The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Geneva, Switzerland
A year-round destination for the simple reason that it’s chocolate-box beautiful in every season, Geneva is centred around the city’s famous, sprawling lake. When you’re not taking a dip in Lac Léman, marvelling at the Jet d’Eau fountain or chilling in the lakeside baths at Bains des Pâquis, get your geek on at CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research) or take a tour of the UN’s historic Palais des Nations. If nature’s more your thing, head to the Botanical Gardens or climb the Salève for views of Geneva and the surrounding Alps. Whether you’re looking for a luxury escape or a boutique stay, check out our pick of the best luxury boutique hotels in Geneva, Switzerland – all bookable with Culture Trip.
Hôtel Longemalle Genève, for captivating lake views
Hotel
Even if you don’t have tots in tow, it’s easy to gaze at the lake in childlike wonder from this luxury hotel in Geneva. The triplex apartments will leave you giddy, while the kids will love the triangular loft-like sleeping area on the mezzanine. Take the winding wooden stairs two at a time and step out onto your own personal terrace, with views of the lake, the Jet d’Eau and the big wheel.
9Hotel Paquis, for a heavenly retreat
Hotel
If you’re looking for peaceful places to stay in Geneva, 9Hotel Paquis offers a heavenly retreat. As you sip a glass of champagne and feel your soft robe caress your skin, it’ll be difficult to find the will to leave the poolside and sauna. The Geneva Suite’s double Italian shower and selection of complimentary organic snacks might twist your arm. But why bother leaving your room in the first place? The private whirlpool for two in the Helvetia Suite is sheer luxury.
Hotel Jade, for Feng Shui harmony
Hotel, Boutique Hotel
You’ll feel a sense of harmony as you step into this boutique hotel in Geneva. Every metre of it was designed according to the ancient principles of Feng Shui, from the welcome gong tuned to the sun’s frequency to the wenge, bamboo and other natural materials used to channel Qi throughout the hotel. Whether you’re feeling energy circulating around the smooth layout of the standard suite or basking in the natural light on the terrace of your junior suite, you’ll feel at peace right away.
Eastwest Hotel, for solo serenity
Hotel
Intrepid solo travellers will find a happy home at this Geneva boutique hotel, which has a cosy single room for anyone hoping to truly get away. When you’re not getting lost in your favourite author’s latest thriller, you’ll mix and mingle with a cast of interesting characters hanging around the hotel library, sauna and winter garden. Solitude need not escape you for long. A spread of eggs, sausage, bacon and fruits is yours to savour with breakfast room service.
Hotel d'Angleterre Geneva, for romantic opulence
Boutique Hotel, Luxury
Located on the ritzy Left Bank, with views of the lake and Mont Blanc, this Lake Geneva luxury hotel is right in the middle of the action. Built in 1872, the opulent hotel features a belle époque facade that’s listed as a historic monument. Expect fittingly five-star treatment from the moment you’re ushered in by the liveried doorman. The overstated interior is a melange of marble, brass and sparkly chandeliers, with plush rooms and suites that ooze romance.
Beau Rivage Geneva, for pure indulgence
Boutique Hotel, Luxury
Indulgence is the name of the game at this luxury hotel in Geneva. One look at the impeccable galleried atrium, and it’s obvious this hotel revels in its history. The corridors are lined with original artwork and antiques, while the bedrooms follow suit with dark wood furniture and chandeliers. If you’re celebrating and really want to indulge, the Elizabeth Taylor Suite features a mezzanine bedroom, shower-steam room and spa bath.
Hotel Bristol, for convenience and eccentricity
Boutique Hotel
Slap bang in the heart of the city, this historic boutique hotel in Geneva is just a five-minute stroll from the train station and the lake. With eclectic decor including red leather armchairs and a turquoise-carpeted spiral staircase taking pride of place in the lobby, you may need sunglasses, but if Louis XV furniture and gold accents are your thing, you’ll love the eccentricities. Designed by women, for women, the first-floor Ladies’ Rooms are designed to offer security and comfort to female travellers.
Chez Maman, for a warm welcome
Boutique Hotel
Built in 2014, this boutique hotel in Geneva makes you feel at home from the moment you lay eyes on the white building wrapped in red balconies and surrounded by trees. With just 11 rooms, the focus is on friendly, personalised service. Located 3km (2mi) from Cornavin train station and Lake Geneva, between the city centre and Carouge, this stay comes with the appeal of space and fresh air. City dwellers make the journey for the traditional homemade cuisine, featuring dishes like partridge and pheasant terrine, and grilled monkfish with candied artichokes.
Hotel d'Allèves, for a peaceful night's sleep
Boutique Hotel
With a convenient location five minutes’ walk from the train station and 150m (500ft) from the lake, the Hotel d’Alleves offers the best of the city in a quiet residential area. The property was built in the 1500s and has retained many original features through its numerous upgrades. Guests are welcomed into a cosy lobby with a stone fireplace and original columns, while the guest rooms are furnished with tasteful mid-century modern furniture and artwork.
La Reserve Geneve Hotel and Spa, to get away from it all
Spa Hotel, Hotel
Many guests choose this luxury Geneva hotel and spa for its spacious lakeside accommodation, which is just far enough from the city to make you feel like you’re truly getting away from it all. You may not want to leave the stunning grounds of this alpine lodge-inspired resort, as it boasts four restaurants, two pools and a high-tech spa; but a trip to the city on the vintage boat that leaves from the hotel’s private harbour is a must.
Nick Dauk contributed additional reporting to this article.
Fancy discovering more stunning hotels in Geneva? Check out our guide to the best hotels to book in Geneva for every traveller, bookable with Culture Trip.