Review of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, by Brian Johnston

In a city that values tradition, this luxury hotel has gone for a refreshingly modern look with a décor of modern brown and purple enlivened by leather cushions and elegant lamps. A tinkling piano at the bar relaxes visitors as they gaze out the huge windows of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at the waters of the Rhone gliding past, while the lobby comes alive for afternoon tea. This luxury hotel stands a little downstream from most of Geneva's top establishments further along the lakeshore, but the location is impeccable, with the financial district only a short walk away and most of Geneva's sights lying all around.

The staff seems to positively grin from ear to ear and speak a multitude of languages. While its location and conference facilities (with windows overlooking the river) attract many business customers, you might want to think outside the square at this luxury hotel and take your family: children are well catered for, with special menus, welcome gifts and kids' DVDs.

The facilities

Groundbreaking gourmet cuisine is served at the two restaurants available at this luxury hotel. Inspired by the acclaimed Adam Tihany, both restaurants were designed with cosmopolitan flair. Rasoi is a fine dining restaurant that serves edgy Indian dishes by the noted chef Vineet Bahtia. Le Sud is a brasserie inspired by Paul Bocuse serving dishes with a view of the Rhone. MO Bar is available for a social atmosphere serving modern tapas and bento boxes.

Fitness fanatics at this luxury hotel will rejoice in the well-equipped gym services that are available any time of the day or night in the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Massage services are also available for guests to relax and recharge. Beauty services are on the first floor with a salon that caters to hairdressing, manicures and pedicures.

The rooms

Warm shades of purple and brown are featured in the rooms of this luxury hotel, the best of which have private terraces and open fires. Marble, parquet and silk add a touch of understated luxury. Ask for a riverside room and you'll be treated to views of the lake and mountains; the scenery is particularly splendid from the Deluxe Bel Etage rooms on the sixth floor of this luxury hotel. Décor is modern chic with vague Art Deco influences, and the Asian owners have clearly had an impact on the amount of natural and other light, used to great effect. Wi-Fi internet access, colour printers and flat-screen TVs are standard. Best of all, rooms are quiet in spite of this luxury hotel's downtown location.