Where to Stay in Lausanne
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
Lausanne stacks itself by height. Ouchy lies at the lake, cobalt water glittering beneath cool Alpine breezes. The Old Town crowns the limestone hilltop, its Gothic cathedral chiming the quarter-hours across honey-stone rooftops. Between them, the Flon valley slices through, linked by metro and funicular. Each tier fields its own hotel scene and price register.
Lausanne sits firmly in the expensive tier of Swiss cities. Budget travelers find workable options near the station; mid-range comfort clusters along the mid-slope and in Flon. Lakefront palace hotels and Old Town landmarks define the upper end.
Budget
CHF 55-130 per night for hostels and basic hotels
Mid-Range
CHF 160-320 per night for 3-4 star hotels
Luxury
CHF 400-1300 per night for 5-star palace-grade properties
Where to Stay in Lausanne
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for every visitor.
Our Top Picks
The highest-rated hotel in each price range, selected from all neighborhoods.
Top Pick: Ouchy
"Super Friendly and helpful staffs Good quality breakfast, variety of choice, Bir…"
Private parking
Luggage storage
Wi-Fi in public areas
Hiking
Top Pick: Ouchy
Mid Range
Palmiers by Fassbind
"Great location just steps from the train station. Yet quiet thanks to the lovely…"
Sauna
Gym
Luggage storage
Bar
Top Pick: Ouchy
Luxury
Beau-Rivage Palace
"The hotel can be said to be a classic of luxury hotels in the world. It is very…"
Golf course
Sunbathing area
Indoor swimming pool
Outdoor swimming pool
Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
Hotel recommendations verified
Luxury
The lakefront district at the bottom of the Lausanne funicular, where the Léman stretches south toward the French shore and copper spires rise above stone piers. The Olympic Museum sits in manicured gardens smelling of boxwood and lake air. Ferries depart for Évian and Thonon from the marina. The metro M2 reaches Old Town and the station in under ten minutes.
- ✓ Direct lake access, shore swimming, and ferry departures for the French shore
- ✓ Olympic Museum and Musée de l'Élysée within walking distance
- ✓ Metro M2 stop makes every other Lausanne district an eight-minute ride
- ✓ The most prestigious hotel addresses in the city with lakefront gardens
- ✗ Visibly more expensive than any other district, with restaurants and cafes priced accordingly.
- ✗ Quieter after 9pm than Flon. Dedicated nightlife requires a metro ride
Recommended places to stay in Ouchy
"Super Friendly and helpful staffs Good quality breakfast, variety of choice, Bir…"
Private parking
Luggage storage
Wi-Fi in public areas
Hiking
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Mid Range
Palmiers by Fassbind
"Great location just steps from the train station. Yet quiet thanks to the lovely…"
Sauna
Gym
Luggage storage
Bar
✓ Verified
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Luxury
Beau-Rivage Palace
"The hotel can be said to be a classic of luxury hotels in the world. It is very…"
Golf course
Sunbathing area
Indoor swimming pool
Outdoor swimming pool
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Mid Range
Best Western Plus Hotel Mirabeau
"Good hotel with close proximity to the train station and city centre. Rooms were…"
Public parking
Luggage storage
Bar
Restaurant
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Mid Range
Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind Lausanne
"My two companions and I had a fantastic three-night stay. The hotel is modern an…"
Luggage storage
Restaurant
Currency exchange
Multi-function room
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Old Town
Mid-range to Luxury
La Cité climbs Lausanne's highest limestone hill, with the Gothic cathedral at the summit and the market square of Place de la Palud halfway down. Covered stairways and stepped lanes smell of cool old stone. After 8pm the cathedral bells fade slowly over tiled rooftops and most lanes fall quiet. A covered escalator links directly to Flon below.
- ✓ Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée Historique de Lausanne, and Escaliers du Marché all on foot.
- ✓ Pedestrian-only lanes feel calm and safe after the daytime visitors clear
- ✓ Best elevated city and lake views in Lausanne
- ✓ Covered escalator and funicular connect directly to Flon and the metro M2
- ✗ Steep cobblestone lanes make mobility difficult for anyone with limited mobility.
- ✗ Dining options inside the Old Town are limited and priced above the city average.
Recommended places to stay in Old Town
Mid Range
Starling Hotel Lausanne
"The room is spacious and located in a quiet area. Free parking is available for…"
Massage room
Gym
Private parking
Luggage storage
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Luxury
Château d'Ouchy
"This room is spacious, clean and tidy. It is right by the lake. If the weather i…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
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Mid Range
Ibis Lausanne Centre
"All standout! Modern, clean, spacious room, very nice hotel and a good deal for t…"
Public parking
EV charging station
Luggage storage
Bar
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Mid Range
Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind
"I had a wonderful time at Agora Swiss Night. The hotel is very close to the cent…"
Sauna
Gym
Private parking
EV charging station
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Mid Range
Hôtel des Voyageurs Boutique
"Nice location, modern room, fair price. Carpet is totally wet at the entrance.…"
Gym
Public parking
Luggage storage
Wake-up call
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Budget to Mid-range
A former industrial freight valley transformed into Lausanne's arts, nightlife, and creative district. Converted warehouses hold galleries, record shops, and design studios. The metro interchange here makes the rest of the city immediately reachable. Weekend nights fill with bass from bar terraces. By day the district smells of coffee and fresh bread from the market stalls near Riponne.
- ✓ Metro M2 hub connects Ouchy and the station in minutes from the valley floor
- ✓ Best concentration of affordable restaurants and bars in Lausanne
- ✓ Independent galleries, concept stores, and Musée de l'Art Brut a short walk away.
- ✓ Summer outdoor events and open-air concerts on the terrace spaces
- ✗ Electronic music and bar noise is loud until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.
- ✗ Industrial warehouse aesthetic does not suit travelers looking for classic Swiss character.
Recommended places to stay in Flon
Mid Range
Moxy Lausanne City
"Good location near to metro station and modern designed"
Gym
Parking
Bar
Restaurant
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Luxury
Lausanne Palace
"The service is always good and it feels like home. IOC Headquarters Hotel!"
Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
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Mid Range
Continental Hotel Lausanne
"Great location, near both the metro and the rail (＜5min walk). Clean room and gr…"
Spa
Public parking
Priority airport pick-up
Luggage storage
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Aquatis Hotel
"Very beautiful view from rooms. The aquarium is also standout."
Golf course
Sauna
Spa
Gym
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Mid Range
Hôtel des Patients
"When I arrived at the hotel, I discovered that the name of the hotel contained t…"
Private parking
Luggage storage
Bar
Restaurant
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Gare District
Budget to Mid-range
The neighborhood around Lausanne-Gare, where TGV trains depart for Paris and the metro M2 begins its steep climb toward the lake. Rue Centrale carries a working city feel: bakeries open at 6am, luggage rumbles across the forecourt, and the air mixes diesel and fresh pastry in equal measure. Functional and central rather than atmospheric.
- ✓ TGV to Paris, trains to Bern, Zurich, and Geneva all depart direct from Lausanne-Gare.
- ✓ Metro M2 to Ouchy and Old Town within a two-minute walk of most hotels
- ✓ Widest selection of mid-range hotels at the most competitive rates in central Lausanne.
- ✓ Rue Centrale offers practical dining from early morning to midnight
- ✗ No distinctive Lausanne character. The station quarter resembles any Swiss transit hub.
- ✗ Traffic noise and taxi queues make street-facing rooms noisy until late
Recommended places to stay in Gare District
Mid Range
Swiss Wine by Fassbind
"Had a great stay in Lausanne. Located right next to the metro, cozy room."
Sauna
Gym
Luggage storage
Restaurant
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Luxury
Hotel Angleterre
"The hotel is very comfortable and the breakfast price should be reconsidered for…"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Massage room
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Luxury
Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne
"Specifically room, near the lake, public parking nearby only 8cf per day."
Sauna
Spa
Gym
Public parking
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Mid Range
Alpha by Fassbind
"Well located near the Lausanne gare. But be careful: it is up the hill, so you'l…"
Sauna
Gym
Public parking
EV charging station
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Mid Range
Hôtel de la Paix Lausanne
"The family of four stayed in two twin rooms. The location is very convenient and…"
Spa
Gym
Private parking
EV charging station
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Mid-range to Luxury
The lakeside village immediately east of Lausanne, where Roman mosaic floors sit beneath a small museum and vineyards touch the water at the western edge of the Lavaux UNESCO terraces. The air tastes of Chasselas grape and cool lake freshness. Sailing boats knock quietly against the jetty. Pully runs on a genuine village rhythm, fifteen minutes from the Lausanne metro by bus.
- ✓ Lavaux vineyard terraces begin immediately east, with walking trails through Chasselas country in bloom or at harvest. The vines spill down the slope like green waterfalls. Pack good shoes. Morning light is best.
- ✓ A lakefront shore path connects west to Ouchy on foot in under 40 minutes
- ✓ Quieter than all central Lausanne districts with a local restaurant scene. You will hear Swiss French, not tour-guide English. Prices stay honest. Locals nod hello.
- ✓ Ferry connections to Thonon-les-Bains and Évian on the French shore
- ✗ Requires a 15-minute bus ride or short drive to reach Lausanne's metro network and main sights. The bus is punctual. Parking is scarce. Plan accordingly.
- ✗ Very limited dining and no real nightlife options within walking distance after 9pm. Bring snacks. Or sleep early. The silence is golden.
Recommended places to stay in Pully
Mid Range
Carlton Lausanne Boutique Hôtel
"The entire Lausanne terrain has a large gap, so the roads are all slopes. Theref…"
Gym
Private parking
Priority airport pick-up
Luggage storage
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Luxury
Royal Savoy Hotel and Spa
"The hotel is within walking distance to the lake and the city center. Chocolates…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
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Mid Range
Elite
"Close to the train station, from the train station gate, first find McDonald's,…"
Private parking
EV charging station
Luggage storage
Cafe
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Mid Range
Tulip Inn Lausanne Beaulieu
"Close to downtown, clean and well maintained. First of all, the staff were very…"
Private parking
EV charging station
Luggage storage
Bar
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Montbenon
Budget to Mid-range
The western slope of central Lausanne, anchored by the Casino de Montbenon and the Sauvabelin forest trail above. Streets here are quieter and more residential than Flon or the station quarter, with a calm mid-slope position that keeps both Old Town and the metro within ten minutes on foot. The Musée de l'Art Brut is a short walk east. Breathe easier up here.
- ✓ Ten minutes on foot to both Flon and Old Town without a metro ride
- ✓ Sauvabelin forest offers morning walks through beech trees with birdsong and cool shade. Joggers share the path. Views open suddenly. Bring coffee.
- ✓ Quieter residential streets than any other central district in Lausanne
- ✓ Casino de Montbenon holds free summer concerts on the open terrace
- ✗ Fewer dedicated hotel options than other central districts
- ✗ Uphill return from Flon and the metro after an evening out takes genuine effort
Recommended places to stay in Montbenon
Mid Range
Base Lausanne - Contactless Check IN
"Hotel is 10 minutes walk from Lausanne train station. Room is small. There is a…"
Table tennis room
Wi-Fi in public areas
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Mid Range
Hotel Victoria
"Overall, it is quite good. There is a royal atmosphere."
Sauna
Gym
Luggage storage
Bar
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Mid Range
Apart'Hotel 46a
Sauna
Gym
Private parking
Wi-Fi in public areas
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Mid Range
Ibis Styles Lausanne Center MadHouse
"Go from Lausanne Railway Station to pay attention to take M1 subway station, rem…"
Luggage storage
Bar
Wi-Fi in public areas
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"Had a very pleasant stay. The online customer service was highly responsive and…"
Wi-Fi in public areas
Laundry room
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Find Hotels in Lausanne
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Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Palace Hotels
CHF 400-1300 per night
Lausanne's signature tier: century-old lakefront or hilltop properties with original architecture, full spas, and formal service no chain can replicate. Expect white gloves. Expect silence. Expect a bill to match.
Best for: Honeymooners, milestone trips, and business visits where the address carries weight. Arrive rested. Leave impressed.
Book palace hotels directly rather than through OTAs. Their concierge teams arrange transfers, restaurant reservations, and lake excursions that online platforms cannot match. Call them. Speak French if you can.
Hotels
CHF 120-400 per night
The dominant form across Lausanne, from economy chains near the station to 4-star boutiques in Flon and along the mid-slope. Consistency rules. So does breakfast.
Best for: Most travelers wanting reliability, daily housekeeping, and metro access from any district. You will sleep well. You will move fast.
Lausanne a comparison sites typically beat OTA prices by 10-15 percent, and direct bookings often include the regional transport pass covering the metro, city buses, and regional trains. Do the math. Save francs.
Hostels
CHF 45-100 per night
A small scene anchored by the well-run Youth Hostel at Vidy and a handful of guesthouses in Flon and Montbenon. Clean bunks. Shared kitchens. Easy chatter.
Best for: Solo travelers and backpackers who want lake access without paying lakefront hotel rates. Bring flip-flops. Make friends.
Private hostel rooms book out two to three weeks ahead in summer. Dorm beds remain available with shorter notice even in July. Plan ahead. Or pack light.
Apartment Rentals
CHF 140-380 per night
Short-term flats in Flon, the mid-slope, and Pully offer kitchens and lower per-night costs for stays of a week or more. Cook pasta. Drink local wine. Feel local.
Best for: Families, groups, and visitors staying a week or longer in a city where restaurant meals add up quickly. Grocery stores help. So does a dishwasher.
Lausanne apartments rarely appear prominently on major OTAs; platform-specific searches yield more options, and three weeks of lead time is wise for summer stays. Dig deeper. Save more.
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Ouchy and Old Town fill first; Gare District almost never does
Lakefront Ouchy hotels and Old Town boutiques sell out six to eight weeks ahead for July and August. The Gare District chains and mid-range properties near the station accept last-minute bookings at competitive rates even at the height of summer. Choose your priority.
Many Lausanne hotels include a regional transport pass
A significant number of central Lausanne hotels include a regional transport pass covering the metro M2, city buses, and regional trains to Montreux and the Lavaux vineyards. Confirm at booking and factor this into comparisons with cheaper rooms that charge for transport separately. The pass pays for itself.
Midweek rates spike in the business season
Lausanne hosts the International Olympic Committee and several major international organizations. Tuesday through Thursday occupancy pushes midweek rates above weekend prices from September through May. Saturday arrivals consistently offer the best per-night rates at the same properties. Business drives prices.
April and May offer the strongest value in the region
Shoulder season in Lausanne brings mild temperatures with the Lavaux vineyards in bloom, uncrowded lake ferries, and rates a quarter to a third below August. Two weeks of lead time covers most options, and every district in the city feels noticeably more open and local. Visit then.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
High Season
Reserve Ouchy and Old Town hotels six to eight weeks ahead for June through August and for the Christmas market period in late November and December, when the entire city tightens. Book early. Or stay flexible.
Shoulder Season
April through May and October bring mild air, bloom or harvest in the Lavaux vineyards, and rates meaningfully lower than peak. Two to three weeks of lead time is typically sufficient. Enjoy elbow room.
Low Season
January through March outside ski weekends sees deep discounts across Lausanne. The Gare District and Flon hotels accept walk-in bookings. Palace hotels on the lake discount heavily in January, and the snow-capped Alps visible from Ouchy are worth a winter visit. Pack a coat. Save francs.
Three weeks covers most situations outside peak summer. For Ouchy and Old Town in July and August, six weeks is the practical minimum. Mark your calendar.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.
Check-in / Check-out
Standard check-in is 15:00; checkout is 11:00 or noon. Swiss hotels observe these times reliably. Luggage storage is available at virtually every property and at Lausanne-Gare for day visitors arriving early. Plan your day.
Tipping
Not expected in Switzerland. Rounding a restaurant bill to the nearest franc is conventional; a small daily tip for housekeeping over a multi-night stay is generous but never required. Relax. You are welcome.
Payment
Cards rule Lausanne. Everywhere. Tiny guesthouses, backpacker hostels, no problem. Local currency is the Swiss franc. Euros work at most hotels. Change comes back in francs. Hotel exchange rates, not market rates. Remember that.