A Majestic Stay at The Villars Palace Hotel in Villars

3 months ago4 min read

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the majestic Villars Palace Hotel in Villars-sur-Ollon, situated in the heart of the beautiful Vaud Alps in Switzerland.

This elegant building, dating back to 1913, boasts stunning architecture and underwent a major renovation over two years before reopening in summer 2022.

The hotel is truly luxurious, featuring a grand structure that combines stone and wood, with arched windows, ceiling mouldings, and old columns. The lobby retains the original floor tiles and showcases impressive sculpted chandeliers. Since its refurbishment, the hotel has maintained all the charm of a bygone era, complemented by a flourish of modernity. Locals still affectionately refer to it as “Le Paquebot des Alpes” or the cruise ship of the Alps, highlighting its sophisticated presence in the area.

The Villars Palace has been a cherished destination for generations of travellers looking for a rejuvenating stay at the foot of the mountains. Now part of the Villars Alpine Resort, it continues to offer a truly unique experience with exceptionally friendly and professional service, led by its managing director, Jean-Yves Blatt.

The Perfect Location for a Luxurious Stay Year-Round

In winter, the Villars-Gryon-Diablerets ski area provides over 130 kilometres of impeccably groomed slopes suitable for all levels. The nearby high-altitude Glacier 3000 ski area offers guaranteed snow for skiing and snowboarding from November to May.

In summer, Villars-sur-Ollon transforms into a haven for hiking and biking, with numerous trails and tracks catering to all fitness levels.

The hotel is also conveniently located for boat trips on Lake Geneva and visits to popular attractions like Chillon Castle. Moreover, Montreux and Lausanne are just around 30 minutes away, making them ideal for summer excursions.

The Rooms at The Villars Palace

After being acquired by The Villars Alpine Resort in 2019, the hotel underwent a complete renovation to modernise its facilities. The number of rooms was reduced, with individual rooms significantly enlarged and luxuriously furnished. The hotel now offers a total of 109 rooms in various categories, including 15 junior suites and 13 suites.

The rooms feature a minimalist design with wood accents and warm colours, along with state-of-the-art bathrooms and amenities, providing everything needed for a luxurious stay in the mountains. I really loved the balcony in my suite which had wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.

“Le 1913” Restaurant

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and dinner at the signature restaurant “Le 1913” (16/20 GaultMillau points), where head chef Christian Bertogna and executive chef Guillaume Roquin crafted delicious dishes with an Alpine and Mediterranean twist.

The Bar du Palace

The “Bar du Palace” includes an indoor section as well as a charming terrace, making it the perfect place to enjoy an aperitif, a small snack, or a nightcap with stunning views of the nearby Alps.

The Villars Palace as a Business Venue

The hotel is also an excellent choice for business events, with seven meeting rooms and three event rooms, making it a great venue for celebrations, conferences, presentations, and meetings.

Spa and Wellness Facilities

The 2,300 sqm wellness area features a hammam, sauna, relaxation zone and a beautiful pool. Additionally, there is an extensive spa menu offering you a selection of wellness treatments.