The Beau-Rivage Palace is surrounded by 4 hectares (10 acres) of lush gardens, with cedar, begonia, and sculptures. Built in 1861 and extended in 1908, the hotel has been renovated with respect for its original period architecture. The hotel is among the last bastions of formal Europe, attracting both aristocrats and la grande bourgeoisie, but not forgetting the demands of the world's business travelers. In the tradition of the grand hotels of yesterday, rooms come in a wide range of styles. The less desirable are somewhat sparsely furnished and open onto the parking area, while the more luxurious have Oriental carpeting, wing chairs, and private balconies overlooking Lake Geneva. The hotel is air-conditioned through an ingenious system using water pumped from nearby Lake Geneva.
One of the hotel's restaurants, La Rotonde, offers a panoramic view of lakes and mountains. The Café Beau-Rivage is recommended separately.