Hotels in Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva: A Waterfront Delight

Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, the city of Geneva promises any traveller a heady mix of picturesque scenery, historic architecture, rich history, and quaint charm. Explore the city’s ancient streets and historic monuments. Take a time-out in one of its beautiful parks or glide across the lake in a boat. Stop for lunch alfresco-style or cosy up in a café with a hot chocolate. Visit Geneva and marvel at its beauty and serenity.

Lake Geneva

For any visitor to the city, a trip to the shores of Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman to give it its French name, is a must. The lake, which forms part of the border between Switzerland and France, offers not only a picturesque setting but a host of activities too. Many tourists and locals stop by the lake’s beaches, which, whilst not expansive, are peaceful and pleasant. Close to the shores you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can dine in comfort against an incredible backdrop. There’s also a number of walking/cycling trails should you wish to explore the waters beyond the city. A number of boat tour operators offer trips out onto the lake, a trip you should take if you want to see some truly magnificent scenery. Of course, there’s one feature of the lake that every visitor marvels at: the Jet d’Eau. This water jet sprays a 145-metre plume of water into the air, something that is sure to impress. For those travellers wishing to stay close to the water, a number of hotels can be found close to the lake, although these tend to be at the more expensive end of the pricing spectrum.

The Old City

Geneva’s Old City offers a glimpse into the city’s culturally-rich past. Take a stroll through the narrow, winding streets and you’ll come across an array of landmarks and historically-significant structures. One of the most commonly visited landmarks is the St. Pierre Cathedral. Dating back to 1150, this is one of the oldest structures in Geneva and can be toured by arrangement. The Place du Bourg-du-Four is another popular destination for locals and tourists alike. This historic market square dates back to Roman times. Today, you’re more likely to find people dining in restaurants and cafés, although there’s plenty of good shopping to be had nearby. Across the river and away from the Old City, stands the Palace of Nations. While it might not be as timeworn as those situated in the older part of the city, this is still a significant landmark in Geneva. Situated in Ariana Park, the palace serves as the European headquarters of the United Nations, a role it has held since 1946. As you might expect, with so many officials visiting the building, there is a wide range of hotels located nearby.

An Abundance of Museums

History buffs and culture vultures will get a kick out of the abundance of museums located in Geneva. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is a popular stopping point for any museum-minded traveller, housing paintings, sculptures, and artefacts spanning centuries. You’ll find the work of Rodin and Rembrandt here amongst others. For ceramics and glasswork, head to the Musée Ariana which houses more than 25,000 exhibits in those fields. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum provides an interesting look at the history of those charitable organisations, while the Institute et Musée Voltaire is dedicated to the famed writer/philosopher. Other popular museums in the city include the Natural History Museum of Geneva, the Marbier-Muller Museum, and the Patek Philippe Museum, the latter of which is dedicated to watchmaking. All of the city’s museums are readily accessible regardless of which hotel you’re staying in.

Picturesque Parks & Gardens

When it comes to balancing city amenities and green spaces, Geneva gets the tally just about right. Throughout the city you’ll find a number of scenic gardens and parks, many within steps of the city’s finest hotels. Travellers looking to enjoy some fresh air and greenery can head to the Parc des Bastions, which dates all the way back to the 1700s. Here you’ll find the Reformation Wall, a monument to the Protestant Reformation. The English Garden is one of the city’s favourite gardens. Come here to see the famed flower clock and National Monument. Alternatively, visit the Botanical Gardens and take in the 12,000 species of plants and trees on display.

The Airport District

Business travellers and budget-savvy tourists may find the area around Geneva Airport to be a convenient base of operations. A host of different hotels can be found nearby, making it easy to get in and out of the city. Furthermore, you’re more likely to find a cheap hotel near the airport, something that can be a relief if you’re put off by the lofty prices charged by hotels in the city centre. The airport district is also home to the Palexpo complex. This extensive convention centre hosts an array of events throughout the year, including the very popular International Geneva Motor Show. The complex also houses Geneva Arena, which regularly hosts concerts, performances, and sporting events.