing here that suits?

• Check out our recommendations down the road in Vevey.
• Expand your search to include all of the Lake Geneva area.
• Or feel free to contact a friendly guru for advice.