Novotel Lausanne Bussigny

I stayed with a tour group from Malaysia from 28-29 May. At breakfast, a thief nearly walked off with my wife’s handbag. One of our group members managed to snatch it back, and then the thief calmly walked out of the hotel as if nothing had happened. Why did the hotel staff let outsiders, who I believe hadn’t paid for breakfast, wander around and sit among us?

The bed was really comfortable, and the room layout worked well. There’s ample parking and the location is great. I’d definitely stay again. Breakfast wasn’t good value for what I paid, over 25 euro, with very little hot food to choose from. I’d also prefer a kettle, since the coffee machine is so noisy when you use it for hot water.

I’ve stayed here for almost two months in total, spread across different periods, so this comes from more than one short visit. What finally put me off was the way my shortened stay and final bill were handled. During my last visit, my phone wasn’t working, so I asked for a wake-up call. They never called. I happened to wake up by chance, but was still late for work and missed an important meeting. Reception gave me only a dry, indifferent apology. When I learned my work would finish early, around 5 pm on Tuesday, I told reception I’d leave Thursday instead of Friday. They said it wouldn’t be a problem and that the changes had been made. At checkout, while the receptionist was already handling my departure, they stopped to serve someone else. When I asked about it, I got a vague explanation about seeing a refund on my account and trying to understand it. I explained again that I’d shortened my stay and when I’d told them. All I got was “Ah okay,” which didn’t reassure me. I specifically asked for the final invoice then. The copy they gave me was correct, and I still have it, showing only the nights I stayed. Later, when I was filing expenses, I saw the email invoice was different. It added the final night’s room charge and city tax as “minibar,” even though the minibar was completely empty, and the full amount had already been charged to my card. I called to report it. They said, “Oh, sorry, the accommodation was posted like that.” I went over the checkout again and was put on hold while they spoke to the manager. Eventually, apparently following the manager’s instructions in the background, they said they’d refund me this time, but next time I’d need to give two days’ notice. The tone was condescending, like they were doing me a favor. I’m an ALL Accor Diamond member and always book fully flexible rates, which allow free cancellation even one day before. My job has taken me to countless hotels, and I’ve often changed checkout dates on short notice. I’d even informed them two days ahead, yet I’ve never been treated this way before. This was my last stay here. There were other issues on my longer stays. The tea and coffee cups in the breakfast area were frankly unacceptable, and it was almost impossible to find one that was clean and free of scratches. I often chose juice instead, as it felt relatively safer. That says a lot about the care and hygiene. In the rooms, there are no proper cups, just cylindrical paper ones. There’s no drinking water in the rooms. I understand the environmental argument, but they could at least put water points on each floor. There’s just one station in the lobby, so you have to go there day or night. The hotel is large, and from a room at the far end of a corridor, a simple water refill can take 3 minutes each way. You need a bottle, but they don’t provide one free in the room. If you didn’t bring your own, you’re expected to rent a plastic bottle for 15 CHF. Given the lack of attention to hygiene and detail, a rented bottle doesn’t feel appealing. For food nearby, there’s only a small pizzeria and a market within walking distance, with no other alternatives.

The hotel can get busy, especially at breakfast, but the team handled the crowds well and stayed on hand to help everyone start the day. Staff welcomed me warmly from the moment I arrived, and the hospitality made me feel at home. The food was fantastic, thoughtfully prepared and delicious. I have dietary needs, and the excellent gluten-free options made eating much easier and more enjoyable. The Novotel Bussigny in Switzerland was, without a doubt, my best Novotel stay. It’s comfortable, with outstanding service and good food, and I highly recommend it.