Dog-Friendly Hotel Review: Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic, Montreux, Switzerland

Driving into Montreux for the Christmas holidays was nothing short of magical. Daisy (my 6kg Shih Tzu) and I made the scenic drive from Italy, and as we approached Montreux, the snow-capped mountains framed by the stunning Lake Geneva came into view. It was like stepping into a real-life Instagram post—only better. Montreux at Christmas is a scene from a Netflix holiday special, and the Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic is right at the heart of it all. This hotel quickly became one of my top recommendations for traveling with a dog.

In this review, I’ll walk you through every aspect of our stay at the Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic, covering everything from arrival and check-in to Daisy’s experience as a VIP (Very Important Pup) guest. We’ll break down the hotel’s dog-friendly features, amenities, dining options, and location—plus some practical tips for traveling with your dog.

1. Hotel Overview

The Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic is a 4-star luxury hotel that’s part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. The hotel is located right on the main street of Montreux, directly across from the waterfront, with breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. While it’s easy to find on Google Maps, it’s worth noting that the actual entrance is on the street behind the main road—a small but useful detail for drivers. If you’re arriving by car, you’ll need to park in a nearby public car park and either use the escalator or take the steps up to the hotel’s entrance.

Once inside, you’ll be greeted by elegant decor with a warm, historic charm. Every room has wooden floors, which are perfect for dog owners. Unlike many hotels with cookie-cutter designs, the Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic’s unique character and thoughtful design are on display throughout the building.

2. Arrival & Check-In

Upon arrival, I placed Daisy in her travel bag on top of my luggage, and we wheeled into the hotel—a smooth, accessible process thanks to the hotel’s wheelchair-friendly layout. The reception team’s friendliness was unforgettable. They greeted Daisy with so much warmth and affection that, by the end of our stay, she’d become a mini-celebrity known as “Crazy Daisy” among the staff.

We were informed of the pet fee, which was an additional cost of CHF 30 per night. While some might find the fee inconvenient, I was thrilled that Daisy’s name was even printed on her own bus pass for local transport. Yes, you read that right—Daisy had her very own Montreux bus pass, which is one of the most adorable and thoughtful touches I’ve experienced as a dog traveler.

3. Room Setup for Dogs

Our room was a Junior Suite with a large king bed, plenty of space for Daisy to move around, and thoughtful health and wellness features like a yoga mat. But the highlight was the lake view. The balcony was stunning, although it’s important to note that the metal fencing could pose a safety concern for smaller dogs like Daisy. If you’re traveling with a small pup, I’d recommend bringing a portable dog fence or something to block the gaps if you want to keep the balcony door open.

The room’s amenities for Daisy included a dog bed, a toy, and a water bowl—all neatly arranged as part of her welcome package. The hotel’s attention to detail made it feel as though Daisy was just as much a guest as I was.

4. On-Site Pet Amenities

The Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic’s pet-friendly setup is outstanding. From bowls and dog beds in the room to full access to most of the hotel’s communal areas, Daisy was treated like royalty. Unlike many “pet-friendly” hotels that restrict pets to specific areas, here Daisy was allowed in the restaurant, bar, and terrace. This was a big deal for me since it’s frustrating when pet-friendly hotels limit dogs to certain areas.

While the hotel does not have a designated dog relief area on-site, the waterfront is just a few steps away, so this wasn’t an issue for us. The nearby promenade offered plenty of space for dog walks with incredible views.

5. Dining Options (With Dogs)

Daisy’s access to the dining areas was one of the best parts of our stay. For Christmas morning, we enjoyed breakfast in bed (yes, Daisy too), followed by a walk along the waterfront promenade. Later, we sat on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, where the staff brought water for Daisy while I sipped on wine. They even provided cozy blankets to keep warm on chillier evenings.

Many hotels claim to be pet-friendly, but their dining policies are often restrictive. At the Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic, Daisy was able to accompany me to breakfast, dinner, and drinks at the bar. I’ve never felt more included as a dog parent.

6. Walkability & Dog-Friendly Activities Nearby

With the Montreux Christmas Market located directly across the road, it’s hard to imagine a better location. We could walk straight from the hotel to the market, and Daisy was welcomed everywhere. The waterfront promenade also provided miles of scenic walking paths—perfect for long strolls with a pup.

The hotel’s central location also means it’s close to the train station, making it easy to explore nearby towns and attractions. If you’re traveling without a car, this is a huge plus.

7. Cleanliness & Comfort

Dog-friendly hotels often get a bad reputation for cleanliness, but the Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic is absolutely spotless. From the public areas to the guest rooms, I never once felt like I was in a “dog-friendly” hotel—and I mean that in the best way. It’s clear the hotel takes its luxury reputation seriously, even with pets on the property. Daisy’s bed and bowls were fresh and clean upon arrival, and the overall atmosphere was elegant and pristine.

8. Pet Policies & Fees

• Pet Fee: CHF 30 per night per dog. Plus non refundable fee of CHF 60.
• Weight Limit: None.
• Number of Pets Allowed: One dog per room.
• Other Policies: No cats allowed. Dogs can join guests in the restaurant, bar, and terrace areas.

9. Pros & Cons of Staying at Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic

Pros

• Direct access to Montreux Christmas Market and waterfront promenade.
• Pet-friendly access to restaurant, bar, and terrace.
• Pet amenities like bowls, beds, and toys included.
• Welcoming, friendly staff who made Daisy feel like a VIP guest.
• Spotless, clean, and elegant design with no signs of “dog-friendliness” affecting the luxury vibe.

Cons

• Balcony railings may pose a risk for small dogs (recommend bringing a portable fence).
• No designated dog relief area on-site.

10. Final Verdict

Would I stay at the Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic again with Daisy? Absolutely. From start to finish, our experience was flawless. From the thoughtful welcome for Daisy to the pet-friendly dining experience, this hotel has set the bar high. Whether you’re visiting during the festive season or planning a summer getaway, it’s a top choice for dog parents who want luxury and warmth.

If you’re planning a trip to Montreux with your dog, the Grande Hotel Suisse Majestic is a must-visit. You’ll leave with cherished memories, stunning views, and maybe even a little fame for your pup. (Crazy Daisy was recognized on the street thanks to her hotel fan club!)

Rating: 10/10 for Pet-Friendliness

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