Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior

Montreux 46.42935100, 6.91970500 , Rue Bon Port 27 (Show on Map)
7.9
Good


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Info For your wellbeing and comfort, the hotel's 58 non- smoking rooms offer breathtaking views over the Alps and the lake.
Summary of reviewsHôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior, situated on the stunning shores of Lake Geneva, is lauded for its prime location, offering breathtaking lake and mountain views and easy access to Montreux's vibrant city center. Many appreciate the blend of tranquility and convenience with picturesque strolls into the town center, swimming access from some rooms and close proximity to public transportation and key attractions such as Chillon Castle and the jazz festival grounds.

Guests frequently highlight the breakfast experience as a standout feature, commending the diverse and delectable offerings, exceptional lake views from the breakfast room and the friendly service. The dinner service, while receiving positive remarks for food quality and the kindness of the staff, faces criticism for limited menu options, high prices relative to portion sizes and logistical issues such as early restaurant closures.

The rooms at Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior are spacious and family-friendly, often featuring balconies with scenic lake views. Cleanliness and comfort are generally praised, though there are calls for updates and refurbishment to modernize the décor and address maintenance issues like worn carpets and outdated fixtures. The historic Art Deco charm adds a unique elegance, but some aspects like the bathrooms require attention due to signs of aging.

The staff is regularly recognized for their exceptional hospitality. They are described as friendly, professional and particularly helpful, enhancing the overall guest experience. While isolated critiques about staff conduct exist, the overwhelming feedback emphasizes their positive impact on guest stays.

Wi-Fi service receives mixed reviews with some finding it fast and accessible and others noting inconsistent connections, especially in the rooms, occasionally necessitating additional purchases for reliable access.

The spa and wellness facilities, particularly the large indoor heated pool, are celebrated for their scenic relaxation potential, although parts of the wellness area need better maintenance and accessibility could be improved. Families find the hotel accommodating with spacious rooms and enjoyable amenities, making it a favored destination for family travel.

In summary, Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior excels in location, views and staff hospitality, offering a charming, albeit slightly dated, accommodation experience enhanced by commendable breakfast service and spacious, family-friendly rooms. Despite some areas needing enhancement, such as room updates and dining options, the hotel's tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty make it a compelling choice for visitors to Montreux.
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Categories
Luxury Hotel
This 4-star hotel features a heated indoor pool, a fitness studio, a spa center, and an on-site casino. It offers elegant rooms, some with balconies and lake views, providing a range of luxury amenities for guests.

Historic Hotel
This hotel was built in 1908, maintaining its authentic Belle Époque architecture and decor. The old building and its antique entrance hall provide a nostalgic and classic elegance.

Hotel near Ski Resorts
Located centrally in Montreux, offering convenient access to train services. Provides a comfortable stay with easy access to Rochers-de-Naye and other ski resorts in the region.

Hotel for Honeymoon
This hotel provides charming rooms with scenic views. The ambiance throughout the hotel is conducive to romance with intimate candlelight dinners and live piano performances in the bar creating unforgettable evenings.

Hotel with Spa
This hotel is listed as having spa facilities in the provided data.

Family Friendly Hotel
Situated in Montreux, it provides family rooms with lake views. A comfortable option for families looking to explore Montreux.

Romantic Hotel
This hotel offers an ideal romantic retreat with charming rooms and scenic views. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views from their balconies, including picturesque lake vistas.

Hotel with Swimming Pool
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior has a swimming pool. Guests can enjoy swimming with lake views.

  Heated Pool    Indoor Pool    Pool Lap Lanes  


4-Star Hotel
Located in the heart of Montreux, this hotel has a privileged location right on Lake Geneva. The property offers a central location near the Gare de Montreux train station. It is known for its beautiful property and wonderful service.

Hotel with Indoor Pool
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior offers a heated indoor swimming pool for guests to cool off or relax. The hotel's spa area includes a sauna and is located right on Lake Geneva.

Hotel with Heated Pool
This hotel in Montreux provides a heated indoor swimming pool for guests. The pool is part of the hotel's spa and wellness center, offering a place for relaxation with lake views from some areas of the hotel.

Business Hotel

Hotel with Pool Lap Lanes

Room Types
Standard Single Room with Balcony and Lake View Elegant room with free WiFi, offering views of the lake from the balcony.

Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Lake View Renovated, elegant room with free WiFi, offering views of the lake from the balcony.

Standard Double Room with Balcony and Lake View Elegant room with free WiFi, offering views of the lake from the balcony.

Junior Suite - Lake Side Spacious junior suite with garden on the lakeside, and a private garden . They also come with 2 bathrooms and there is free Wi-Fi. The junior suites are all on the garden level.

Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
Nestled in a prime spot by the shores of Lake Geneva, 'Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior' offers an unparalleled location for visitors to Montreux. The hotel's proximity to the lake presents breathtaking views of both the water and the surrounding mountains, a highlight frequently mentioned by guests. Positioned directly on the lake's promenade, the hotel allows for easy and picturesque strolls into the center of Montreux, taking about ten minutes on foot. Public transportation, including bus and tram stops, are conveniently close, providing excellent connectivity to other local attractions such as Chillon Castle and the jazz festival grounds.

Guests appreciate the hotel's balance of being centrally located yet slightly removed from the hustle and bustle, ensuring a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The lakefront positioning is perfect not only for walks but also for swimming with some rooms offering direct access to the water. The spectacular views from balconies and the beautiful, serene environment make it an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat while remaining close to the vibrant city center.

The historic charm of the hotel, coupled with its optimal and convenient location, great views and easy access to key spots in Montreux, makes it a favored choice for many. With everything close at hand—from the Christmas markets to the Casino—the hotel stands out as an exceptional base for exploring Montreux and enjoying the stunning Swiss scenery.

Breakfast
Breakfast at Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior is a widely appreciated aspect of the guest experience, receiving notable praise for its variety, quality and the delightful setting in which it is served. Guests frequently laud the breakfast buffet for being delicious and well-stocked with a wide selection of items, including particularly tasty croissants, bread rolls and a variety of dishes that cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements. Many guests also highlight the exceptional views of Lake Geneva from the breakfast room, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their morning meal.

Several reviews describe the breakfast as extraordinary, hearty and perfect, emphasizing that it provided a satisfying start to their day. The friendly staff at breakfast also receive positive mentions for their pleasant service, which complements the overall enjoyable breakfast experience.

However, not all reviews are uniformly positive. Some guests felt that the breakfast lacked creativity and variety, noting that the options could be limited at times and the quality did not always match the expectations set by the hotel's classification. Specific criticisms pointed to a desire for more fresh and healthy choices, better quality control on items like scrambled eggs and a more abundant spread considering the price paid.

Despite some mixed feedback, the general consensus remains that the breakfast at Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior is a highlight for many, offering generous selections and an overall good value, particularly with the captivating lake views enhancing the dining experience.

Dinner
Dinner at the Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior generally receives positive feedback for its quality and flavors. Guests consistently describe the food as excellent and very well prepared with some even calling it first class. The dining experience is often praised for both breakfast and dinner, which are described as magnificent. The restaurant staff is noted to be kind and provide good service, even though some reviewers had mixed experiences with the friendliness of the waiters.

However, there are notable drawbacks. The dinner menu is reported to have limited options and several guests find the food and room service to be overpriced for the portion sizes and quality offered. Room service, in particular, has received criticism for specific dishes like a dry fish fillet and some guests mentioned that their dining experiences didn’t meet their expectations in terms of gastronomic promise.

There are also issues with the restaurant's logistics and policies. Instances like no reserved tables on the evening of arrival and early closure of dining facilities have caused inconvenience. Complaints extend to the enforced timing, as the restaurant closes early and no tea or coffee is available after 9 pm.

While some found certain meals to be bland or inedible, others had delightful meals, such as unforgettable dinners by the lake. Despite the inconsistencies, the general advice from past guests leans towards trying the dining options, but being prepared for the possibility of mixed quality and service.

Rooms
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior offers spacious rooms that are perfect for families and those seeking ample space during their stay. Many of these rooms come with balconies, providing stunning views of Lake Geneva, which is a highlight for many guests. The rooms are noted for their cleanliness and comfort, featuring large beds and plenty of natural light through their French windows. The charming Art Deco style adds a touch of vintage elegance, although some guests feel the décor and furnishings are quite dated and in need of modernization.

The hotel boasts excellent amenities such as a lovely swimming pool and sauna, adding to the relaxation and enjoyment of the stay. Despite the rooms' generous size and picturesque views, multiple reviews indicate that the rooms are overdue for refurbishment with some noting issues like old-fashioned furniture, worn carpets and outdated appliances. Additionally, certain functional aspects, like broken fixtures and poor insulation, were pointed out as areas needing improvement.

The bathrooms, while large and convenient—some featuring two bathrooms per room—also show signs of aging and would benefit from updates. This includes issues like chipped faucets, old bathtubs and shower curtains with mold. Despite these drawbacks, the hotel's setting and the tranquil ambiance it offers continue to be positively highlighted.

In summary, Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior is appreciated for its spacious and clean rooms, stunning lake views and historical charm. However, it requires some updates to meet modern standards and address maintenance issues.

Beds
At the Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior, the experience with the beds varies widely among guests. Many appreciate the comfortable, large and spacious beds, often describing them as very comfortable, cozy and fitted with quality bedding. Soft beds and big, comfy family beds were highlights for many, complemented by comfortable bedding and ample pillows when provided.

However, some guests encountered less favorable experiences. There were mentions of beds being too soft, firm or having worn-out mattresses that urgently need replacing. A number of reviews pointed out discomfort due to old or uncomfortable mattresses, leading to poor sleep quality for several guests. The sofa beds, in particular, received criticism for being uncomfortable and in need of renewal.

The overall feedback suggests while the majority found the beds at Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior to be pleasing and comfortable, a significant number felt improvements were necessary, particularly in updating the mattresses and ensuring uniform comfort across all accommodations.

Cleanliness
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior has received mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness. On the positive side, many guests have praised the hotel for its clean and spacious rooms, immaculate bathrooms and well-maintained fitness center. Visitors have also highlighted the clean linens, towels and general upkeep of the hotel's facilities. The charming old-world ambiance of the establishment, combined with superb views of the lake, has also been appreciated.

However, there are areas that could use significant improvement. The carpets, in particular, have garnered numerous complaints for being old, stained and dirty, impacting the overall aesthetic of the hotel. Some guests noted specific issues such as mold on bathroom tiles, discolored shower curtains, dust accumulation and occasional dirt in public areas like hallways and dining rooms. The hotel's furniture and decor appear to be outdated with reports of frayed and worn-out pieces.

In summary, while Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior maintains a level of cleanliness that many find acceptable, there is a clear need for renovation and refurbishment, particularly concerning carpets and older fixtures, to meet current standards and enhance the guest experience.

Staff
The reviews for Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior characterize the staff as an overwhelmingly positive aspect of the guest experience. The staff is described as exceptionally friendly, helpful and professional. Numerous guests appreciated their attentiveness and warm, welcoming demeanor, making their stays more enjoyable and hassle-free. The reception and front desk teams received particular praise for being accommodating and informative, offering valuable tips about the local area and ensuring smooth check-ins.

Several reviews mention that the staff went above and beyond to meet and exceed guest needs, showcasing a level of hospitality that left lasting impressions. Guests noted polite and courteous interactions with the staff consistently available to assist with travel plans or other requirements, enhancing the overall stay at the hotel.

Despite a few isolated mentions of issues such as staff not following instructions or a lack of courtesy in some instances, the overwhelming consensus is that the staff at Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior significantly contribute to a positive and memorable guest experience. The friendly and professional nature of the employees, combined with their readiness to help and wonderful service, stands out as a key highlight for anyone considering a stay at this hotel.

Wi-Fi
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior offers free Wi-Fi as part of their stay package, which includes a card for public transport. Guests report varied experiences with the Wi-Fi, highlighting areas where it works well and where it falls short. Many find the Wi-Fi to be accessible throughout the hotel with some calling it fast and excellent. However, there are notable complaints about poor Wi-Fi reception, especially in the rooms and issues with inconsistent connections. Some guests had to purchase additional Wi-Fi for personal use due to the inadequacies of the provided service. While free Wi-Fi is a valued amenity, there are suggestions to improve its overall reliability and access points, particularly in-room and in public areas such as the fitness center.

Spa
The spa area at Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior presents a mixed experience for its guests. On the positive side, visitors frequently highlight the large, indoor heated pool, which is seen as a significant advantage of the hotel. The pool area is well maintained, clean and provides a scenic and relaxing environment for a swim. The spa offers a range of wellness options, including a cozy and tidy spa area, saunas and beauty services that guests can access. The relaxation areas are well appreciated, adding to the overall pleasant ambiance for those seeking tranquility.

However, there are several drawbacks noted by guests that detract from the spa experience. Many reviewers find the wellness area to be difficult to access, requiring multiple lifts to reach and describe it as inadequately maintained and disappointing for relaxation purposes. Complaints often mention non-functional facilities such as a broken steam room and a sauna that is in need of renovation. Furthermore, some visitors pointed out a peculiar vibe due to the hotel's connection with a health clinic and noted a lack of available amenities like private jacuzzis and towels.

Overall, while the spa's large indoor pool stands out as a highlight, the wellness area itself requires improvements to meet the expectations of all guests.

Pool
The Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior boasts a substantial swimming pool that is consistently praised for its impressive size and beautiful design. Guests frequently mention the pool's stunning views of the lake and mountains, making it a scenic spot for relaxation. The indoor pool stretches 25 meters, providing ample space for swimming and is heated for added comfort, though some guests noted it could be warmer.

Visitors appreciate the additional facilities such as the sauna and spa, though the sauna is often described as small. Despite some challenges with cleanliness and maintenance, including broken fixtures and occasional temperature issues, the pool area generally receives positive feedback for its cleanliness and overall pleasant environment.

The pool appears to be a highlight for many guests, who find it enjoyable and well-maintained. Families in particular note their children loved spending time there. Its grand size, coupled with the picturesque backdrop, makes it an appealing feature of the hotel, despite a few reported difficulties regarding access and upkeep.

Family
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior is a family-oriented hotel that excels in providing spacious and comfortable accommodations suitable for families of various sizes. The family rooms are notably large and well-equipped, offering ample space for both adults and children, featuring multiple beds including functional sofa beds and even separate bathrooms in some cases for added convenience. Many rooms also boast beautiful views of the lake, which can be enjoyed from large picture windows or private balconies.

The hotel prides itself on creating a welcoming atmosphere for families, reflected in thoughtful touches like special birthday surprises for young guests. It's ideally positioned for those looking to explore local attractions such as Christmas markets, adding to its appeal as a holiday destination.

Guests have also highlighted the hotel's family-friendly amenities, including a large swimming pool perfect for children and adults alike. The dining experience caters well to families with a restaurant designed to accommodate group meals. Additional in-room amenities like coffee makers in larger suites and reliable WiFi add to the convenience of a family stay.

Strategically designed layouts and good-sized family areas further enhance the suitability for family vacations, making it a practical choice for both small and larger family groups. While a few reviews noted the need for some maintenance, the overall impression is that the hotel provides an enjoyable and accommodating experience for family travelers.

Ski
Situated in a picturesque location, Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior does not appear to furnish amenities or facilities specifically for skiers. Guests have noted the absence of essential services, such as ski storage and guidance, which are crucial for an optimal ski experience. Housekeeping practices have also raised concerns, particularly regarding the improper handling of ski equipment. With broken ski amenities and a lack of appropriate ski care, potential visitors should consider these factors. While the hotel may offer a charming setting, it is not ideally equipped for those intending to engage in skiing activities.

4 Star
The reviews for Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior highlight several points of contention regarding its four-star rating, facilities and services. While the hotel boasts a magnificent view and maintains a classic four-star hotel ambiance, many guests feel it falls short of true four-star standards. The rooms are noted as being extremely dated with furnishings and amenities that do not meet expectations for a hotel of this rating. This includes issues such as the lack of a coffee machine, bathrobes and modern decor with some comments mentioning outdated furniture and bathrooms reminiscent of past decades.

The hotel's breakfast buffet, though better than expected by some guests, is generally seen as limited for a four-star establishment. There are also mentions of mediocre cleanliness and inadequate amenities with some guests highlighting the absence of standard comforts like sufficient curtains to block light and in-room tea or coffee facilities.

On the positive side, the hotel's location is praised for being well-situated and very quiet, providing a peaceful environment. However, the overall sentiment is that the hotel does not currently live up to its four-star classification with many guests feeling it is not worthy of the high price point associated with this rating.

Business
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior offers a pleasant stay particularly suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway, featuring cozy and magical surroundings that are ideal for romantic stays, honeymoons and lovely romantic vacations. The ambiance is beautifully romantic, making it a popular choice for couples.

When it comes to business travel, the hotel presents mixed feedback. Its location is considered good for business trips and meetings, accommodating business travelers with ease. It offers suitable facilities for business stays and has good conference facilities. However, when evaluated for specific business-related amenities, it falls short. There are no business lounge amenities or dedicated business centers and the overall business amenities are seen as average. Despite these limitations, the hotel is still functional for business settings and can serve the needs of business travelers adequately.

Heated Pool
Nestled in a scenic location, Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior features a heated indoor pool that has left a largely positive impression on its guests. The spacious pool is often described as wonderful and comfortable, providing a relaxing experience for many visitors. Maintaining a consistent temperature, the well-heated, temperature-controlled swimming pool is well-kept and appreciated by those seeking a warm swim.

However, some guests noted that the water in the indoor pool was occasionally colder than expected with a few mentioning the pool heating was not always effective. Despite this, others found the pool heating to be great and the overall experience enjoyable. Additionally, noise from the heating system was mentioned by a few, along with a lukewarm sauna experience.

Overall, the heated indoor pool at Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior is a popular feature that adds value to guests' stays, though it may benefit from more consistent temperature regulation.

Indoor Pool
Guests of Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior have largely appreciated the indoor pool facilities. The swimming pool is described as large, even giant, offering ample space for guests. People noted its cleanliness and the modern adornments around the area. Free access to this indoor pool is a significant perk praised by many.

A noteworthy feature is the heated pool, which numerous reviews mentioned, though a few guests pointed out that it wasn't consistently warm enough. The panoramic windows provide stunning views of the Alps, enhancing the overall swimming experience. The pool area is tidy and easily accessible, making it convenient for guests.

However, some guests found locating the pool a bit challenging and a few commented on the older furniture within the facility. Overall, the indoor pool at Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior offers a spacious and pleasant environment for relaxation and enjoyment, suitable even during poor weather.

Historic
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior is a charming and delightful old-style hotel that transports guests back to the golden era of travel. Built in 1908, this beautiful establishment boasts a rich history and maintains its authentic Belle Époque architecture and decor. The old building with its antique entrance hall and historical central lobby space, charms visitors with its nostalgic and classic elegance.

The hotel's historic design extends to its lobby and restaurant, featuring historical pieces of luxury and vintage decor that adorn the space with a hint of grandeur. The rooms and suites preserve the old-fashioned charm, furnished with beautiful antique furniture and classic style, reminiscent of a bygone era.

Guests appreciate the unique and historical value of the hotel, which combines the ambiance of an old palace with the warmth and charm of a Belle Époque establishment. Despite its vintage and historical nature, some modern amenities and furnishings are available to ensure a comfortable stay.

Set in a quiet central location, the Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior offers a nostalgic experience with its preserved old-world charm and historical atmosphere that is reminiscent of older, grander times. This dreamlike Belle Époque hotel with its beautiful lakeside walking path, truly lets guests live the aroma of the past in present time.

Honeymoon
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior is frequently praised as an ideal destination for honeymooners. Described as the perfect honeymoon nest, it offers a great view that many couples find appealing for romantic getaways. Guests often highlight it as a perfect honeymoon experience, making it a highly recommended location for newlyweds seeking an idyllic retreat. While some reviews suggest a need for improvement, the majority underline its status as an ideal honeymoon stay. Despite occasional criticism, it stands out as a prime choice for honeymooners seeking a memorable and picturesque escape.

Luxury
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior offers a mix of modern comfort and classic charm with a touch of luxury, though it seems to have seen better days. The hotel boasts a magnificent location by Lake Geneva with phenomenal, romantic views that many found captivating. Elegant lobby decor and classic architecture add to the upscale ambiance. Rooms are spacious, bright and often feature luxurious bedding, while balconies provide breathtaking panoramas, enhancing the overall high-class experience.

Despite some worn-out furniture and outdated facilities, the hotel still maintains subtle hints of luxury, such as good fittings and tasteful furnishings. The staff is highly attentive and professional, contributing to an extraordinary stay. While some guests felt that the price might not justify the room's condition, others appreciated the hotel's unique and luxurious atmosphere, complete with a 25-metre swimming pool. Thus, Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior offers a luxurious experience for those valuing classic elegance and splendid views, even if it slightly misses the mark on modern luxury standards.

Romantic
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior offers an ideal romantic retreat, perfect for couples looking to reconnect and unwind in a plush, retro ambiance. The hotel boasts charming rooms with scenic views, often enhanced by romantic decorations such as rose petals on the bed for special occasions like anniversaries. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views from their balconies, including picturesque lake vistas and enchanting moonrises over Lake Geneva.

The ambiance throughout the hotel is conducive to romance with intimate candlelight dinners and live piano performances in the bar creating unforgettable evenings. Suites and rooms often feature spacious, well-appointed bathrooms and cozy balconies, making them great spots to share a glass of wine while taking in the incredible views.

For those looking for a serene escape, the quiet and calm environment of the hotel is perfect for spending quality time together. The lakeside promenade at the hotel's doorstep offers lovely strolls, further adding to the romantic experience. While some feedback mentioned less-than-comfortable sofa beds, the overall mood remains incredibly positive, highlighting the hotel as an excellent choice for a romantic getaway.


Yes, Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool, Pool Lap Lanes.

Yes, a spa is available at Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior.

No, Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior doesn't allow dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior.

No, Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior doesn't have a gym.

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