Where To Stay in Geneva, Switzerland

To help you find a great hotel in Geneva, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of ‘where to stay’ options. Wrapping along the shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman), the city is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, most of which are located in the Old Town. Budget travelers should note that budget-friendly hotels are almost nonexistent in Geneva, however, we have compiled a list of our favorites. If you’re worried about finding internet, don’t be: the city provides free WiFi throughout. Our list of ‘where to stay’ hotel options in Geneva is organized by star rating.

Geneva by eGuide Travel

5-Star Hotels in Geneva

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues
Located on the shore of Lake Geneva in the Old Town, this luxury hotel is possibly the most luxurious in Geneva. The building dates from 1834, and the tall ceilings, velvet drapes, and beautiful, handcrafted wood furniture create an inviting, sophisticated atmosphere. It is within walking distance of all of Geneva’s major sights, yet still quiet at night.

The 115 rooms and suites are decorated in Victorian, Louis Philippe-style furnishings, and each features down comforters and pillows, satellite TV, WiFi (for a charge), iPod docks, terry-cloth bathrobes, and designer bath products. Amenities include a 24-hour gym, the rooftop Spa Des Bergues (under construction at the time of writing, March 2012), on-site bar, and the Il Lago restaurant, which serves Northern Italian-style cuisine. In-room dining is offered 24 hours a day, and the staff is exceptionally friendly and attentive.

Hotel d’Angleterre
Located in a heritage site building designed by architect Anthony Krafft, this hotel looks out onto the famous lakeside promenade, Quai du Mont Blanc, and the famous Jet d’Eau fountain. Marble statues, gold leafing, fine tapestries, and handcrafted wooden furniture provides an effortlessly luxurious experience.

All of the 39 rooms and 6 suites feature complimentary WiFi, interactive television, iPod docks, coffee and tea-making facilities, individualized heating and A/C, and original artworks. Each is uniquely decorated. Amenities include the Leopard Room Bar, the Windows Restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour room service, and a sauna. From the presentation of the welcome drink to the twice-daily maid service, the staff is professional and warm. The staff will help you get the most out of your stay, from windsurfing on Lake Geneva to hiking in the Alps.

Mandarin Oriental
With warm colors and cool glass design with art deco details, this hotel is a nice mix of modern and classic. Its 150 rooms and suites, many of which come with views of the Rhone River, feature comfortable beds, top-quality linens, and Greek marble bathrooms. Some rooms have fireplaces.

Service is near perfect, and we recommend you take advantage of the pillow menu. Amenities include a fitness center, sauna, and marble steam bath. Numerous dining options are found inside the hotel, from the fine-dining Indian cuisine served at Rasoi by Vineet under Michelin-star chef Vineet Bhatia to the French-style Le Sud restaurant, featuring the dishes of master chef, Paul Bocuse. Top-notch mixologists stand behind the bar at MO Bar and live jazz is often featured.

4-Star Hotels in Geneva

Eastwest Hotel
This boutique hotel combines the hippest features of western and eastern décor, such as oriental hanging lamps and Italian leather furniture, providing a modern, luxurious, and worldly ambiance for a good value. Located two blocks from the lake in the city center, the hotel has 41 rooms and suites and each comes with Frette bed and linens, Anne Semonin toiletries, free WiFi, satellite TV, individually controlled heating and A/C, a Nespresso coffee/tea machine, and safe.

Amenities include a large patio with a free-flowing waterfall, sauna, gym, and an on-site gourmet restaurant. The staff goes out of its way to please. For the quietest room, request one in the back of the hotel.

Rotary Hotel
Part of the MGallery Collection, this hotel is two blocks from where the Rhone River meets Lake Geneva and it offers a high-quality atmosphere for a good price. The hotel has all of the modern conveniences yet exudes an Old World charm. The 85 rooms and 10 duplexes come with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a mini bar, A/C, and tea and coffee making facilities.

The duplex apartments have a spacious, two-floor layout. Amenities include a fitness center, the fine-dining Le Caprice restaurant, which offers outdoor seating on a serene patio during the summer months, and the Rotary Piano Bar, which features creative cocktails and a fireplace. The staff here excels at making guests feel welcome. Breakfast is offered for a charge.

 La Cour des Augustins – Boutique Gallery Design Hotel
Sick and tired of the same old hotel look and feel? This design hotel is a walk on the wild side. Featuring innovative décor designed by Swiss designer Philippe Cramer, each room is uniquely decorated.

Guests can choose from 16 rooms and 24 suites. The hotel features a permanent art collection and a boutique stocked with the latest in home design products, from furniture to lighting. Amenities include free WiFi, a fitness center, a full breakfast (for a charge), and a wellness center with Turkish bath, sauna, and massage room.

This hotel is not on the lake; it is in Geneva’s trendy Latin Quarter neighborhood, where restaurants and shopping abound. The staff is helpful and friendly.

3-Star Hotels in Geneva

Note: The following 3-star hotels are all part of the Manotel Group. This is a coincidence.

Hotel Jade
This hotel is ideal for travelers who want an inexpensive hotel and do not require many hotel services. With a décor inspired by Feng Shui, this hotel feels like a boutique hotel. It is located near the main train station, and Lake Geneva can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Each of the 47 rooms features free WiFi, A/C, a mini bar, a satellite TV, and a hairdryer. Amenities for a charge include a buffet breakfast and laundry service. The junior suites, which come with a kitchenette, are quite large for the price. When choosing your room, note that the elevator stops one floor below the top floor.

Hotel Kipling
Part of the Manotel Group, this hotel is ideal for those who want to stay in a central location for a good price. The hotel is tastefully decorated in eastern style, featuring Indian statues and wicker furniture, and its 62 rooms come with free WiFi, a mini bar, interactive TV, and A/C. Rooms with a kitchenette are available for a charge, but note that some kitchenettes are sparsely equipped; make sure you have all the cooking utensils you need before signing off on the kitchenette. Amenities include a buffet breakfast (for a charge), an on-site bar, a fitness center free of charge at the Royal Hotel or Auteuil  (100 yards away), and massage service. The nicest part of Geneva’s Old Town is just a fifteen-minute walk away. Ask for a room with a balcony.

Hotel Edelweiss
This hotel is more than a little eccentric. It is just two blocks from Lake Geneva and Quai du Mont Blanc; and the interior features rustic design with lots of woodwork. You’ll feel as though you’re staying in a Swiss Alp sky lodge. The 42 rooms feature ONREV deluxe bedding, a mini bar, satellite TV, free WiFi, and A/C. The hotel plays it up a bit for tourists, which can either be a good or a bad thing. For example, the on-site Edelweiss Restaurant, which serves traditional Swiss cuisine, regularly features live folk bands and yodeling. Note that a lot of fondue is served, and the smell of cheese permeates the hotel. This hotel will be most enjoyable if you can get into the playful atmosphere. The staff is friendly and helpful. A buffet breakfast is offered for a charge.

Featured Budget Hotel in Geneva

City Hostel Geneva
This hostel is the best budget option for those looking to get the most out of Geneva while spending the least. It is located in the city center and just a five-minute walk from the train station. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, internet point (for a charge), TV room, free day lockers, and laundry facilities. There’s free WiFi throughout the hostel. This hostel is very popular, so book in advance to ensure a bed. Note that neither breakfast nor large towels are provided and this isn’t a “party hostel.”

Written by Mattie Bamman for Europeupclose.com