Our Favorite Hotels in Geneva
Many travelers overlook elegant Geneva when planning a trip to Europe, but the city is well worth a visit. It’s popular mostly with business travelers and diplomats because many companies and international organizations have headquarters there, but its slow pace and upscale dining, shopping and accommodation options, make it a fantastic destination for a more relaxed yet equally grand and cosmopolitan European experience. In the winter, the city is the perfect gateway to some of the best ski resorts in the continent, and in the warmer days a stroll along the shores of picturesque Lake Geneva will probably wow travelers with its iconic Jet d’Eau (the world’s tallest fountain) and stunning mountain views. Whether you’re in town for leisure or business, there is a hotel for everyone here. Check out our favorite hotels in Geneva and book your flights!
Lake Geneva and its iconic Jet d'Eau are the city's main attractions
Bayview Restaurant at the Hotel President Wilson
The Hotel President Wilson is a beautiful luxury hotel with an even more beautiful location overlooking Lake Geneva. Its proximity to international organizations and government buildings makes it popular with business travelers, but all travelers can appreciate its many on-site amenities; there are six restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa by La Mer, a 24-hour business center, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a modern fitness center. The 228 rooms are decorated in contemporary style with a brown-and-white color scheme, and feature Bang & Olufsen flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi; most also have Nespresso machines and iPod hookups. Bathrooms have green and tan marble tile; many have shower/tub combos, but some have soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers.
The saltwater pool has striking views of Lake Geneva and the mountains
Oyster’s Favorite Feature: The hotel’s saltwater pool is open seasonally, but features breathtaking views of Lake Geneva. For a bite while sunbathing, the adjacent Poolgarden restaurant offers wonderful Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Lobby at Les Armures
Hotel Les Amures is a quaint luxury boutique with a fabulous location in Old Town. The 32 rooms in this 17th century mansion are charming and high-end, with details such as wood-beamed ceilings, faux-fur throws, and stone walls that create a chalet-like vibe. The style extends into the restaurant, breakfast room, and common spaces -- beamed ceilings are present throughout, and there's even a suit of armor in the lobby. The hotel attracts well-heeled couples and even the occasional celebrity -- George Clooney stayed here -- but amenities are few: There is no spa, fitness center, or pool. Rates are a bit steep considering the lack of features, but breakfast and Wi-Fi are free.
Les Armures is on a quaint cobblestone street in the Old Town
Oyster’s Favorite Feature: The building itself is one of those rare gems found in European cities – the structure dates back to the 17th century, but there are traces of 13th century walls and foundations. Many of the original decorative details, such as frescoes, fireplaces and antiques, have been restored and can be seen in the hotel’s public spaces.
The Executive Junior Suite at the InterContinental Geneve
The InterContinental is an attractive business hotel on the Right Bank, within walking distance of government buildings, international organizations, and several museums and parks. As one would expect from the brand, there are impressive amenities: a restaurant and two bars, a Clarins spa, a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center, 16 meeting rooms, and an outdoor pool. While its common areas wow with their high design, the contemporary rooms feel a little chain-like, with bare walls and blonde wood furniture. They're still upscale, though, with comfortable beds, marble bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs; accent walls provide a pop of color.
The Clarins Institute Spa offers a wide range of treatments in a zen space
Oyster’s Favorite Feature: The Clarins Spa is a gorgeous serene space with six treatment rooms, a hammam, a relaxing lounge, and a hydrotherapy circuit perfect for unwinding after a long day of walking around the city or running from one meeting to the other. The adjacent fitness center is open 24 hours, and offers a wide array of up-to-date machines.
The Bellevue Suite at the Hotel d'Angleterre
Hotel d’Angleterre is one of Geneva’s grand dames, popular among diplomats and well-heeled travelers for its gorgeous views and opulent accommodations. It offers a convenient location right on the shores of Lake Geneva -- near shopping, dining, attractions and public transportation -- and high-end amenities such as in-room spa treatments, an acclaimed bar, and a wonderful restaurant with superb views and a popular afternoon tea service. Its 39 luxurious rooms and nine suites all feature pillow menus, iPod docks, interactive TVs, free Wi-Fi, and original artworks. But while some offer stunning lake and mountain views, others face the building next door and are a little small.
The Leopard Bar is a popular spot among travelers and locals
Oyster’s Favorite Feature: With a library and a fireplace, the Leopard Bar might seem like the perfect spot for reading a book, but it is actually a popular spot for after-work and late night drinks. Full meals and snacks are available, and there’s live jazz Monday through Saturday.
The Library at the Eastwest Hotel
This upscale, 41-room boutique hotel has a design that mixes eastern and western styles (hence the name). The Asian influences are evident in the antique-filled lobby, accented by hot pink sofas; the bamboo-surrounded outdoor seating at the restaurant; and the chic library. Sexy rooms have wooden floors, beds with bright throws and Frette sheets, and fresh orchids, as well as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Additional features include free public transit cards and a small gym with a sauna. Extensive kid-friendly amenities are on offer (such as night lights and high chairs), and the fabulous location is within walking distance of numerous sights, shops, and restaurants.
The outdoor patio is perfect for a quiet drink
Oyster’s Favorite Feature: The outdoor patio just off the Eastwest Restaurant is the place to go for a quiet drink in the warmer months, but it is also open for those who want to just sit and relax. It is lined with plants and has just a few tables, which adds to the intimate, quiet vibe.
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