Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection

We were there for a short stay with our dog and really enjoyed it. The rooms, atmosphere and service were all top notch. Staff were very helpful and seemed to anticipate what we needed instead of just assuming. The lake view is stunning and well worth recommending. It’s downtown Montreux, directly opposite the train station, and you can also park in the public garage at the station.

The only decent thing about this hotel is how close it is to the train station. It’s old, so being below par in some ways is understandable, and some staff do try their best. But the managers’ poor leadership, attitude and communication are the real problem. This was my last stay here. I’d choose the Fairmont instead, just one block away. The front desk staff seemed completely lost, and the manager was never around. After two nights, I finally met Kadija when she was disrespectfully scolding my parents about how to get on the wifi. I stepped in, and she kept arguing and yelling at me. Even as I walked away, she talked about us behind our backs. That was extremely disrespectful. I’ve never had a Marriot manager talk behind my back like that, and I’m from New York too. Guests in Montreux shouldn’t have to deal with Khadija’s ugly attitude and backtalk.

The location is handy for trips to Geneva and its airport, or to Gruyères to see the castle and cheese factory, since the station is literally across the street. Our balcony faced the station rather than the lake, but the view was still quite nice. The hotel was built on this site in 1870 and is a beautiful landmark along the Montreux promenade. I found the stay interesting and pleasant. The rooms aren’t large, but they have character. They’re thoroughly cleaned and very tidy, with new plumbing and furniture, yet they don’t feel like they were built today. It’s like stepping into an old hotel that has just reopened, a mix of history and very good service. The breakfast was good, if not extraordinary, with what a European traveller would expect. The coffee was tasty and the bread very fresh. I didn’t speak much with the staff, but everyone was friendly. I was surprised by the bad reviews, which seemed exaggerated to me. The one real downside is the price. Switzerland is expensive in general, so whether things are worth it is a rhetorical question, but I think the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic probably is. A wonderful place, cozy, beautiful, clean and professional.

The team made my stay great from check-in onward, and the rooms were clean with excellent housekeeping. Theo and Khadijah at the front office helped me a lot throughout the stay, and Sandra welcomed everyone to breakfast with a smile. The staff were helpful and supportive, and I’ll definitely come back. It’s close to the train station, about a two-minute walk from the lake, with easy access and amazing views. Parking is easy to find around the hotel too. Highly recommended.