Dimitri Burkhard
Switzerland is well known for the natural beauty and several UNESCO World Heritage sites. So it must have been no easy venture to create a culture of hospitality which lives up to that image.
But the Swiss did just that by establishing a number of world renowned hospitality schools in the region along Lake Geneva. In the heart of it all is the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes in Vevey, a luxury boutique hotel with roots dating back to 1842.
As we check in on this late summer weekend, the rich history is apparent every step we make: The marble lobby floor welcomes us with the three iconic crowns from the hotel's name. There is a historic grand piano quietly awaiting its player. And on the opposite side, a charming elevator with velvety cushioned walls, waiting to take us to the third floor...
The Junior Suite
The legacy continues in room 305: Our junior suite. For one, we have never been to a hotel with squeaky floors – and we mean this as a compliment!
The large living space includes an office desk, a sitting area and a king size bed. The marble bathroom is more spacious than anything we have ever seen before...
And did we mention the two private balconies? These south facing extensions of our suite quickly become our favorite hang-out spots. The stunning views over the Swiss Riviera and the French mountains are superb.
And every once in a while, a sail boat or majestic Belle Époche steamer float by... Our tip: When booking a room, always ask for view of The Fork)...
After a day of exploring the Festival IMAGES in Vevey, we fall asleep in the soft cushions while watching the silver reflections of the near full moon on the lake.
Sunday Breakfast Heaven
The next morning, we wake up to a still foggy lake. A fisherman's boat reminds us that breakfast is waiting downstairs. So with a healthy appetite, we essentially skip down three fleet of stairs! By now, they are being flooded with colorful light pushing through the historic stained glass windows.
How can you not indulge in the many food choices on the breakfast buffet?
Among the several freshly squeezed juices including an apple/pear combo from Valais, Mamiko's favorite is the strawberry orange blend.
Once one of each deli meat was sampled, Mamiko challenges the chef with an omelette, a stack of pancakes and even some Belgian waffles (to round it off)...
Even though we are bloggers at heart, we always love a good selection of international newspapers...
Three Golden Keys for the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes
The hotel has something else going for it: Mr. Pahu. The most sympathetic concierge we have ever met is also a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or Suisse.
Signified by the golden keys on his suit, Mr. Pahu is one of Switzerland's top concierges. His inherent curiosity allows him to anticipate any requests - even before a guest realizes they have a request in the first place!
As the Head Concierge at the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes, Mr. Pahu embodies the kind of hospitality this region is so well known for.
"A concierge never says no." Also, we are convinced that he told us: "No wish is too small..."
As it so happens, we have one wish: To spend another weekend in Vevey at the beautiful Hôtel des Trois Couronnes...
Hôtel des Trois Couronnes
Rue d'Italie 49
1800 Vevey
Phone: +41 21 923 32 00
[…] Look, the foot is kicking the car! Can you tell? A priceless street photography moment next to the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes. […]
[…] Out of the Box experience kicked off with a concert at Hôtel des Trois Couronnes in Vevey. Other venues for this "showcase of outstanding artists" include the Abbaye de […]