The Hôtel President Wilson is one of Geneva’s grand modern hotels, and its name tells you something about the city’s history, because it honours the American president whose ideas led to the League of Nations. It stands on the Quai Wilson on the right bank of the lake, facing the water and, on clear days, Mont Blanc, a few minutes from the lakeside parks and the boutiques of the city centre. The hotel was completely renovated in 2010 and carries the Swiss five-star superior classification as part of the Luxury Collection, a Marriott brand. The style is contemporary and polished, with large bay windows that bring the lake into every public space and many guest rooms. Accommodation runs to more than two hundred rooms and suites, so it feels like a proper grand hotel with the facilities that come with that scale, though the exact room counts vary between sources, so confirm with the hotel when you book. Dining is a major draw. The Bayview restaurant has held a Michelin star under chef Michel Roth, and the hotel also has an Asian restaurant, a Lebanese restaurant, a casual bar and a seasonal poolside terrace overlooking the water. Guests can swim in the garden pool, which is covered and heated in winter, and unwind in the hotel’s spa. For travellers who want a refined, full-service stay with lake views, it is a natural choice.
Location and getting around
The hotel is at Quai Wilson 47, on the lake’s right bank, in the northern part of the lakefront between the Pâquis district and the international quarter. The Geneva Boat Tour pier and the Bains des Pâquis are within a walk along the quay, the Jet d’Eau can be reached on foot in around twenty minutes, and the Palais des Nations and the Red Cross Museum lie a short drive or bus ride in the other direction.
Cornavin station is a short taxi or bus ride away. As at every hotel in Geneva, guests receive the free Geneva Transport Card for trams, buses and the yellow lake shuttles.
Rooms
The bedrooms are modern, spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning and good bathrooms. Lake-view rooms are the reason to choose this hotel, so book a lake-view category if you can; the large windows give a panorama of the water, the Jet d’Eau and the Alps on a clear day. City-view rooms are cheaper and quieter in some cases.
Dining and spa
The Bayview restaurant is the culinary highlight, with refined cooking that suits a special evening. The other restaurants offer Asian and Lebanese menus, and the poolside terrace operates in the warm season. Spa La Mer provides treatments and a place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The outdoor pool becomes a winter garden in the colder months.
Who it suits
Couples celebrating, business travellers, families that want space and guests who want a full-service lakefront hotel with a range of restaurants. Because the hotel is large and well equipped for events, it is also popular with delegations and conferences, so rates can rise sharply during major gatherings.
Good to know
The hotel has a private car park and an underground car park, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning throughout. It is a non-smoking property. Ask the hotel about its pet policy if you plan to travel with an animal. Breakfast is often charged separately, so compare rates carefully. Winter can bring better prices outside the big events, and the heated pool and cosy lounges make a cold-weather stay pleasant. Because the lakefront is exposed, the wind off the water can be sharp, so bring a warm coat for evening walks.
Why stay here
- ✓Bay-window rooms with lake and Mont Blanc views
- ✓Bayview restaurant with a Michelin star
- ✓Asian and Lebanese restaurants
- ✓Poolside garden terrace and bar
- ✓Garden pool, heated and covered in winter
- ✓Spa La Mer
- ✓Private and underground parking
- ✓Free Geneva Transport Card
Good questions
Does the Hôtel President Wilson have lake views?+
Yes, the hotel faces the lake and Mont Blanc, and its large bay windows give wide views. Choose a lake-view category to be sure.
Is there a Michelin-starred restaurant at the President Wilson?+
Yes, the Bayview restaurant has held a Michelin star under chef Michel Roth. The hotel also has Asian and Lebanese restaurants.
Does the President Wilson have a pool and spa?+
Yes, it has a garden pool that is covered and heated in winter, plus Spa La Mer. Ask the hotel about opening hours and any extra charges.
