rue Ferrier 2, Geneva, Switzerland | 41 22 901 15 00
Clean, relaxed hostel near Lake Geneva and train station
Shared kitchens and bathrooms on each floor
Four inviting lounges with nightly movies
Laundry room and day lockers with padlocks available
Kiddy play area with a foosball table
Gift shop, vending machines, and Swiss chocolate for sale
Workstation with two computers
Free Wi-Fi, public transportation card, and bike storage
No breakfast available
Property lacks the social atmosphere found in most hostels
Front desk doesn’t operate 24-hours a day
Rooms near the street can be noisy
The quiet 49-room City Hostel Geneva is a budget property within walking distance of Lake Geneva and the main train station. Clean and simple dorm-style rooms have bunk beds and in-room sinks. Private doubles and singles are also available. The hostel has fully equipped shared kitchens (with refrigerated lockers) and bathrooms on each floor, as well as four inviting lounges and an Internet area. Other amenities include a gift shop and laundry facilities, and the hostel also caters to families with a small, but cheery, kids’ play area. The property lacks the social atmosphere usually found in hostels, but it’s a solid value choice in the pricey Geneva area. Travelers might also want to consider the nearby Geneva Hostel, which serves a free breakfast.
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Scene
Quiet hostel near Lake Geneva with simple, no-frills interiors and several lounge areas
In a town where high-priced hotels are the norm, the City Hostel Geneva offers a quiet and budget-friendly alternative in a walkable area near the lake and train station. The no-frills property features simple and clean interiors that include four inviting lounge areas spread throughout the four-story building. The ground floor lounge features modern booth seating and tables, while another one on the lobby level has contemporary, faux leather sofas and a flat-screen TV. The Relaxation Room is decorated in bright green decor, including modern lime-colored bar stools around white tables and touches of greenery courtesy of potted plants. Travelers seeking the lively, social vibe that’s typical of many hostels should look elsewhere, however, as the atmosphere here is toned down and tranquil, which makes it suitable for families with kids.
Location
Located near the west banks of Lake Geneva and close to the Gare de Cornavin train station
The hostel is situated on a quiet side street in a walkable area of Geneva, close to several restaurants, bars, and shops. The Gare de Cornavin train station is about a seven-minute walk away and Lake Geneva is also within walking distance. The Old Town is a 20-minute bus or tram ride away, where travelers can visit such sights as the Saint Pierre Cathedral, Grand Theater, Barbier-Mueller Museum, and Maison Tavel. The hostel provides a free public transportation card as well as a detailed map. The United Nations and the Broken Chair Monument are a 15-minute tram ride away. It’s 30 minutes by public transportation or 15 minutes by car to the Geneva International Airport.
Rooms
Basic dorm-style rooms, most with bunk beds, in-room sinks, and shared bathrooms
The hostel offers five types of rooms: four-, three-, and two-bed dorms, as well as twin rooms and singles, all of which are small, clean, and simply furnished. All rooms have tiled floors, red writing desks or tables accompanied by chairs, wardrobe closets or lockers, and in-room sinks. Some rooms are also outfitted with flat-screen TVs. Dorm-style rooms have bunk beds with all linens and towels provided (larger towels are available with a deposit), while the twin and single rooms also include duvets and shower gel and soap. Shared bathrooms are located on each floor and are equipped with toilets, showers, and hairdryers.
Features
Four lounges, shared kitchens on every floor, kids’ play area, laundry facilities, computer station, and a gift shop
The City Hostel Geneva doesn’t have fancy facilities, but there are several convenient on-site perks. In the basement is a kiddy play area that has a foosball table and a small TV lounge, one of four lounges scattered throughout the building. The hostel does not offer breakfast, but there are shared fully-equipped kitchens that are located on every floor that feature pantry and refrigerator lockers, as well as stoves, tea kettles, toasters, and microwaves. A laundry room offers an iron, three coin-operated washers, and three dryers. Day lockers, with padlocks available at the front desk, are also available. The Internet station has two PC computers and a breakfast nook. Bicycle rentals are available and free bike storage is offered. Free public transportation passes are provided and train tickets can be purchased at the front desk. A small gift shop sells Victorinox products, chocolate, souvenirs, and accessories.
