So Confused by Varying Opinions - villages on Lake Geneva

Seedy??? Maybe seeds from all the flowers? 😊

You can find some good you tube videos to watch and see which appeals to you more. Lausanne seems too big city for me. Haven’t been and have no desire to go on my next trip.

I stayed at the Grand Hotel Swiss in Montreux last year and have reservations for next year. I feel in love with it after watching this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAT3YVfhQ4g

It was so convenient, right across from the train station and steps from the lake front and the boat dock. Nice walk along the lake to the castle (or you can take the boat). I was there by myself and I felt 100% completely safe.

I put some of my photos from my trip in google albums so you can get a sense of the area. I included St. Saphorin because it was the perfect day trip and one of my favorite places in Switzerland. OK, every place is pretty much my favorite. 😊

Videos of St. Saphorin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieFwmKNncL8&t=661s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUm-3ehmfek

Montreux photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4iyCHyoqb33oBCHK8

Vevey photos (notice I didn’t take very many):

https://photos.app.goo.gl/3fdroeDHCfQxx4uv5

St. Saphorin:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BiHVmHCBi2LvXUei9

You’re going to get a mix of opinions. Like I said on your other thread, there are no wrong choices. You’ll have to do some research and see which you prefer.

One thing to be aware of, that time of year is most likely during the Montreux Jazz fest. I’m not seeing the 2024 dates, but it’s typically the end of June into July. I’d expect crowds and higher prices in probably all 3 locations,, but more so Montreux. And unfortunately, if you are looking for a nice, quiet, relaxing visit, this won’t be a good time of year.

Good luck!!

I only did a day trip to Montreux and the part I went to was nice. I'd consider staying there.

I also spent an afternoon in Lausanne. The part we were in was very hilly and congested in the kilometer or so around the train station. It's way up above the lake. I think the area by the lake is actually called Ouchy. I haven't been there so can't advise.

Not much help I know, but if it was me, I'd look into a VRBO near Montreux

I also recommend watching some YouTube videos to get a better feel for the area. You can use google earth to “walk” around and see if you like an area.

I stayed overnight in Montreux last September and did not think it was seedy at all, it was lovely. I would return in a heartbeat.

just to mention that all of those that you ask about are significant towns, in fact Lausanne is a city, all are a long way from a small village.

Lausanne is very appealing to me - I like the layer cake-ness of it, the little vertical subway train, the lakeside and the shopping areas, and the green growing walls.

Montreux has its own charm and is a very nice place. I have yet to visit Vevey, but one day I am sure.

Montreux is beautiful and also that its seedy???

How can you be beautiful and seedy?

While I have not been to every corner of Switzerland, I have yet to find one village or city, seedy. I would suspect any city or village located on Lake Geneva has no shortage of $400 a night hotels. Your first stop should be Booking.com where you can put in your parameters and take your pick.

We have stayed in Lausanne twice, including this summer, and find it preferable to the other two places. It is much larger, and for us, more interesting and varied, with more things to do there. The lakefront is beautiful, and several boat trips originate there. The old part of town is very nice and interesting. You can easily take a Metro subway to connect all these places. The only drawback to Lausanne is that it is hilly and has some steep streets. We like to base there and take the train to other places. A good place to stay near the train station is the Hotel Elite, with nice rooms and reasonable prices, breakfast included. Some of the rooms have air conditioning, which may or may not be needed in the summer, depending on the weather.