The Hôtel des Bergues has a strong claim to be the first luxury hotel in Geneva, having opened in 1834 on the Quai des Bergues, where the Rhône flows out of the lake and under the Pont des Bergues. It sits right at the meeting point of the Old Town, the lake and the right-bank quarters, with the Île Rousseau and the bridges just outside and the water running past the windows. Over nearly two centuries it has hosted royalty, diplomats and artists, and in its current life as a Four Seasons hotel it combines traditional grandeur with modern service. The look is classic, with period furniture, rich fabrics and large windows, and the best rooms and suites face the river, the lake or the mountains. The hotel is known for its dining, including an Italian restaurant and a Japanese restaurant, as well as a bar and a lounge for afternoon tea, and it also has a spa and a fitness area. Its location suits visitors who want to walk everywhere: the Old Town and St Pierre Cathedral are a short uphill stroll across the bridge, the Jet d’Eau can be reached by following the lake quay, and the shopping streets and the boat pier are close. Because the details of facilities and restaurants change from time to time, check the hotel’s current offering when you book, but the combination of history and location is a constant.
Location and getting around
The hotel is at Quai des Bergues 33, on the right bank beside the Rhône and the Pont des Bergues, with the Île Rousseau directly in front. From the front door you can reach the lakefront in a few minutes, the Mont-Blanc bridge in about five, and the Old Town across the river in around ten.
Cornavin station is a short walk or a brief taxi ride away, and trams and buses stop near the hotel. As in every hotel in the city, the free Geneva Transport Card is given to guests.
Rooms
Expect elegant rooms and suites in classic style, with comfortable beds and marble bathrooms. Views vary with the category: some face the river and the bridges, others the lake or Mont Blanc, and a few look over the Old Town’s rooftops. If you want a particular view, state it when booking and ask the hotel to confirm. The level of service is high, with attentive staff and a concierge who can arrange tours, restaurant bookings and tickets.
Dining and relaxation
The hotel’s restaurants are a reason to stay in themselves, with menus that range from Italian to Japanese cuisine and a refined bar in the evening. Afternoon tea in the lounge is a pleasant ritual after sightseeing. The spa and fitness area provide a place to relax, and the details of treatments and opening hours are best checked directly.
Who it suits
Couples celebrating a special occasion, history lovers who like to stay in a building with a story and travellers who want to be in the middle of the city without sacrificing comfort. It also suits business visitors, because the location is central.
Good to know
This is one of the more expensive hotels in Geneva, with rates that rise sharply during major conferences and events. Breakfast is usually charged separately. Parking is limited in the centre, so arrive by train or taxi where possible. The quays are busy and the traffic on the bridges can be noisy in the daytime, so ask for a quieter room facing away from the road if you are a light sleeper. In winter, when the city is quieter, you may find better prices and a calmer stay.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic building dating from 1834
- ✓Rooms and suites with river, lake or mountain views
- ✓Italian and Japanese restaurants
- ✓Bar and afternoon tea lounge
- ✓Spa
- ✓Fitness area
- ✓Concierge service
- ✓Free Geneva Transport Card
Good questions
Where is the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues?+
It is at Quai des Bergues 33, on the right bank beside the Rhône and the Pont des Bergues. The lake and the Old Town are both a short walk away.
How old is the Hôtel des Bergues?+
It opened in 1834, which makes it one of the oldest luxury hotels in Geneva. It now operates as a Four Seasons hotel.
Does the Hôtel des Bergues have a spa?+
Yes, the hotel has a spa and a fitness area. Check treatment menus and opening hours with the hotel before you arrive.
