Geneva

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About Geneva

Geneva is a global capital, without actually being a capital — it’s not the capital of Switzerland, but it is home to the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank and the Red Cross, among others. So it’s cosmopolitan and wealthy. But for most of us those things come second to Geneva being chocolate-box picturesque, on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva, across which you can see the Swiss Alps. But it’s the global capital bit that impacts Geneva’s hotel offering most. There’s certainly plenty of hotels, and plenty of rooms, but it is known for being luxurious and expensive. But the second part of this paragraph, the bit about the views, makes it well worth every franc.

The city of Geneva is beautiful too, and its Old Town is one of the largest in Europe: a national heritage site of cobbled alleys, hidden courtyards and elegant, diminutive squares. This is an amazing place for small cafes, bars and antique shops, quirky museums and wonderful architecture. And boutique hotels and petit five star grande dames. Spreading out from the Old Town are the luxurious chocolatiers and jewellers, and the high end boutiques and restaurants, but many people are really only passing through, heading for the mountains.

In the summer the lake itself becomes a primary destination, all year it buzzes with yellow taxi boats, but come summer it’s scattered with craft from dawn until dusk.

So there’s not really a low season for Geneva’s hotels, which is partly why this city has a reputation for being expensive. And also why our recommendations for the best places to stay in Geneva could be so useful. If you’re at peace with the idea of paying a bit more then we can recommend some very special hotels in Geneva, but we can also recommend a few great value places to stay in Geneva, some excellent family-friendly hotels, and even some where you can bring your pet along too!

But first we have a quick review of which part of town you might like to stay in. If you already know skip to our recommendations for the best places to stay in Geneva below.

Where to Stay? Which neighbourhood?

Geneva’s Old Town is large, so there’s an even greater wealth of attractions and sights than you might expect. And plenty of choice when it comes to hotels too. The Old Town is a mesmerising place for a stroll, an alfresco meal or coffee and a bit of casual boutique shopping, but you’ll probably do that whether you stay in the Old Town or not. The architecture and warren of alleyways makes for the sort of city break many of us love. Place du Bourg de Four is the main square, around the corner from the Saint Pierre Cathedral, and these are great landmarks to be close to.
We recommend Eaux Vives as one of the best places to stay in Geneva for families. It’s very central, right beside the Old Town and the lake, and it’s got the largest park in Geneva, the Parc de la Grange. We also love it for the eclectic collection of boutiques, including some fantastic 20th century vintage shops, which go really well with the area’s 20th century look.
Palais des Nations is another good choice for families, it’s peaceful, close to another large park and the botanical gardens, and the United Nations headquarters. Some of the large international hotel chains have their impressive Geneva outposts here, and you’re only a few tram stops from the Old Town.
Plainpalais is the part of town close to the university, so it’s got a lively, young vibe. It’s great if you want to go out of an evening. It’s also got a great flea market: Geneva’s largest. Plainpalais is also a good place to look for accommodation if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable.
Geneva isn’t known for being affordable, but if you’re looking for something less pricey the Paquis area, which is close to the main station and Palais des Nations, as well as the lake, is another good option. Paquis is also one of the most multicultural parts of Geneva, and that’s well reflected by the variety of cuisine you can find in the cafes, bars and restaurants here.
Carouge started off as a separate town on the outskirts of Geneva, and as the city grew it was engulfed, but despite that it still has its own look and feel. It was designed by Italian architects, which explains the look, but the feel probably comes from the cool crowd who now live here. Carouge is now the sort of place with artisan cafes and cool, new bars popping up all the time, and a number of galleries and artist studios, but it still has a fantastic farmer’s market too, so you can see why it’s a great place to live, and probably one of the best places to stay in Geneva if you want to try and experience the Geneva the locals do.

Don't forget that the city is a busy year-round destination, so if you want to be sure of a bed in one of the best places to stay in Geneva, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Geneva

For a Lake View

The Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues is a grande dame of Geneva, sitting elegantly against the waterfront. Its 115 rooms and suites range from classically elegant to palatial, decorated in a riot of brocade and toile de jouy in soft blues and greens, and the best of them have private balconies as well as incredible lake views. There’s a rooftop pool too, with a terrace, and another terrace associated with the bar, which is definitely a place to see and be seen.
The Hotel Restaurant du Parc des Eaux Vives is an elegant 16th century manor right beside the Parc de la Grange, on the opposite side from the Old Town, and has beautiful lake views you can enjoy through the trees of its beautifully manicured gardens. There are just seven suites, designed like mini-apartments. The hotel’s impressive Swiss restaurant is worth a visit even if you’re not staying here.

For a City Break

The Hôtel Longemalle is an elegant Belle Epoque building in a beautiful Old Town spot just a few blocks from the lake — the location is really unbeatable, especially when you consider the hotel’s roof terraces and the views from the top floors. There are 58 rooms and suites inside, decorated with a nod to the Baroque, with chandeliers hung from high ceilings, huge mirrors, mahogany woodwork, period furniture and some impressive murals. There’s no restaurant, but they do serve an impressive buffet breakfast on the terrace, or in the dining room.
The Hotel D'allèves is a charming, 46 room property close to the basilica, in the heart of Geneva. The building dates from the 18th century, and has plenty of charm and original features, but the decor is contemporary, with rooms in a variety of styles.
A hotel inspired by Eastern design isn’t going to suit everyone coming to Geneva, but we’re also recommending the Eastwest Hotel for its size and for its facilities. There’s a small gym and sauna and a fusion restaurant which spills out into a simple courtyard. There are just 41 rooms and suites.
The Hotel Tiffany is a chic and luxurious Art Nouveau property in a central spot, with 65 elegant rooms decorated in warm colours and adorned with contemporary art. The restaurant is well known, and well regarded, and the bar is glamorous.
9Hotel Paquis is a smart, three star hotel in the Paquis area, close to the main station and the United Nations buildings, so it’s advertised as a business hotel, and certainly has lots of great facilities, but it’s quite stylish too, with luxurious bathrooms and great views from some of the rooms. The larger suites have their own kitchenettes too. And there’s an indoor pool and small spa.

For a romantic stay

The Hotel de la Cigogne is a a beautiful, beautifully appointed, family-owned hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Its 52 spacious rooms and suites are all individually decorated with carefully chosen antiques, and some really beautiful furniture and interesting art. The romantic restaurant is panelled with mahogany, to set the intimate, Belle Epoque tone.
Les Armures is better known for its restaurant, the Restaurant Les Armures, which like the hotel, is located in a fantastic Old Town spot right by the cathedral. The restaurant, which predates the hotel, is a local landmark, serving quintessentially Swiss cuisine — think raclettes and fondue galore. Upstairs are 32 rooms and suites, decorated with a mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings and details. They’re not big, but there’s a warm atmosphere and the location is unbeatable.
The Hotel D’angleterre is an elegant five-star hotel in an enviable location by the lake, overlooking the Jet d’Eau from the opposite side of the water. From its many-windowed exterior you’d think this was a large hotel, but it has just 45 rooms and suites, individually, and opulently, decorated with all sorts of beautiful, and varied, antiques and interesting treasures. This is the sort of hotel which offers a range of dining choices, including private dining, and there’s a glamorous bar for the evenings, and afternoon tea for the afternoons. Luxurious and very memorable.

Geneva’s Best Family Friendly Hotels

Small and private feeling, with just three contemporary rooms, Le Jour et La Nuit B&B is a stylish spot outside the centre of Geneva. This is a good spot for families or groups, what with the communal kitchen, garden, and terrace with a barbecue, that makes it easy to feel at home. Though there are a number of good restaurants nearby so there’s no need to cook unless you want to.
The Edelweiss Hotel is a quintessentially Swiss hotel and restaurant, like a Swiss chalet transported to the centre of town, complete with fondue restaurant and nightly yodelling. Think wood-lined rooms, fireplaces, and long, alpine horns mounted to the walls. There are family rooms and babysitting services offered, and let’s be frank, your kids are probably going to love it.
Relatively close to the main train station, the Hotel Kipling is a bright, modern, 62 room hotel —with dashes of exotic influences to the decor. Some of the rooms have kitchenettes and Nespresso machines, and kids get breakfast for free. The hotel also arranges free use of public transport for guests, and you’re just eight minutes walk from the lake and the beach. It’s great value too.
La Réserve is an ultra-luxurious but family-friendly hotel in a beautiful landscaped park in Bellevue, along the lake from Geneva. There are 102 rooms and suites, with a warm and welcoming style, plus a choice of resort-style pools, a heavenly spa, tennis courts, a kid’s games room and plenty to do.

For great Value

Chez Maman Hotel and Restaurant is a 20th century inn in a hip part of town, close to shops and restaurants. There are only 11 rooms, all of them simply styled in a pale grey colour palette, with exposed beams on the ceiling, large windows and wood floors. There’s a garden too, with lovely places to sit and enjoy a tipple and tapas from the trendy bar.
The Auberge de Confignon is a gastronomic auberge tucked away in a village just above Geneva. The setting and mountain views are spectacular, but the food has the reputation. There are 14 simple, comfortable rooms.

Some of the Best Hotels Around Geneva

Domaine de Chateauvieux is a lovingly restored former winery in amongst the vineyards of the valleys surrounding Geneva. There’s plenty of rustic charm to the 12 rooms, and views of the Rhone River and the Jura Mountains. As well as having an impressive wine list, the restaurant has also been awarded two Michelin stars, and is known for its inventive cuisine.

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Travel Information

Geneva Airport is just four kilometres from the centre of town and easily reached by bus, train, taxi or shuttle. And the train transfer is free to air passengers, and only takes about six minutes to the central station. A taxi will take you around 25minutes, depending on which of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Geneva you choose.
If you want to hire a car - which we advise if you’re staying in Geneva and you want to see more of the lake and the alps - we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
Lots of people travel through Geneva to get to local ski resorts, so winter is almost as busy here as summer, which, as with much of Europe, is the busiest time for visitors. The summers here by the lake are sunny and dry, spring is very pretty, but there are still overnight frosts in April. Autumn cools down quickly, but starts quite comfortably in September, and winter is cold and beautiful, what with the backdrop of snow-covered mountains.

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The best hotels in Geneva

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Auberge de Confignon

Geneva (Confignon)

A gastronomic auberge tucked away in a village just outside Geneva. The locally renowned restaurant and its secluded setting are its main attractions, not to mention the wonderful mountain views from the terrace. Tranquility and local gourmet treats with easy access to Geneva.

Restaurant - The hotel bistro and restaurant are locally-renowned and serve traditional dishes, using fresh local products.
Sights nearby - Conveniently close to Geneva and the Selève mountain.
Secluded setting - Located in a small village on the outskirts of Geneva.
Restaurant with rooms

from $161 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees