What a gorgeous hotel. This is definitely my favorite hotel in Geneva and it's one of the last of the privately owned (not big chain) five star grand hotels in the city center. The lobby is small and intimate but fabulous and all done in woods, Italian marble, lots of plush green walls with marble busts, statues and artwork. There's also the famous "Leopard Bar" in the hotel. I booked via AMEX FHR (the hotel is also a member of Leading Hotels of the World) and got a wonderful deal with breakfast and a room upgrade. Try to get a room in the front of the hotel facing the lake because you'll have the most beautiful view of the jet d'eau and the quai. Reception was so kind and actually showed me a couple of rooms. I ended up taking a room that was on the side because I loved the color and the artwork, but I could still see the lake when I looked out the window. All the rooms are different colors and shades and have different themes. Mine had a turquoise hue with a Parisian "can can" theme, original artwork and a chandelier. I also saw a room in the center with a direct view of the fountain that had a nautical royal blue theme.
The thing this hotel is really famous for is the high tea at the Windows restaurant. Make a reservation in advance because it's very popular. It's something you can't miss. Try to nab a window seat with a view of the lake. The tiered tea tray is incredible and they make fabulous scones. I actually consumed an entire tier by myself!
They also have a wonderful breakfast in Windows restaurant and I highly recommend the fresh crêpes with maple syrup (sirop d'érable).
After breakfast, take a walk in front of the hotel to the quai where there is a modern statue for the Empress of Austria, Sisi, who was tragically assassinated nearby in the 19th century. She was staying at the Beau Rivage hotel next door.
All in all this is my favorite hotel in the area. You won't be disappointed if you love the classic, grand hotel style. As it's privately owned and a part of the Red Carnation hotel group, it's not completely modernized and sparkling high tech new like some of the other hotels which have lost their character. That's its charm. And it's beautifully run and well managed. After a day the staff all knew me by name, Even the staff that I had not met! I don't know how they do that , but it's very nice read more