Geneva is a cosmopolitan French-speaking city at the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva, framed by the Alps and the Jura. Known for the Jet d'Eau, a compact medieval Old Town, Calvin's Reformation, the Red Cross and the United Nations, it is also a world capital of watchmaking, banking and science with CERN on its doorstep. Despite its high prices, Geneva rewards visitors with lake swimming, museums, fondue and easy day trips to France and the Alps.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues
Palace hotel dating from 1834, directly on the Rhône by the Pont des Bergues, with Jet d'Eau views, a rooftop Japanese restaurant and a spa.
La Réserve Genève
Lakeside resort in a private park with a large Nescens spa, indoor and outdoor pools and a private boat dock.
Beau-Rivage Genève
Family-owned Belle Époque grand hotel from 1865 facing the Jet d'Eau, with the Chat-Botté restaurant.
Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva
Modern five-star on the north shore with lake and Mont Blanc views and a spa with indoor pool.
Hotel President Wilson
Lakefront five-star with a heated terrace pool, the La Mer spa and Royal Penthouse Suite.
Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
Riverside five-star with a spa, pool and the Rasoi by Vineet Indian restaurant.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix
Historic 1865 lakefront hotel, formerly Hotel de la Paix, with Mont Blanc views.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Domaine de Châteauvieux
Relais & Châteaux country restaurant of chef Philippe Chevrier in the Geneva vineyards, long among the top tables of the canton; confirm current Michelin and GaultMillau ratings before booking.
Auberge du Lion d'Or
Lakeside Cologny inn with a terrace over the water and Michelin-listed French cuisine; the Michelin Guide credits it with a star.
Le Chat-Botté (Beau-Rivage)
Hotel restaurant of the Beau-Rivage with a terrace facing the Jet d'Eau, long a reference for classic French cooking in Geneva.
Izumi (Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues)
Rooftop Japanese restaurant above the Rhône with views of the lake and Old Town, serving sushi and robata dishes.
Exclusive experiences
Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Private lake cruise on Lake Geneva
Charter a motor boat or classic wooden Riva-style boat from the Geneva harbours for a sunset tour past the Jet d'Eau, Cologny and Coppet; arrange through the concierge of a lakefront hotel or a charter operator in the Port Noir marina.
Patek Philippe and watchmaker visit day
Visit the Patek Philippe Museum (Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7) and book private appointments at manufacturers and boutiques along Rue du Rhône; concierge teams of the five-star hotels arrange private visits.
Private vineyard tasting in the Geneva countryside
Tasting of Gamay, Gamaret and Chasselas with a winemaker in the Mandement vineyards around Satigny, often combined with lunch at Domaine de Châteauvieux.
Helicopter flight over Mont Blanc
Scenic flights from Geneva Airport or Les Houches/Chamonix side over the Mont Blanc massif; book via an operator such as Air-Glaciers or the hotel concierge.
Private chauffeur to Gruyères, Montreux or Chamonix
Full-day private driver tour from Geneva to Lavaux, Chillon Castle and Gruyères or to Chamonix; passports required for France.
Spas & wellness
World-class spa retreats and treatments.
Nescens Spa at La Réserve Genève
A 2,500 sq m spa with indoor pool, sauna and hammam and signature Nescens health treatments.
Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
Riverside hotel spa with treatment rooms, steam, sauna and pool, bookable by non-residents.
Luxury transport
Travel in style.
- Option
- Private cars with driver can be arranged through the concierge of any five-star hotel; airport transfer between Geneva Airport and the lakefront takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Option
- Yellow shuttle boats that cross the harbour between Pâquis, Molard, Eaux-Vives and Genève-Plage, included free with the Geneva Transport Card for hotel guests.
- Option
- Geneva Airport has a dedicated general-aviation terminal for private jets, and helicopter transfers reach alpine resorts such as Verbier, Gstaad and Courchevel.