Geneva hotels

History is close at hand at the Hotel Les Armures. Set in a 17th-century building right in the heart of Geneva’s picturesque Old Town, its past can be felt at every turn, making this one of the best hotels in Geneva for history lovers.

Ceiling beams and exposed brickwork make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Yet its resolutely modern furniture and finishes mean that it never feels tired or dated. I love the communal areas, where comfortable sofas and nooks and crannies lend themselves to early evenings spent sipping local wine and reading.

The Restaurant Les Armures is well worth staying in for too. The oldest cafe in Geneva, the focus is on the finest Swiss food, from Alpine air-dried beef, warming potato soup and Lake Geneva perch.

There’s so much to love about Hotel Bernina. It’s one of the best hotels in Geneva thanks to its simple interiors, impressive service and excellent location, right by Cornavin station, the main jumping-off point for adventures near and far.

But what makes it really special is the fact it won’t break the bank. It’s not expensive to stay here, but you’ll be impressed by the neat Art Deco-inspired decor. The 2020 overhaul of the space, which was first built in 1855, is a triumph, with comfortable beds, pleasingly modern bathrooms and AC throughout.

I particularly like the wall paintings depicting the inner workings of watches and clocks, a nice nod to Geneva’s status as the global centre for horology, the science for measuring time and timekeeping.

Located in the heart of Geneva’s business district, and less than a minute from the lake, Hotel Rotary Geneva is a great option for business and leisure travellers. The former will enjoy it as a refined place to stay, while the latter will appreciate the fact the hotel allows them to experience the grander side of the city.

There’s a true sense of opulence at play here. From the striking, colourful chairs in the dining room to the leather sofas in the library and the floral feature walls in the guestrooms.

I love the fact that a free travel card for Geneva’s public transit system is included in every stay, letting you explore the city with ease. Handily, you can also walk to the best sights without any hassle, with the Jardin Anglais and Rath Art Museum just 10 minutes away on foot.

The New Midi doesn’t hold back when it comes to its interiors. This bright and brilliant hotel mixes colourful, 18th century-style pieces in its communal areas with arresting, orange walls and fun modern art. The result is a place that feels joyful to stay in.

I like the simple Standard Rooms, which don’t feel cramped despite their relatively small footprint, a testament to clever design. There’s also much to love about its Grottes Saint-Gervais location, with access to some of Geneva’s very best food.

Whether you want Swiss classics, proper Italian pizza or the best ramen west of Tokyo, you’ll find abundant options right on the New Midi’s doorsteps. I love Umamido Pâquis, where the spicy tonkotsu ramen will liven you up ahead of an afternoon of sightseeing.

It comes as no surprise that the Mandarin Oriental is one of the best hotels in Geneva. Yes, its spot on the banks of the River Rhone, with views of Lake Geneva and the soaring mountains beyond, make it hugely alluring. But there’s more to it than its location.

Being part of one of the most recognizable luxury hotel brands in the world means that everything within this hotel is exceptional. This is a place you’ll want to splash out on.

I love the vast River View Rooms, which have an added feeling of space thanks to huge mirrors, which reflect the natural light that floods in. A drink on the rooftop bar is essential when the weather warms up.

I love staying just outside of Geneva city centre, where you can get a sense of daily Swiss life and find some excellent, affordable stays. Chez Maman Hotel & Restaurant is one of the best hotels in Geneva precisely because it offers something that more central locations can’t.

The chalet-style building and outdoor terrace make it feel more akin to an Alpine stay. Here you can eat outside and enjoy the fresh air before taking a 20-minute walk to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Nearby trams make it easy to get into the heart of Geneva too.

The guestrooms are spacious and bright, while the in-house restaurant serves up great traditional Swiss food if you want to stay a bit closer to home after a day of sightseeing.

The eclectic, quirky style of the Ruby Claire Hotel is what makes it one of the best hotels in Geneva for design lovers. Wander inside from the cobbled streets of the Old Town and you’ll find a space that’s in thrall to Geneva’s status as a global hub and the home of the United Nations.

As well as panelled walls, you’ll find bright textiles, colourful furniture and striking modern art from all around the world. The calm guestrooms are a stark contrast to the city outside, where whitewashed walls, Marshall speakers and oversized beds let you create a home away from home.

I enjoy the breakfast here, which includes bottomless barista coffee, local Bircher muesli, fruit, fresh pastries and the finest cold meats to get your day started.

Hotel Suisse has lovely rooms, offers great value and is both close to the lake and in the middle of the city. Usually, stays in this part of town cost a bit more.

The prime location means you can walk to the Jardin Anglais’ renowned Flower Clock in under 10 minutes, stroll along the lake and hop on a cruise across the water, or marvel at the Brunswick Monument without ever having to use Geneva’s excellent public transport. A great option for business and pleasure alike.

The Hotel Bristol is a cool place to lay your head when visiting Geneva. Yes, its location right on the Rhone and next to the Mont Blanc Bridge help, but really this hotel is all about what you find once you step inside.

A heady mixture of classic Genevan elegance and a passion for the colourful looks of the late 1960s and early 1970s means that its unique rooms are some of the snappiest in the city. The Classic, Deluxe, Superior and Junior Suites all feature swirling carpet designs, lavish statement walls with wildlife, flora and block prints.

It’s not all about play though, with fast wired and wireless internet and large desks, the Hotel Bristol is a great place to work too.

I love the Hotel d’Angleterre for the simple reason that it harks back to a time of great elegance and tradition. This is a place where old-school rituals, such as afternoon tea, are taken seriously. It has an unbeatable lakeside location too.

While the rooms speak to an opulence that has made the Hotel d’Angleterre a go-to among luxury lovers for decades, there’s just as much to love about The Leopard Bar. Here you can listen to live jazz while sipping on Champagne or one of the excellent cocktails. The Old Fashioned is exceptional.

With deft service and rooms that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported back to the 19th century, the Hotel d’Angleterre is hands down one of the best hotels in Geneva if you like the finer things in life.