Royalty, musicians and film stars are among the guests who have fallen asleep beneath the roof of Lausanne Palace Hotel and breakfasted while enjoying views of the glittering expanse of Lake Geneva and the snow-tipped French Alps. After the doors opened in 1915, this grand structure, positioned near the Esplanade of Montvenon, quickly became the chosen location for important meetings and assignations.

Coco Chanel Suite © Lausanne Palace

Though the elegant hotel is decidedly historic, there are a number of modern sustainability features. These include electric vehicle charging stations, complimentary public transportation cards to use within the city’s network and a sophisticated heat recovery system. The food waste reduction program utilizes a methanization process to convert food waste into electrical and thermal energy via a cogeneration engine. Additionally, all of the property’s electricity is generated by renewable hydropower, and there’s a robust employee wellness initiative that includes electrically assisted trolleys for housekeeping staff, a private gym, relaxation room, television room and a staff canteen with vegetarian options.

© Lausanne Palace

Today’s guests can enjoy sustainability without compromising on luxury across 106 rooms and suites, The Coco Chanel suite once served as the designer’s private home. Not only does it feature a fabulous terrace, but the suite also includes custom shoe racks once filled with Chanel’s footwear collection. Elsewhere, guests can enjoy premiere dining at Michelin-starred La Table du Lausanne Palace, Brasserie Grand Chêne and Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Matcha Picchu. There’s also a wellness center featuring one of Europe’s largest indoor swimming pools, a full-service spa and sun deck, and a private vineyard producing Merlot in the center of Lausanne.