Love the Little Tramp classic IT’S A DOG’S LIFE but prefer not to sleep on the street when visiting the Charlie Chaplin Museum?

There’s a brand new, contemporary and convenient place to stay just 3 minutes drive/30 minutes walk from the museum and an hour’s drive (or 90 minute train ride) from Geneva Airport – welcome to the dog-friendly MODERN TIMES HOTEL, named for Chaplin’s 1936 comedy classic.

The rooms are sleek with floor-to-ceiling windows, an immaculate, sumptuous bed and expansive desk area set with an ergonomic chair. I’m also a big fan of the built in luggage rack – far sturdier than the fold-out variety.

Neutral chic bathroom – lots of counter space and powerful, easy-access shower.

Speaking of all things faucet-like… There are some fresh touches I haven’t seen before – like this water pump offering Eau Naturelle and Eau Gazeuse – stick to the still for your pup as the bubbles can upset a dog’s tum.

For something a little stronger, alcoholic beverages are served the bar area.

And there’s an expansive dog-friendly wooden deck for sunny days.

The lunch/dinner restaurant Times Grill had yet to open when I visited (during the first week) but my room service cheese plate was delicious and I did get to experience the dining room (with its snow-streaked mountain view) at breakfast. The good news is that your pup can join you while you dine. This always pleases me greatly!

BREAKFAST AT THE DOG-FRIENDLY MODERN TIMES HOTEL  (29 CHF – about £20)

I always like to know the details of what is on offer at breakfast before I book a hotel room – it can totally sway my decision if I know there’s something extra-yummy to wake up to and obviously adds value to your stay, hence the run of foodie images!

As you can see, the pastries run on the petite side, but you can return to the breakfast buffet as many times as you like, ditto for the espresso machine where I frothed my second latte in this rather cool glass.

The buffet has an expansive range of goodies, prettily-presented…

Quality hot options, including baked beans and lovely potato rosti!

Nice surprises include citrus segments presented with their own squeezer-clamps!

And a thoughtful touch for the modern diet – gluten-free snacks!

So there we have it! That’s your tour of the dog-friendly Modern Times Hotel! I’ll leave you with this vintage show reel (on display in the restaurant) and this note: after filming It’s A Dog’s Life, Chaplin adopted his stray dog co-star Mutt, rescuing him from life in a shelter. I have to say, knowing this makes watching the movie all the sweeter!

MODERN TIMES HOTEL WEBSITE: www.moderntimeshotel.ch/en

ROOMS: 138 Rooms & Junior Suites with luxury bedding & soundproofing.

PET FEE: 30 CHF per night per dog.

ADDRESS: Chemin du Genévrier 20 – 1806 – Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz/Vevey

PHONE: 41 21 925 22 22

EMAIL: info@moderntimeshotel.ch

NEAREST AIRPORT: Geneva

HOW TO GET THERE BY TRAIN: Travel by Swiss Rail to Vevey then connect to the hotel-adjacent station Château-d’Hauteville. Swiss trains are easy, civilized, punctual and scenic! I highly recommend a Swiss Travel Pass as this gives you unlimited access to trains, buses and boats as well as free entrance to 480 museums and exhibitions. Dogs pay half the second-class fare or you can get a Dog Day Pass for 35 CHF. You can read more about Switzerland’s dog-friendly train policy here.

CHARLIE CHAPLIN MUSEUM 

The new CHAPLIN’S WORLD includes a Hollywood-style studio, abundant memorabilia and gives you access to the beautiful house Chaplin called home for 25 years (Le Manoir de ban pictured here). Click for all the details!

VISIT VEVEY

Vevey has a Chaplin statue overlooking the lake (rather like nearby Montreux with Freddie Mercury!) You can learn more about Vevey and its neighbouring attractions by visiting myswitzerland.com (This gorgeous image from Great Rail Journeys.)

PS: If you are flying into Geneva, look out for these Swiss dog-themed souvenirs: