Geneva is home to some of the world’s most luxurious and over-the-top hotels, but we say there is no grande dame in the city more grand than Beau-Rivage. Luxury Travel Advisor checked into this historically posh palace earlier this year to investigate the five-star digs, and returned with a full report.
First and foremost, fly your VIP clients into Geneva International Airport, which is just a 10-minute ride from the hotel. Beau-Rivage’s concierge department can also arrange for your high-flying client to land their private jet there.
Reach out to Head Concierge Marc Pierrain ([email protected]; 011-41-22-716-68-30) for the how-to.
Upon entry, we were impressed with the historic atrium, with its working fountain, its lofty ceilings and its romantic-style columns. We checked into a Deluxe Room, No. 218, which had views of the iconic Jet d’Eau, Lake Geneva and the Alps in the background. Best Part? Our room had a deep soaking tub and private steam bath, as well.
Travelers craving an even higher level of luxury (think of past guests like Shania Twain, Sir Roger Moore and Maharajah of Patiala) will feel most at home in the Royale or Imperial Suite, each measuring approximately 2,000 square feet with up to three bedrooms, whirlpool, private sauna and/or steam bath.
The rooms with the best views of the lake and mountains are the Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, Prestige Suites, Historic Suites, and the Royale and Imperial Suites.
For booking inquiries, contact Reservations Manager Tala Madi ([email protected]; 011-41-22-716-68-25).
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| Deep Soaking Tubs are available in many of the hotel’s rooms. |
The hotel has been in operation since 1865, owned by the same family over five generations. It recently wrapped up renovations in its Historic Suites, which blend touches of historical and modern luxury. Translation: No modern lighting was used in the bedrooms. The designers opted to use overhead lighting by crystal chandeliers and low-level lamps in order to create a more “antiquey” vibe. However, to cater to the needs of the modern traveler, a tech touch pad was installed to control several aspects of the room. On the other hand, terraces scream contemporary in their style.
The hotel is home to two restaurants, Le Chat-Botté, serving French cuisine (with a coveted Michelin star) and Patara Fine Thai Cuisine with 14 Gault Millau points. We tucked into a savory lunch at Patara of rock lobster and scallops in a chili sauce with lemongrass (to die for).
But if French food is what you crave (you are in Geneva, after all), we hear that the sautéed duck foi gras from Le Chat-Botté cannot be beaten. We recommend a seat on the terrace, weather permitting. For dining arrangements, contact Restaurant Manager Pascal Brault ([email protected]; 011-41-0-22-716-69-20).
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| Beau-Rivage’s Historic Suites have retained traces of original décor and wood panelling. |
Geneva is an urban playground for the chic elite. As such, it is a shopping Mecca. La Rue du Rhone is famous for luxury shopping and has all the top brands. The street is a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel, but the concierge can arrange a private car.
Head Concierge Marc Pierrain is also on hand to cater to guests’ most over-the-top needs. We hear he was able to organize a private class in a local chocolate factory so that guests could learn how to make their own chocolate. The concierge department can also organize a private visit to the Patek Philippe Museum or the Roger Dubuis manufacturer. Past guests have also been met at the door of their airplane by a car and driver.
If a trip out of the urban setting is called for, guests can book a round of golf at Le Golf de Cologny, just 10 minutes by car from the hotel. It is recommended that luxury travel advisors reach out to the golf course directly ([email protected]; 011-41-22-707-48-00).
General Manager Ivan Rivier met with us during our stay to give us a tour of the hotel, including its banquet facilities, which we say are perfect for couples looking to tie the knot. Weddings can take place on the lake view terrace and dining room. We were told that a wedding menu will be prepared by the hotel’s Michelin-starred chef, as well.