"Louis-Philippe elegance at this traditional palace hotel, in a central Geneva location."
The Hotel des Bergues is the dowager duchess of Geneva hotels, standing right on the edge of the Rhone River where it leaves Lake Geneva, as if wondering whether to dip an elegant toe into the chilly waters. Opened in 1834, it was Geneva's first hotel, and you could hardly beat the location, right in the city centre and just minutes away from the old town and financial district. Most of the rooms and public areas have views over the lake and distant Alps, with Geneva's fountain adding a majestic touch. Once you step inside the lobby, you'll see that elegant order is what this famous hotel is all about: the marble floors shine like mirrors and the cream drapes hang to luxurious effect, every crease arranged to perfection. Once the haunt of European monarchs and now of diplomats, business people and European high society, the hotel manages to avoid the stuffiness of many top hotels, and its service is surprisingly informal and friendly; even the conference centre manages a great deal of charm.
The rooms
A total refurbishment of the hotel in 2002 has added lots of useful modern amenities but has thankfully not distracted from the historic atmosphere of the 103 rooms. Many of them (and all the suites, which have balconies) overlook the lake, though others have courtyard and city views. The furnishings are French (Directoire and Louis Philippe styles, for those in the know), the chandeliers crystal, the bathrooms marble, but none of it is heavy; indeed, the impression is one of bright airiness. Rooms are decorated in light blue, pink or green pastel shades. Cushions with floral prints match the actual flowers in scattered vases, while graceful occasional lamps and decorative pieces add a homey touch. And if you think French elegance sounds a bit uncomfortable, fear not: oversize towels, thick bathrobes, and mattresses like gargantuan marshmallows will have you snuggling up in no time. Somewhere among it all, the hotel has hidden up-to-date conveniences: flat-screen TVs that can be turned towards you, heated towel racks, DVD players, high-speed Internet access and (that mystery of modern technology) steam-resistant mirrors.
Address: 33 quai des Bergues, Geneva CH-1201, Switzerland
Rates from:
CHF 600
Check Availability
Who stays here
The hotel is heavily frequented by upscale business guests, but offers many family services.
Come for
- The concierge, who is a Clefs d'Or and can arrange just about anything in and around Geneva
- A sense of history: this is a renowned hotel in a country renowned for hotels
- Rubbing shoulders with heads of state
- The ESPA beauty treatments
Not suitable for
- Anyone on a budget - this place is seriously pricey
Awards
Conde Nast Traveler Hot List 06
Children
Children of all ages are made very welcome at Des Bergues. The hotel requests names and ages of children prior to arrival, and will have for them welcome gifts, milk and cookies, child-sized robes and toiletries, and a special children's menu. The hotel can also offer cribs, rollaway beds, infant bottles and bottle warmers, infant toiletries, strollers, high chairs, and items to childproof guest rooms. With advanced notice, reliable babysitting can be arranged. Also, connected rooms are great for larger families.
Eating in
The three eateries are the haunt of Geneva's discriminating and well-heeled. Le Pavillion has superb views of the lake, with Swiss and French specialties to match; Amphitryon is the kind of high gastronomy that could be predictable but is served here with a surprising flair. The Bar des Bergues is more informal and a great hang-out on a warm summer's day.
