Beau Rivage Hotel, Geneva

Most Famous Guests: Richard Wagner, Jean Cocteau, Marlene Dietrich, The Dalai Llama,

Though the name Beau Rivage Hotel tends, these days, to be more associated with Lausanne than Geneva, Switzerland, and indeed though the name has spread its special concept of luxury all around the world, those in the know are fully aware that the very first Beau Rivage was, and still very much still is, in Geneva.

The Right Bank Geneva original has now no more association with those who share the illustrious Beau Rivage name and it carries on independently as one of, if not the, most elegant and opulent 5 star luxury hotel in Geneva. A 5 star luxury hotel which also boasts an internationally famous, Michelin starred restaurant, and one which even offers exclusive cooking classes with the chef.

It really has a special place in the hearts of those who know and love this city, going all the way back to 1865. It has been in the same family (the Mayer family) for five generations now and has seen so much local, and European history along the way. The infamous murder of Empress Elisabeth of Austria and the founding of the now former state of Czechoslovakia being the best two examples.

THE ACCOMMODATION:

The hotel retains a gorgeously old fashioned atmosphere and preserves, for the most part, its classic Belle Epoque era styling. It has ninety rooms and suites to choose from, from what they term classic or executive rooms right up to some very lavish suites.

Though they may vary greatly in size and price etc. they all display the same sense of old fashioned opulence. And though you can expect the very best in modern 5 star hotel standards and facilities a sense of history is carefully maintained.

PRICES:

Check out all the details – prices, reviews and more photos – on the booking page here.

FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO:

The Beau Rivage Hotel is home to perhaps Geneva’s finest restaurant, the Michelin star winning Le Chat Botté under renowned head chef Dominique Gauthier. More exotic flavours can be sampled at Le Patara  which serves Thai cuisine and the evening can be rounded off at the hotel bar, known simply as Le Bar, or if the weather’s good on the terrace overlooking Lake Geneva.

In what we think is a very nice touch, guests at Beau Rivage have the very special privilege of being able to take part in cooking classes with the very personable, aforementioned Monsieur Gauthier, as well as wine tasting sessions (they have a very extensive collection) and food & wine pairing classes with the resident sommelier.

The concierge team at Beau-Rivage is second to none and can help with all sorts of things including acting as your personal assistant, personal shopper and travel consultant. A limousine plus driver can also be at your disposal as can child care services, and indeed you’ll find children are generally very well looked after here. There is a (surprisingly) small gym/fitness centre at the hotel and a range of massage services can be arranged, in the privacy of your room if required.

Finally the staff in general deserve a big mention at the Beau Rivage. They have consistently won rave reviews for their friendliness and commitment to service. You won’t be disappointed.

THE LOCATION:

On the famous Quai du Mont Blanc, opposite Jet d’Eau the Beau Rivage has a fitting location for such an iconic building. It is also just a few minutes walk from the Rue du Rhône, the prestigious central shopping street and business centre

This is the upmarket west shore or Right Bank of Lake Geneva; the Paquis district, which is conveniently near Geneve-Cornavin Train Station. If you are coming from the airport and you’re light on luggage you can choose to arrive at the train station and then take a walk (five minutes) or a taxi, but of course you also have the option of arranging the hotel’s limousine transfer direct from the airport which takes about 20 minutes.

SOME HISTORY:

Geneva’s oldest hotel, the Beau Rivage hotel was built in 1865 by Jean-Jacques Mayer, the great grandfather of the current owners. It was an ambitious project but once completed the imposing palace like structure became an almost instant hit with high society figures in Geneva and well beyond.

To give some idea the guest book over the years contained such weighty royal names as Grand Duke Peter of Russia, King Ludwig II of Bavaria, King Alphonse XIII of Spain, King George I of Greece, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Prince Damrong of Siam, the Maharajah of Patiala and Emperor Akihito of Japan. And non royals such as Richard Wagner, Jean Cocteau, Marlena Dietrich and the Dalai Llama.

Students of late 19th-early 20th century history will always associate the hotel with two things; 1) the tragic events of September 10th 1898 when, shortly after leaving the hotel, Empress Elisabeth of Austria was stabbed to death in a political attack by the anarchist Luigi Lucheni. And 2) as the place where, in October 1918 just as WW1 was coming to a close, the state of Czechoslovakia was signed into existence.

WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY:

“Service , service and service from the moment we arrived until departure. Every interaction with their staff made us feel as if we had known them for years and no request was ever an issue. Simply magnificent….”

“A truly enchanting hotel. Absolutely stunned from the moment we stepped out of the train station and was transported to the Palace in a Roller. The hotel is truly a palace, the opulence of the place is just beyond compare. The view of the Swiss Alps from the balcony of our room is just breathtaking. The staff are warm, friendly and very welcoming. They all just try and make you feel at home, nothing is too much to ask….”

>> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO CHOOSE YOUR ROOM OR SUITE AT BEAU RIVAGE PALACE HOTEL, GENEVA:

Location Category:

Castle Hotels in Switzerland