Anonymous
OMG, what a pool! First, the Excelsior is one of those grand hotels au bord du lac that transports you to another era. It's a bit tired, but still a grand dame. I asked about the pool when I checked in to confirm I could use it in the morning, and was told they would be happy to open it up for me. So at 6 AM they lead me down an elevator, then through a long winding hallway, then down another elevator, then down another long winding hall, and then they open the door and WOW. The pool sits at lake level behind a wall of glass (which I think opens up for summer). When you're in the pool you think you're in the lake, with a magnificent view of the mountains. The pool is actually part of the Spa associated to the hotel and that's what all the winding hallways were. Anyway, they opened up the door and let me in and I had the whole place to myself (this was March so not exactly high season). No lane ropes but the pool is lined, just feels elegant, and is a great place for a workout.