Located on the banks of Lake Geneva at the foot of the French Alps, the Belle Epoque styled Royal Palace was built in 1909, and features furnishings of ebony, lemon tree, mahogany, rosewood and amaranth. Inlay work and the use of symbols such as the royal crown, vine branches, the edelweiss and the seagull typify the hotel's signature pieces, which were influenced by English styles from several periods. The Edward VII Suite, though it opened in 1998, demonstrates the 154-room Royal's continuing commitment to classical styling as it undergoes renovations. A lasting bastion of the resort lifestyle, the 42-acre (17-hectare) property offers a casino, spa, golf club, cooking school and children's club, as well as a wealth of recreational activities.