We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Hotels + Resorts The Best Hotels in Geneva, Switzerland Plan your visit to Geneva around these editor-loved and T+L award-winning properties. By Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a freelance writer with over eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on October 10, 2024 Exterior of Hotel d’Angleterre. Photo: Courtesy of Hotel d’Angleterre The second largest city in Switzerland, Geneva has long been associated with wealth — it’s a global center for banking and finance — luxury watchmaking, and one of the headquarters of the United Nations. But what travelers may not realize is that it’s also a resort town, a family-friendly destination, and a place where you can experience the famous Swiss quality of life: efficient public transportation, good air and water quality, a healthy lifestyle, and a generally safe environment. Of all the reasons to plan a trip to Geneva, though, its stacked roster of hotels — which includes several winners from T+L’s World’s Best Awards and It List — comes in close to the top. After spending a week exploring the “Peace Capital” and experiencing some of these properties first-hand, I curated a list of the very best ones, many of which hold coveted spots overlooking the majestic Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Why I’m the Expert Lydia Mansel has traveled throughout Europe as part of her work for T+L and other publications. The below hotels were chosen based on her in-person experience while visiting Geneva and her general familiarity with the luxury hospitality space. The Woodward Claire Cocano Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like With a 70-foot pool, multiple saunas and steam rooms, two Swedish baths, and a hot tub — plus a 24-hour gym — the Guerlain Spa is a destination in and of itself. What to Consider Opt for another hotel if you plan on spending the day exploring the city; this is a property where you’ll want to take full advantage of your reservation. Geneva’s first all-suite hotel made an appearance on the T+L It List in 2022; since then, it’s solidified itself as one of the most luxurious stays in the city, complete with a Guerlain spa, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, and the most enviable views of Lac Léman and Mont Blanc. With 26 spacious suites across 11 room categories, the property has carved out a distinct identity among its fellow five-star competitors, one defined by contemporary design elements and a decidedly sophisticated personality. Travelers who are familiar with the work of architect and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon may immediately notice his style upon arrival at The Woodward. It’s opulent without suffering an ounce of heaviness; every corner is comfortable and welcoming but still refined. Nowhere is this more apparent than inside the suites, where guests are not only treated to sumptuous linens and a full “experience bar,” but also glitzy touches like Baccarat chandeliers, silk wallpaper, and marble fireplaces. Although it pained me to leave my suite (and its four balconies) for meals, I’m glad I did. Lunch on the Le Jardinier veranda (steak tartare and french fries) and the tasting menu dinner at L’Atelier Robuchon — the open kitchen concept led by Chef Olivier Jean — were, hands down, two of the best meals I had during my time in Geneva. The Details: Location: City CenterAccessibility: Public spaces are wheelchair accessible; one accessible suite and one accessible treatment room at the spaNearby Attractions: Bains des Pâquis, Port Wilson, Parc de La Perle du LacRates: Starting at $1,601 per night Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva Guest suite in Four Seasons des Bergues Geneva. Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like It’s clear a number of the guests are here on business, but the hotel’s atmosphere is still tranquil and intimate. What to Consider If you want a true lakefront hotel, consider a property further down the Quai de Mont Blanc promenade. Most recently featured in the 2023 World’s Best Awards, the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva pairs shiny European elegance with the warmth and attentiveness the Canadian hospitality brand is known for. With 115 rooms and suites in total — the best ones overlooking the Rhône and out to Lac Léman — the neo-classical building is also home to the Michelin-starred Il Lago, a Japanese-fusion restaurant with 360-degree rooftop views, a faultless spa, a lap pool, plus a number of cozy settings where you can sip an espresso and send out a few emails. My personal favorite was the sumptuous lounge right off the gilded, flower-filled lobby; if my room hadn’t been delightfully ready upon arrival, I would have gladly camped out there for several hours. Like many hotels in this Swiss city, the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues has deep roots; it originally opened in 1834 and transitioned into a Four Seasons property in 2005. Its modern-day chapter, however, strikes a balance between its past and present eras, and guests have the option to stay either in the traditional rooms and suites (which I found light, airy, and exceedingly comfortable) or the contemporary Swiss chalet-style suites on the sixth floor. Either way, your stay will be topped off by exemplary service and attention to detail — whether it’s when you’re asking the concierge about the closest places to swim in the lake, enjoying a glass of wine at Le Bar des Bergues, or ordering a leisurely breakfast to your room. The Details: Location: City CenterAccessibility: Ramp at the front entrance, fully accessible restaurants on our ground floor, spa and indoor seating area at Izumi are accessible. Based on request, rooms can be altered to fit individual needs; the hotel is working on a soft renovation to enhance room accessibility.Nearby Attractions: The Flower Clock (L'Horloge Fleurie), Rue du Rhône, Jet d'EauRates: Starting at $1,527 per night Beau-Rivage Hotel Geneva Interior of Beau Rivage Hotel Geneval. Courtesy of Beau Rivage Hotel Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like Historic properties with traditional furnishings can feel dated or lackluster; but the esteemed Beau-Rivage is neither. What to Consider The hotel will be undergoing renovations in the coming year. The Beau-Rivage Hotel Geneva is a stalwart character on the Quai de Mont Blanc and one that’s notable for welcoming various royals and the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt and Elizabeth Taylor over the years. Though it recently changed ownership after five generations in the hands of the same family, the 95-room property (inclusive of 43 suites) maintains its style as a living history museum of sorts. No two accommodations are the same, and your experience could involve a bit of Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, or Art Deco design — and, depending on your exact booking, your room will be a convergence of antiques, traditional touches, and modern amenities. Though I was tempted to stay in my duplex-style suite and admire the unimpeded view of the Jet d'Eau during the day, the hotel’s common spaces beckoned. Breakfast at the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Chat-Botté and a late working lunch at Albertine's allowed me to take in my surroundings and understand what exactly made this five-star hotel a winner in the 2023 World’s Best Awards: a unique story, a true sense of place, and incredible in-house floral arrangements that provide levity to the historic building. The Details: Location: City Center, Quai de Mont Blanc Accessibility: An elevator goes to all floors, and the Beau-Rivage Suite offers larger hallways and an accessible bathroom Nearby Attractions: Brunswick Monument, St Pierre Cathedral, Reformation Wall Loyalty Programs: Leaders Club Rates: Starting at $794 per night Mandarin Oriental, Geneva Rooftop patio of Mandarin Oriental Geneva. Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotels Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like SACHI, the hotel’s on-site Japanese restaurant, is a culinary delight — and I’d recommend letting the chef lead your dinner experience with the multi-course Omakase Bar. What to Consider You’ll have better views of the Rhône than you will of the lake. While the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is far from an undiscovered name, its unassuming facade and location on the Rhône give it an almost hidden-gem-like quality. It isn’t until you enter the 178-room hotel, as I discovered on my final day in the city, that you can take in the full, five-star picture. Like other Mandarin Oriental properties, the Geneva outpost shines in two areas: its culinary offerings and its dedication to classic luxury. In the former category, SACHI stands out as a clear star among the hotel’s offerings and amenities — and it serves up some of the best sushi in Geneva. The latter category is made apparent throughout the different room options, though I’d recommend snagging one of the suites with a terrace if you can swing it. The outdoor space, particularly on a day with beautiful weather, gives the entire experience an extra dose of grandeur. Not to mention, the efficient Bose® Bluetooth speakers, bright marble bathroom, and separate dressing room make the process of getting ready for dinner nothing less than glamorous. The Details: Location: City Center, bank of the Rhône River Accessibility: Accessible common spaces and guest rooms Nearby Attractions: L'Usine, Cemetery of Kings (Plainpalais Cemetery), Victoria Hall Loyalty Programs: Fans of M.O. Rates: Starting at $887 per night The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva Interior of Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix. Courtesy of Marriott Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like You can redeem your stash of Marriott Bonvoy points for a room looking out toward Mont Blanc. What to Consider The hotel doesn’t have an on-site spa. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva may be on the smaller side — just 74 guest rooms and suites — but you’d never know from its larger-than-life personality. Upon entering the atrium lobby, you’re welcomed into a world of marble columns, checkerboard floors, flower arrangements, and shimmering chandeliers. The overall check-in experience is almost dizzying, as you can’t help but admire all of the colors, textures, and artful elements that set the five-star scene. All six floors of the atrium are decorated with tapestry portraits of historical figures, so the short trek up to your accommodations is equally fascinating; whenever I left my room, I couldn’t help but pause for a few seconds, looking down upon and snapping a photo of the multi-level sight. Other highlights to note are the rooms themselves: original parquet flooring harkening back to the hotel’s earlier days — The Hotel de la Paix was built in 1865 and became a Ritz-Carlton in 2017 — soaring ceilings, charming balconies, and Diptyque toiletries create a near-faultless guest experience. One of my favorite corners of the property was the Living Room Bar & Kitchen, which, true to its name, has a residential-style setting that lends itself perfectly to an unhurried breakfast or lunch. The Details: Location: City Center, Quai de Mont BlancAccessibility: Accessible guest rooms and common areas (though wheelchair users will need to request an entrance ramp)Nearby Attractions: Place du Bourg-de-Four, Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, Promenade de l’ObservatoireLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyRates: Starting at $671 per night Hotel d'Angleterre Geneva Exterior of Hotel d’Angleterre. Courtesy of Hotel d’Angleterre Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like The afternoon tea held in the Windows restaurant is a can’t-miss experience, and a cocktail in The Leopard Bar is the perfect way to kick off (or end) a night out in Geneva. What to Consider With just 39 rooms and six suites, this is a hotel where you likely won’t experience anonymity. Billed as a property “where British charm meets Swiss refinement,” the Hotel d'Angleterre Geneva has developed an atmosphere that feels akin to a cozy club — one with a history dating back to 1872. Part of the Red Carnation hospitality group, the lakeside hotel mixes the traditional with the theatrical: plush fabrics, ornate furnishings, and pops of unexpected artwork work together throughout the guest rooms and common spaces. Though this aesthetic isn’t for everyone, it’s hard to argue with the fact that this is a place that oozes grandeur and comfort — from the classic queen rooms and magnificent suites to The Leopard Bar, where the tables are repurposed from vintage Louis Vuitton suitcases. The Details: Location: City Center, Quai de Mont Blanc Accessibility: Limited (the elevator is quite small) Nearby Attractions: Rue du Rhône, Plage des Eaux-Vives, Les Schtroumpfs Loyalty Programs: SWR Rewards Rates: Starting at $725 per night InterContinental Genève, an IHG Hotel Lobby of Intercontinental Geneva. Courtesy of IHG hotels Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like The outdoor pool is a welcome touch during the summer (especially since the hotel doesn’t have a lakefront location). What to Consider The guest rooms don’t have as much personality or sense of place as the more historic Geneva properties. The InterContinental Genève, an IHG Hotel is an outlier among the city’s best hotels; it’s the only property on this list outside of the direct vicinity of the lake. Still, depending on your room, you may be granted views of Mont Blanc, the Jura mountains, or Lac Léman — or all three. While the hotel isn’t the most luxurious in Geneva, it maintains its status as a top choice for travelers due to its impressive lineup of amenities: Spa Cinq Mondes (which has a traditional hammam and fitness center), a seasonal outdoor pool, a “continental classic” menu at Woods restaurant, and cocktail bar that doubles as a place to grab a quick meal. The Details: Location: Petit-SaconnexAccessibility: ADA-compliant guest rooms and access routesNearby Attractions: United Nations Office at Geneva, Musée Ariana, Conservatory and Botanical Garden GenevaLoyalty Programs: IHG® One RewardsRates: Starting at $573 per night Hôtel Les Armures Book Now Also available to book at Kayak.com What We Like The Old Town location is nearly unbeatable; you’re within steps of some of Geneva’s most popular sights. What to Consider The boutique hotel doesn’t have a gym or spa. If you want to fully immerse yourself in history, look no further than Hôtel Les Armures, a boutique property housed in a 17th-century building in Geneva’s Old Town. Similar to other hotels in Geneva, this one weaves the old with the new — vaulted ceilings and stone walls meet chalet-style rooms outfitted with all the necessary modern amenities. Of all the charming nooks and interesting details you’ll find inside the 32-room hotel, Les Armures Restaurant is the most iconic. Known as one of the city’s oldest restaurants (if not the oldest), it serves traditional Swiss fare — and, yes, that includes raclette and the famous Vacherin and Gruyère fondue. The Details: Location: Old TownAccessibility: Limited; it’s recommended to call the hotel if you have questions or concernsNearby Attractions: St Pierre Cathedral, Musée Barbier-Mueller, Musée RathRates: Starting at $450 per night Know Before You Go Opt for public transport Geneva’s public transportation is incredibly efficient, whether you’re traveling by bus, tram, train, or shuttle boat. Plus, if you stay in a hotel — or anywhere classified as “approved accommodation” — you’re entitled to a Geneva Transport Card for the entirety of your trip. The non-transferable card arrives by email three days before your arrival, and it allows for unlimited rides during your stay. If you have any questions or don’t receive the card ahead of your arrival in Geneva, reach out to your hotel. Geneva is expensive While the public transportation is free, Geneva is still considered one of the most expensive places in the world. You’ll want to budget accordingly and take advantage of free or low-cost activities within the city. Stop by the Jet d’Eau, plan a visit to the Conservatory and Botanical Garden Geneva (where admission is free), or soak up the sun at Plage des Eaux-Vives, a free beach on Lac Léman. Bring your swimsuit Most of Geneva’s top hotels are located just a few steps from the lake, looking out toward Mont Blanc. The lake is clean, clear, and swimmable all year round, though the water temperature outside of the height of summer requires a bit of bravery. There are several beaches and dedicated places to swim, but Bains des Pâquis is just a short walk from The Woodward, the Beau-Rivage, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva. A couple of Swiss francs will grant you access to the pier, swimming areas, diving boards, and changing areas. How We Chose These Hotels Lydia Mansel is a travel journalist who has spent nearly a decade writing about luxury hotels across the U.S. and Europe. To compile the list of the best hotels in Geneva, she used her own on-the-ground experience as well as editor recommendations and performance in T+L’s World’s Best Awards and It List. Each selection was thoroughly vetted for its amenities, service, decor, location, and other key features that create the entire guest experience. As always, each hotel aligns with our T+L Hotel Values. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more