Beau-Rivage Genève

Some grand hotels feel like institutions; the Beau-Rivage feels like a private house that happens to have welcomed emperors. It opened in 1865 on the Quai du Mont-Blanc, the right-bank promenade that faces the harbour, the Jet d’Eau and, on clear days, Mont Blanc itself, and it has been run by the same family ever since, which is rare among the great palaces of Europe. Its history is woven into the city’s. The Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the famous Sisi, was brought here after she was stabbed on the quay outside in 1898, and kings, film stars and statesmen, among them General de Gaulle, have stayed since. The building has been carefully restored, with its façade, frescoes and marble columns brought back to life around a soaring atrium. There are 95 rooms and suites, classically decorated, the best with balconies or views over the lake, and Select Suites with private balconies. Le Chat-Botté, the hotel’s restaurant, holds a Michelin star for its modern French cooking, with a summer terrace over the quay and a chef’s table for eight. There is a fitness area, a bar and grand salons for events, and the whole house runs with a calm, attentive warmth.

Location and getting around: the hotel is at Quai du Mont-Blanc 13 in the Pâquis district on the right bank, a few minutes on foot from the Mont-Blanc pier, where the Geneva Boat Tour leaves, and from the Mont-Blanc bridge, which leads across to the English Garden and the Old Town. Cornavin station is about ten minutes’ walk uphill, with direct trains to the airport, Lausanne and Montreux. Like every hotel in Geneva, it gives guests the free Geneva Transport Card for buses, trams and the yellow lake shuttles.

Rooms: rooms are traditional in style, with rich fabrics, antiques and marble bathrooms. Lake-view rooms are the reason to stay, so book one if you can; the luxury suites look straight out at the Jet d’Eau.

Who it suits: couples celebrating, travellers who want the classic Geneva experience, gourmets and anyone who values discreet, personal service over spectacle.

Good to know: there is private and underground parking for a fee, and pets are welcome. Breakfast is usually charged separately unless your rate includes it. The hotel is busiest during big Geneva events and conferences, when rates jump, while late autumn and early winter often bring better prices.