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The palace-style hotel continues to be the defining image of the city’s hospitality. There is something quintessentially Geneva about the wealth these places ooze, and the waterfront ones on the Right Bank give you sweeping views of the city's other iconic features: the Jet d'Eau, Old Town, La Rade (the waterfront), river, lake, and mountains. They're also near parks—another of the city's points of pride—for that early-morning jog as the sun rises across the water.
Overall, the hospitality sector has seen an overhaul in Geneva these past years, as owners recognize that decor matters and that updates (and upkeep) are essential. Genuinely gracious, go-the-extra-mile-with-a-smile service remains vexingly confined to the professionally trained top and family-run bottom of the rate structure, but the good news is that the concept of gracious service is making across-the-board inroads.
Geneva hotels do err on the expensive side, and the practice of massively hiking up rates during events like the annual car show in March persists. Speaking of which, large events can suddenly fill entire hotels, so book as early as you can. And, because this is a conference-and-convention-driven town, leisure visitors will find lower prices on weekend stays.
As for breakfast (if not included), you won't readily find places outside the big hotels that do bacon and eggs, but if you're happy with croissants and coffee, head for the nearest café. As for practicalities, many places accept children up to a certain age for free, or another bed can be put in your room for a low extra. Wi-Fi is now common (often at an added cost). Depending on the category of hotel, there is a taxe de séjour between 1.50 SF and 6 SF per person and per night. Check when you are booking if they are including this in the quoted rate or not.
This small hotel has sleek interiors with both Asian and European design elements. The contemporary taste, and mix of art and design objects in guest and public rooms alike, is exquisite here. With its library-like business corner, good bar, and restaurant overlooking a lovely small court where bamboo riffles in the breeze against a water wall, this hotel features plenty of cozy corners in which to unwind.
Unpretentious service, lavish decor, luxurious details, and a first-rate location gives this palace an inner glow. Classic guest rooms are done in soothing palettes of blues and Louis-Philippe opulence, but more contemporary rooms on the spa floor are dressed in muted browns and feature posh bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and a shower with a built-in hammam. Throughout, the elegant grandeur meshes seamlessly with perfect service and modern comforts. Not to mention that the views—including of the Jet d'Eau—from this swooningly impressive, yet so personal, hotel are superb. There's also a two-story spa with an indoor pool, fitness center, and rooftop restaurant.
This grande dame along Geneva's waterfront seamlessly blends an elegant belle époque vibe with contemporary luxuries like TVs hidden in mirrors and personal hammams. The history-rich landmark offers sweeping views of Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc, and the Jet d’Eau. There's an elegant bar along with Le Chat Botté, a Michelin-starred French restaurant. Savoring a meal on its awning-shaded balcony with cascades of flowers in planters continues to be a Best of Geneva experience.
Impeccable taste, total discretion, and a passion for detail mark this stylish boutique hotel, where thematic decorations stretch from African to baroque. Desks are equipped with office supplies, breakfast can be tailored to your needs, and room service includes afternoon tea. Guest rooms are individually decorated; one may be dressed in rich greens with faux-fur throws, and another might be done in rich browns to give off a more masculine vibe. The Leopard Room bar has a working fireplace, live music several nights a week, and an adjacent smoking room with a wide selection of cigars. Windows, the quayside winter-garden restaurant, serves creative French cuisine with a front-row view of the Jet d'Eau and Mont Blanc.
The leafy outdoor terrace, soft yellow facade, and peach-paneled lobby impose civility on this modest hotel's central but chaotic location on a busy street opposite the Gare Cornavin. Guest rooms have marbled tile bathrooms, sleek wood furniture, double-glazed windows, and restful rose, green, and raspberry color schemes. The multilingual, uniformed staff is on duty round the clock. La Véranda, the restaurant where breakfast is served, also offers reasonably priced lunches and dinners, including the ubiquitous plat du jour from a modest 15 SF.
It has a no-thrills modern exterior, but one step inside and you'll be seduced by wafting scents from perfumed candles and the high-glitter-cum-slice-of-nature lobby and public salons. Swarovski crystals pressed into marble flooring, onyx, cut glass, platinum mosaics, and gold leaf are all mixed in with artist Jae-Ho Lee's nature statements. The striking results—stay here only if you like minimalism done with a sumptuous baroque touch—suggest the water and mountains of which the hotel has fabulous views. Top Lebanese eating at Arabesque, contemporary French cuisine at Bayview, and sophisticated lounging at Glow add to the appeal. There's also a spa and outdoor pool with restaurant (dig the sexy night-lighting). []
This cheerful chain hotel is extremely convenient if you're arriving late or departing early: breakfast starts as early as 4 am, the reception desk is staffed around the clock, and the train station is a 10-minute walk away. Smooth wood and apricot accents add warmth to green pinstripes in the bright well-appointed guest rooms, and the bathrooms get high marks for plentiful hot water.
Elegant interiors, attentive service, and fabulous Rhône views add to the appeal of this Asian-influenced hotel. Inside there's a feng shui-ed feel and an alluring mix of art deco–inspired and contemporary furnishings. Smiling staffers wearing elegant uniforms, lush floral displays, and a deliciously perfumed lobby greet you when you walk in. Insiders' tip: book your room online for complimentary Wi-Fi.
Directly on Lake Geneva, the historic hotel blends modern design and luxury with 19th-century Italianate framework. Guests are greeted in a stunning, multistory atrium with black-and-white marble floors, Italian-style balustrades, and an impressive crystal chandelier. Rooms with large windows that offer sweeping views of the Jet d'Eau, Mont Blanc, and the Old Town are decorated in muted grays and creams. Two excellent restaurants, including the Nordic-inspired Fiskebar, and a petite Philippe Pascoët chocolate shop round out the luxe experience.
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