Lausanne and legacy
On the scene since 1915
Inextricably embedded in the urban fabric of Lausanne, our vibrant hotel has been the place to be in the city ever since it opened. Locals and regulars, firm friends and new faces, creative sorts and brass-tacks businesspeople: they’re all part of the city symphony.
Lausanne's Heartbeat
Still going strong
Explore our story so far, from the backstory of our incredible downtown address to present day - and every vibrant chapter in between.
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1724
The illustrious history of this address begins long before Lausanne Palace was built. In 1724, French philosopher and writer Voltaire stays at Maison Montrond for three years.
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Pre-1899
The Hôtel Belvédère, a renowned establishment on Rue du Grand-Chêne in Lausanne, occupies the site where Lausanne Palace now stands.
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1899
The Hôtel Beau-Site is built next to the Belvédère. The two hotels are jointly managed under the name ‘Beau-Site & Belvédère’, establishing the location as a distinguished hospitality address.
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1911
The original Belvédère building is demolished, making way for an ambitious new vision: Lausanne Palace.
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1915
Inaugurated on 19 June 1915, Lausanne Palace incorporates the Beau-Site Hotel into its structure. This marks the creation of a prestigious hospitality landmark, with a combined layout and seamless connection between the two buildings.
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1923-1932
Lausanne Palace witnesses some of the defining moments of the 20th century. During the second phase of the Lausanne Treaty Conference, which reorganised the former Ottoman Empire, the hotel serves as a residence for Japanese, French and Turkish delegations.
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1943
There’s a fire on the hotel’s roof. The blaze causes a stir among the people of Lausanne but becomes a catalyst for renewal.
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1947
With the addition of a cinema and a cabaret, Lausanne Palace turns into a vibrant cultural hub at the heart of the Lausanne’s artistic scene.
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1951
Furnished apartments with kitchenettes are introduced. The creation of 44 studios in the Beau-Site wing is a visionary concept for the time.
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1970-1971
A new floor and even a helipad are considered as the hotel pursues its expansion with ambition
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1979
Le Relais opens. This new restaurant with a veranda is the precursor to today’s La Table.
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1980
Lausanne Palace becomes home to the IOC. Juan Antonio Samaranch initiated this tradition, which continues to this day.
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1987
Whitney Houston films the music video for I Wanna Dance with Somebody at Lausanne Palace, forever immortalising the hotel’s entrance.
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1990
The hotel receives the Olympic Order Medal in recognition of its central role in the history of the IOC. Since then, the Olympic flag has flown proudly above its façade.
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1991
Café Tinguely opens. This unique space where art and hospitality intertwine eventually becomes the Brasserie du Grand Chêne.
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1997
The Lausanne Palace spa opens. To this day, it’s the city’s largest wellness facility – an urban sanctuary in the heart of Lausanne.
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2000s
To usher in the year 2000, the Lausanne Palace façade is lit up with festive lights. This has become a beloved holiday tradition for the people of Lausanne.
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2017
The Lausanne Palace joins Sandoz Foundation Hotels (SFH). A jewel in Lausanne’s architectural heritage, the palace continues its legacy of excellence and tradition in line with SFH values.
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Since 2020
Sarah Benahmed and Franck Pelux arrive at La Table du Lausanne Palace. The restaurant has two Michelin stars, 17 out of 20 and 4 toques from GaultMillau, and won the Michelin Service Award in 2024.
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Present day - The story continues
Today, 200 team members are proud to write their own chapter in the history of Lausanne Palace, working each day to uphold the brilliance of our iconic establishment.
The heart of the hotel
THE LOBBY
Our exquisite Lobby once had two entrances; the one we know today at street level, and the spa entrance. They were connected by two majestic spiral staircases that ran over two floors and met at the level of what is now our Richemont ballroom. From there, a large staircase led to what is today Bar 1915. In some shape or form, The Lobby has been the meeting point between palace and city for over a century, where visitors and locals naturally cross paths.