Hôtel du Soleil

This is a family-run hotel where the owners are doing everything to make their guests' stay enjoyable. We really felt at home here! Sven quickly answered our ring at the door and took us to the breakfast room to check us in. (There is no Reception desk.) While this was being completed, our suitcase was whisked away to our room, so we didn't even have to carry it up the flight of stairs. Although it was only 11.30 a.m., our room was ready. Sven kindly offered us a portable fan; we accepted, as it was very warm while we were there. We loved our room. Firstly, it was spotlessly clean. Secondly, it was very big, with two single beds pushed together, a desk with a chair and a large sofa (which might have been a sofa bed.) The bathroom, too, was large, with a shower over the bath and a set of shelves to hold toiletries thoughtfully included. So many bathrooms have insufficient bench or shelf space. Thirdly, it was very quiet, looking towards the mountains away from the lake. We kept the outside shutters ajar and the internal windows (double-glazed for winter cold), wide open the whole time we were there. (No need for window screens here; no bugs!) We are both sound sleepers, so the church bells chiming the hour did not wake us. Two bedside lights and a lamp on the desk give light where it's needed. Big plus... Tea-making facilities, with a decent-sized jug and a mini fridge. The breakfast room has been set up attractively. The buffet has juice, fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, jams, hard-boiled eggs and ham and cheese. A basket of bread, rolls and delicious mini croissants is placed on each table. Tea and coffee is self-serve. Over breakfast, Sven gave us suggestions for sight-seeing activities and we always enjoyed chatting with him. Location: We arrived in Villeneuve by ferry from Montreux. Walk straight ahead past the Coop, and take the first street on the right. We couldn’t see a street sign, but it’s the street with the flags. The hotel is two short blocks down, on the left. The entrance is down the side street. Coming by train, exit the station towards the lake and at the fountain, take the street on your left. The hotel is two blocks down, on the left. Bus number 201 from Montreux will drop you in front of the station. It's a 20 minutes’ walk to Chillon Castle along the lakeshore and about an hour to Montreux. We love this area of Switzerland and hope to return in the near future. You can be sure that we'll head for the charming old town of Villeneuve (in preference to busier Montreux), and stay at the Hotel du Soleil again. Thanks, Sven and Coraline for a great stay.