Romantik Hotel Beau Rivage

The view of lake Lucerne with Pilatus behind it was the best part, especially at sunset if you’re lucky enough to catch it. Right by the harbour on lakeside Weggis, this is an old-style hotel with an enthusiastic owner. I’ve stayed in many rooms in Switzerland, and this was one of the best, at a reasonable price. There was loads of floor space, comfortable beds, and a modern shower.

The rooms and service were top-notch. We stayed in 303 and 304, both very spacious, and the cleaners left us biscuits whenever they cleaned. They also provide all the toiletries you could need. Hong at reception was so kind and funny, and made us feel at home. She’s from Southeast Asia too. The only drawback was that the phones didn’t work, though since the hotel is small, going down to reception wasn’t a big deal. The hotel is gorgeous, like something from a Hallmark movie. I went with my mom, dad, and sister, and we visited in winter, which was a shame because there’s a nice outdoor pool and a sauna. The restaurant food was great: we tried the Italian pizza and ravioli, and both were delicious. It’s a bit far from Lucerne, about 30 minutes by Uber or 40 minutes by ferry.

Laslo at reception gave us such a warm welcome and made our stay feel personal and special. His kindness made it unforgettable. At the restaurant, Salvo served fantastic Italian food with a professional, warm touch that made us feel at home. The hotel crew added so much to our weekend. Our room was comfortable, with a fantastic view of the lake. The place was clean and cosy, with plenty of quiet open space, and parking right outside. The intimate spa had an amazing view, and it was a plus that the pool was open in September. We enjoyed the atmosphere after a refreshing swim.

The lakefront setting is the clear highlight, and the outside of the hotel is reasonably well kept. Parking is free, but there are only a few spaces. For the price and four-star rating, I expected a much higher standard. Inside, things looked noticeably dated and poorly maintained. The reception felt more like an old guesthouse, and the staff seemed rather unfriendly at check-in. My room did have the lake view I booked, but the renovation seemed superficial. The walls and furniture were worn, with obvious marks and stains. There was dust and dirt in the corners, the bathroom door only shut when pushed hard, and the glasses and cups were sticky, so I washed them before using them. The spa wasn’t inviting either. There was a small whirlpool and a steam bath or sauna that had to be switched on in advance. The relaxation area looked unclean even from outside, so I didn’t go in. Breakfast also fell short of what I’d expect from a four-star hotel. The selection was minimal, and some items, including salmon and meat, didn’t look fresh enough for me to feel comfortable eating them. My stay didn’t match the advertised category or price. Apart from the beautiful lakefront, very little met four-star expectations, and based on my experience I won’t return.