Geneva is a world capital, without being one: it is not the capital of Switzerland, but it is home to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the World Bank and the Red Cross, among others. It is, therefore cosmopolitan and rich. But for most of us, these things take a back seat to the fact that Geneva is chocolate box picturesque, on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva, from which you can see the Swiss Alps. But it is the "world capital" aspect that has the most impact on Geneva's accommodation supply. There are plenty of hotels and rooms, but the city is known for being luxurious and expensive.
Geneva is beautiful, and its old town is one of the largest in Europe — a national heritage site comprising cobbled alleys, hidden courtyards and small elegant squares. It's where you'll find a host of small cafes, bars and antique shops, quirky museums, and gorgeous architecture, alongside charming boutique hotels, luxury chocolatiers and jewellers and high-end boutiques. During the summer season, the lake becomes the main attraction; all year round, it is bustling with yellow water taxis, but in the summer, it is dotted with boats from dawn to dusk.
Hotels in Geneva are busy all year round, which is part of the reason why this city has a reputation for being expensive. This is also why our recommendations for the best places to stay in Geneva can be very useful. If you accept the idea of paying a little more, we can not only recommend very special hotels but also places to stay at good prices, great hotels for families, and even hotels where you can take your pet!
Remember that the city is always very lively, so if you want to be sure to have a bed in one of the best places to stay in Geneva, get organized and book well in advance.
