Know Before You Go: Hotel Royal Evian (Évian-les-Bains, France)
Our stay at Hotel Royal Evian was an ideal conclusion to a month of traveling through Switzerland and France. It is among the finest luxury family resorts we have experienced. Both the hotel and its location overlooking Lac Leman are simply breathtaking. Upgraded upon check-in, the Belle Epoque Suite was luxurious and thoughtfully designed for families. The extensive kids' club programming catered to children from preschool age to teenagers, with evening activities that allowed parents to enjoy dinner without the kids. The dining options were excellent, highlighted by a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant. However, the standout feature was the world-class evian®SPA, pools, and wellness facilities, all nourished by the eponymous Evian-les-bains spring water. This resort exceeded our expectations at every turn, prompting us to book a return visit almost immediately after checking out.
OVERALL RATING
💛💛💛💛💛
Exceptional
Overview
At-a-Glance
Date of stay: August 2024
Length of stay: 3 nights / 4 days
Trip type: Family lakeside resort mini-trip after kids finished summer camp in Switzerland
Property type: Family-friendly lakeside/city hotel
Tailor-made for: Families, couples, events
Highlights
Incredible family-friendly evian®SPA with indoor pool, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, ice room, and outdoor thermal spa, all with water sourced from Evian-les-Bains springs; spa treatments available for families and children
Upgraded to Belle Epoque Suite on arrival with two balconies overlooking Lac Leman and an alcove with cleverly-designed double-decker sofa bed
One of the best kids clubs from across our travels — available to kids ages 3+ with Baby Club, Kids’ Club, and Teens’ Club, and optional evening excursions over dinner similar to what kids get to do at Swiss summer camps
Dining program catering to families with kids’ menus and kids’ items at the breakfast buffet, plus Michelin 1-star gastronomic restaurant (not kid-friendly)
Taking the funicular into the town of Evian-les-Bains, especially on market day
Ferry ride to Lausanne (direct, 35 minutes) to visit The Olympic Museum
Good to Know
The hotel is located approximately 1h drive from Geneva international airport
One of only 31 hotels to receive the coveted Palace distinction, a recognition from the French Ministry of Tourism for hotels that represent the pinnacle of luxury hospitality and exceed traditional five-star standards
We booked through Amex Travel and received a multiple category upgrade upon check-in to one of the hotel’s top categories of suites, as well as complimentary daily breakfast, a property credit, early check-in and late check out
Les Fresques, the hotel’s onsite gastronomic Michelin 1-star restaurant, is typically fully booked days/weeks in advance and is not kid-friendly; if you plan to dine here, book reservations well in advance of your arrival and arrange a sitter or book the evening outing at the kids club
Evian Resort has two hotels: Hotel Royal (5-star) and Hotel Ermitage (4-star); guests of both hotels have access to Evian Resort’s kids club
Rating Detail
OVERALL RATING 💛💛💛💛💛
LOCATION & SETTING 💛💛💛💛💛
ROOM 💛💛💛💛💛
SERVICE 💛💛💛💛+
DINING 💛💛💛💛💛
ACTIVITIES 💛💛💛💛💛
FAMILY SERVICES & AMENITIES 💛💛💛💛💛
WELLNESS 💛💛💛💛💛
WOW FACTOR 💛💛💛💛💛
VALUE 💛💛💛💛
Rating Legend*
💛💛💛💛💛 Exceptional
💛💛💛💛 Notable
💛💛💛 Standard
💛💛 Substandard
💛 Unsatisfactory
*All ratings are relative to similar-class properties
