The History of Hôtel de Bahyse
470 Years of Hospitality in the Heart of Blonay
470 ans d'histoireHôtel de Bahyse is not just a place to stay: it is a privileged witness to the history of Blonay. From its origins as a noble residence in the 16th century to the family-run inn it is today, five centuries of stories have been woven into its stone walls and weathered beams. To step through our doors is to travel through time, discovering the people and events that shaped both this house and the village around it.
Our Timeline
From Origins to the 16th Century
On September 25, 1550, the two sons of François V of Blonay married two sisters. To end disputes, the father-in-law bought the Bahyse house and added an orchard, a hemp field, gardens and a pond. They drew straws to determine which of the two households would occupy the house. Thus began the eventful history of this residence.
The Communal Inn
In 1744, the de Blonay family sold the building to the municipality of Blonay. All political and social life took place at Bahyse: council sessions, publications, distribution to the poor. The Municipality reserved the "Justice" room for assemblies.
The Rosset Family
In 1941, Elisa Rosset and her husband rented the hotel before buying it in 1945. Today, the fifth generation continues to welcome every traveler with the same warmth.
Bahyse: The Hotel of the Gorges
BAHYSE, or BAÏSE, is related to old French "béer" (to gape). The word derives from Latin "batare", meaning "to gape". A "baye" therefore designated a crevice or fault where a stream flows. Hôtel de Bahyse could be translated as "Hotel of the Gorges", evoking the natural landscape around Blonay.
Our Values - A Living Heritage
Authenticity & Heritage
Preserving and transmitting 470 years of heritage while adapting it to contemporary needs is at the heart of everything we do. Every renovation honours the original character of the building — its hand-hewn beams, worn stone thresholds, and thick walls — while weaving in the comforts that today's travellers expect. The result is a place where history is not merely displayed but truly lived.
Family Hospitality
Five generations of warm welcome have shaped how we receive our guests, forging a tradition where every traveller is treated like a member of the family. From the moment you arrive, you will feel the care and attention that have been passed down through decades of innkeeping. It is this deeply personal touch that transforms a simple stay into a lasting memory.
Local Roots
Rooted in the municipality of Blonay, we value short supply chains and the talented local producers who sustain them. Our breakfast table showcases alpine cheeses, freshly baked bread, and seasonal fruit sourced from neighbouring farms and orchards. This commitment to local roots enriches every aspect of your stay, connecting you to the authentic flavours and rhythms of the Vaud countryside.
Be Part of Our History
This history continues with you. Come discover Hôtel de Bahyse and add your own chapter to 470 years of living memory — where every guest leaves a trace and every stay becomes part of the story.
Contact us