60 renovated rooms and part of the facade restored
MONTREUX, May 10, 2024 – Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, an iconic Belle Époque landmark since 1906, proudly announces the successful completion of the first phase of its extensive renovation project. This phase, featuring the refurbishment of 60 lake view rooms and enhancements to a third of its lake-facing facade, marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s journey towards redefining luxury hospitality.
Led by Hamburg-based architects, cm-DESIGN, the renovation project draws inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of Lake Geneva and the hotel’s majestic architecture. Meticulous attention to detail has been the cornerstone, seamlessly integrating the essence of the surroundings into every design aspect.
The 60 newly refurbished rooms and suites exude a sense of tranquility and comfort, with a color palette inspired by the ever-changing hues of the lake. Cream and blue tones, complemented by golden accents and subtle shades of pink, create an atmosphere of refined elegance that resonates throughout the furnishings, fabrics, and materials.
“This renovation embodies a harmonious blend of preservation with innovation,” says Lead Architect Kathrin Matthiesen. “Our objective was to pay homage to the building’s historic grandeur and natural surroundings while introducing modern comforts and sustainable practices, along with captivating details that elevate the living experience.”
Highlights of the renovation include the preservation and enhancement of the hotel’s distinctive architectural features, such as intricate moldings and details. Solid oak floors, nacre embellished furniture, and hand-tufted carpets further elevate the guest experience, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship and elegance. The spacious bathrooms exude a warm and romantic atmosphere with polished quartz vanity tops and custom-designed wallpaper featuring graceful water birds.
Renovated rooms & suites also introduce cutting-edge sound systems, transforming walls into speakers for an immersive audio experience, while a new in-room entertainment system seamlessly connects with guests’ personal devices.
Beyond aesthetic enhancements, the renovation prioritizes environmental sustainability with upgrades to energy-efficient lighting and smart blinds, faucet aerators to reduce water consumption, and the elimination of single-use plastic from the guest experience.
In collaboration with heritage authorities, the facade renovation carefully preserves the building’s historical significance. Gilded balcony railings have been meticulously restored with gold leaf, seamlessly blending period materials with modern technology. LEDs installed on the façade lighting fixtures enhance the building’s charm while embracing contemporary standards.
“We are thrilled to unveil the first phase of our renovation project, a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences,” says Michael Smithuis, General Manager of Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. “This marks the start of an exciting journey as we move towards a new era, prioritizing technology, sustainability, and personalized service to redefine the guest experience.”
Looking ahead, the second phase of renovations, scheduled from October 2024 to April 2025, will transform an additional 70 rooms and the rest of the main facade. The final phase, from October 2025 to April 2026, will focus on the restoration of the remaining north facade. These enhancements solidify Fairmont Le Montreux Palace’s status as a premier destination and iconic property in the Lake Geneva region.
