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Where to Stay in Lausanne

Where to Stay in Lausanne

Lausanne Vaud, Switzerland Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Popular Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-conscious travelers encounter affordable dorms and private rooms. The Lausanne Youth Hostel a popular choice.

  • Hotels

    A full spectrum of hotels from basic comforts to luxurious premium services.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish properties with special styles and personalized service for an intimate stay.

  • Serviced Apartments

    Great for long-term stays, families, or those who prefer self-catering with kitchen facilities.

Alternative Stays

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    Many hotels offer stunning lake or city views. Smaller guesthouses a charming, localized experience.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartments

    Platforms like Booking.com and Vrbo offer selections for families or extended visits. You can also explore Agoda for options.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Organized homestay initiatives for typical international tourists are less common. Vacation rental platforms facilitate experiences similar to a homestay. For those considering a different option, TrustedHousesitters is an international community for house and pet sitting.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Campsites near Lake Geneva, like Camping de Vidy, present a budget-friendly option, especially during warmer months.

Neighborhood Guide

Lausanne's separate neighborhoods offer different atmospheres and advantages.

Ouchy Lakeside

Advantages
  • Elegant and scenic, with flat terrain along the lake.
  • Direct access to the lake activities and stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
  • Family-friendly atmosphere featuring a lot of good dining options.
  • Excellent public transport via M2 metro line.
Considerations
  • Can be pricier for accommodation.
  • Slightly removed from the historic city center's core nightlife.
  • Generally quiet, with gentle sounds of the body of water.
  • Very safe and peaceful.

La Cité Old Town

Advantages
  • Historic and charming, with winding cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
  • Steps away from major cultural sights, unique boutiques, and traditional restaurants.
  • Immersive historical atmosphere dominated by the Cathedral.
Considerations
  • Very hilly, making walking tiring.
  • Limited vehicle access.
  • Less direct access to major public transport hubs.
  • Very safe and generally quiet in the evenings.

Flon City Center

Advantages
  • Dynamic hub for shopping, diverse dining, lively nightlife, and cultural events.
  • Excellent transport links (M1, M2 metro, multiple bus lines).
  • Central for accessing other parts of the city.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy at night due to bars and nightspots.
  • May lack the historic charm of La Cité.
  • Generally safe, but exercise standard urban awareness, especially late at night.

More Neighborhoods

Gare CFF (Train Station Area)

A busy, practical, and highly convenient area for arrivals and departures. Unbeatable transport links with a good range of hotel options.

Epalinges / Croisettes (Northern Heights)

Residential and quieter, located at a higher elevation, offering panoramic views. Often more affordable accommodation with good access to nature.

Booking Strategies

Plan your stay with these helpful booking strategies.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (June-August, December): Book 3-6 months ahead. Popular hotels fill quickly.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Book 1-3 months ahead for a good balance of availability.
  • Low Season (November, January-March): Booking 2-4 weeks ahead often sufficient.
  • Look for last-minute deals during low season.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Use well-known sites like Booking.com for a broad selection of options.
  • Airbnb a popular choice for apartments and unique stays.
  • Direct booking on official hotel websites often yield best rates and additional perks.
  • Lausanne Tourisme (Lausanne-tourisme.ch) a good tool for local options and deals.

Booking Details

Negotiation Customs
  • Negotiation not common in Switzerland for hotels.
  • Prices are usually not negotiable.
Deposit and Cancellation Policies
  • Policies vary by property and platform.
  • Review terms carefully prior to confirming your reservation.
  • Flexible cancellation alternatives commonly available.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Summer/Holidays

Significant price increases during summer, major holidays, and large events.

Shoulder/Low Season

Traveling in shoulder or low season can lead to considerable savings.

Flexibility

Being flexible with dates can result in better deals.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some recommended places to stay, catering to different budgets and travel requirements.

Budget Choices

Lausanne Youth Hostel

Offers dorms and private rooms, a good choice for solo travelers and parties looking for value.

  • Located near Ouchy.
  • Good value and social opportunities.
Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind

Close to the train station, provides comfortable and modern rooms at a competitive price.

  • Convenient location.
  • Modern amenities.

Mid-range Options

Hôtel du Port Ouchy

Located right by Lake Leman, offering charming rooms and easy access to the promenade and Olympic Museum.

  • Lakeside location.
  • Charming rooms.
Agora Swiss Night near station

A modern hotel with good amenities, located conveniently close to the train station and M2 metro.

  • Modern design.
  • Excellent transport links.

Luxury Stays

  • Beau-Rivage Palace (Ouchy)

    An iconic, historic 5-star hotel directly on Lac Léman. Exceptional service, fine dining, stunning lake views, and a renowned spa.

  • Lausanne Palace (city center)

    Another historic luxury hotel in the city center. Elegant rooms, fine dining, and a well-regarded spa, with city views.

Traveler-Specific Stays

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Many hotels offer family or connecting rooms. Vacation rentals via Airbnb provide more space and kitchen facilities. Ouchy a good choice for families.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels like Lausanne Youth Hostel offer social opportunities. Hotels near Flon or Gare CFF offer convenience and safety due to centrally located spots.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Serviced apartments or Airbnb rentals are most suitable for extended visits, offering greater flexibility and living space.

Properties with Historical Significance

Beau-Rivage Palace

A grand, historic hotel that has hosted numerous famous guests and international conferences.

  • Impressive architecture and grounds.
  • World-class service.
Lausanne Palace

A historic luxury hotel in the heart of the city, known for its classic elegance and long-standing reputation.

  • Classic elegance.
  • City center location.

Considerations for Your Stay

Value Discovery

Consider staying slightly outside the immediate city center but still along the M2 metro line for potentially better value.

Explore Options

Use platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb to compare options for space and amenities.