The hotel and the rooms are functional, however the owner (who owns both the the Alpha-Palmiers and the Agora Swiss Night in Lausanne) needs to get a clue about accommodating guests.
While studying at UNIL- Lausanne in 2013/2014, some classmates and I stayed at the Agora Swiss night for over two weeks at a time, roughly 10 guests per two weeks, for three separate visits in 2013 and early 2014. During our last trip in January 2014, I contracted some type of lung infection forcing me to visit a local hospital. And, while at the hospital in Lausanne, the doctor asked if I had been exposed to mold during my stay? This was an ironic question as I smelled what I thought was a muted urine scent while staying in my room at the Agora Swiss night for about 10 days prior to my sickness (black mold smells like urine). At the time, it was not strong enough to warrant a room change so I didn't mention anything to the staff. However, after leaving the hospital I decided to change hotels (moving from Agora Swiss Night to Alpha-Palmiers) notifying the staff of my request. To make a long story short, the management at the Alpha-Palmiers told me I was not welcome to stay because I "complained" about their sister hotel. If I wanted to stay, the rate would be 3x what I was paying at the Agora (~114 CHF per night) and they would give me no consideration at their hotel (this was direct from the owner of both hotels communicated through his very rude, female manager at the Alpha-Palmiers). I was very sick and had no place to go so I had to take the rate and the service. To put how sick in perspective, I needed help carrying my bags and checking due to trouble breathing from even walking up steps....keep in mind I am and avid runner; I have completed half-marathons in the recent past at sub-2hr pace).
The management in essence communicated, we do not care about your health and you are on your own as a guest in our country. I would've likely recommended the hotel, however, the ownership and management made me never want to stay or recommend the hotel to anyone traveling to Lausanne. I work for a large, U.S. based Global Financial Services company (with a market cap of $50B) which does significant business in Europe and I will make sure this hotel never goes on our preferred travel list. I had a very, very disturbing experience with the Alpha-Palmiers and the Agora Swiss Night. (Please excuse any grammar or typos my computer was acting up while composing this review) read more