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Location of the Accommodation: Beau Rivage Hotel, 13 Quai du Mont-Blanc, 1201 Geneva
Online Presence: beau-rivage.ch
Contact Number: +41 22 716 66 66
Cost: Starts from £390
Set the scene
You’re halfway down the Quai du Mont-Blanc, on Lake Geneva’s rive droite, facing the water. To your left, the elegant curve of the Bains des Pâquis jetty, with its toy-like lighthouse at the end; opposite, the mesmeric plume of the Jet d’Eau, the stately façades of the Quai Gustave-Ador and the spire of St Peter’s Cathedral. On the far shore you can discern the leafy billionaires’ colony of Cologny and, in the background, the rippling silhouette of the Alps, including, on a clear day, Mont Blanc itself. Turn your back on all that. Step inside the hotel. Soaring, salmon-coloured columns rise from a mosaic-tiled floor; you feel yourself caught in a tractor beam of natural light, drawing you, or at least your gaze, ever upwards. So there you are, head tilted backwards, at the still centre of a glossy vortex of loveliness. Your first impression is likely to be something along the lines of: ‘Gosh.’
Yet, perhaps the grandeur of a hotel is not to your taste, and the independence of an apartment beckons. The shores of Lake Geneva are sprinkled with luxurious accommodations that blend privacy with the beauty of the lake and nearby mountains. For those desiring a more personal touch to their stay, beautifully appointed apartments are available, offering stunning views and the comforts of home in a setting that's as breathtaking as it's tranquil. Find available options on https://www.top-hotels-switzerland.com/en/type/apartments-3/.
Experience pure luxury and history at the Wagner suite in Beau-Rivage, Geneva. Step into a world steeped in tradition and elegance, where every detail tells a story.
A rich heritage
Inexorably linked to the Mayer family for over a century, the Beau-Rivage stands as a testament to their legacy. The transition of ownership in late 2020 marked a new chapter, with the Casacubertas family taking the reins from Barcelona. A blending of two dynasties, a fusion of histories, and a vision for the future.
Indulge in opulence
Enter the Wagner suite and be enveloped by its timeless beauty. Each room within the hotel boasts a unique atmosphere and design, ranging from the classic to the resplendent. Whether a grand suite or a more intimate space, expect to be captivated by furniture and objets d'art that could rival those found in esteemed museums or prestigious auction houses.
The Beau Rivage Hotel in Geneva is a unique blend of history and modernity. Each guest room carries a touch of its old-world charm, with quirky characteristics that reveal the building's gradual transformation over time. You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that your bathroom is almost as spacious as your bedroom, or stumble upon a small sauna instead of an expected ironing board. These delightful idiosyncrasies add character to your stay and make it truly memorable.
In 2018, the hotel underwent a comprehensive restoration, resulting in the addition of 17 new rooms on the fifth and sixth floors. Among these are the remarkable split-level 'duplexes' and the opulent Royal Suite, which exudes a grandeur fit for royalty. Moreover, the hotel's façade deviates from convention, boasting a non-linear design with captivating angles instead of a predictable straight-line alignment parallel to the Quai du Mont-Blanc. This architectural quirk enhances the extraordinary lakeside views, creating a picturesque setting that sets this hotel apart.
The terrace of the suites at Beau-Rivage in Geneva offers a stunning view of the surroundings. The peaceful ambiance and luxurious setting make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Gourmet Delights
Indulge in a culinary experience at Le Chat-Botté, the renowned fine-dining restaurant at Beau-Rivage. This long-standing establishment has been a favorite among locals since its opening in 1967. Chef Dominique Gauthier, with his impressive 25-year tenure, has perfected the art of creating exquisite dishes that leave a lasting impression. One of his signature creations is the frogs' legs in tempura, which might initially seem like a playful dare but ultimately delivers a delightful gastronomic sensation. Furthermore, the restaurant boasts an extensive wine cellar, making it a paradise for wine enthusiasts.
Though serious about what he does, he is also very down to earth – there have been recent ice-cream and Sachertorte collaborations, as well as a life-affirming Fondue Therapy package. In addition to Le Chat-Botté, he oversees the outdoor restaurant La Terrasse – which becomes La Terrasse Alpine in the winter months, with heated vintage gondola cabins from Gstaad. Downstairs is a Thai restaurant, Le Patara. With all these distractions, Albertine’s, the little bar that you pass on your way from the lobby, might easily be overlooked – though not by this reviewer, in whose opinion it is one of the hotel’s loveliest spaces. Formerly a reading room, it retains a certain serene seriousness of purpose, uncommon in bars these days, that is very becoming.
The spa
In a world in which so many hotels make such a song and dance about their vast, elaborate wellness facilities, the Beau-Rivage makes do with a single treatment room – its Bellefontaine Suite – in which one therapist takes care of one guest at a time. Which is refreshing in itself.
The Terrace at Beau-Rivage, Geneva offers a picturesque view of Quai du Mont-Blanc. This luxurious location has a rich history, having witnessed notable events over the years.
The opulent stretch of Quai du Mont-Blanc, although usually serene, has seen its share of excitement. One such event involved Elisabeth, Empress Consort of Austria, who was unfortunately stabbed by an Italian anarchist outside the Beau-Rivage while on her way to board a paddle steamer. A small bronze plaque now marks the spot where this incident occurred. Despite this tragic event, visitors are still captivated by the allure of glamorous Sissi, with her Terrace Suite remaining constantly in demand.
Inside the hotel, there is a cabinet showcasing a pair of Elisabeth's gloves and a piece of bloodstained ribbon. These delicate artifacts commemorate the Empress's unfortunate demise, adding a touch of historical intrigue. While her untimely death is frequently associated with the hotel, it seems to only add to the fascination surrounding her. Notably, the Sissi Terrace Suite, named in her honor, is constantly and completely booked.
For visitors seeking a blend of luxury and history, the Terrace at Beau-Rivage in Geneva is the ideal destination.
The exceptional service experience
The service at Beau-Rivage Hotel goes above and beyond, impressing even the most discerning guests. Known for its impeccable service, the hotel's concierge desk has gained a reputation as a prestigious training ground for future Clefs d'Or holders, a distinguished accolade in the hospitality industry.Furthermore, the hotel takes great pride in its commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. With a goal to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2025, Beau-Rivage Hotel offsets all greenhouse gas emissions resulting from its energy consumption and work-related flights of its sales team. Going beyond that, the hotel promotes "soft mobility" among its staff by providing bicycles. It's worth noting that the hotel has embraced the innovative GeniLac programme. This program utilizes thermal-exchange networks that utilize the cooling and heating capabilities of Lake Geneva's water, significantly reducing fossil fuel consumption in the city by an estimated 39% by 2023.In summary, the service at Beau-Rivage Hotel is unrivaled, leaving guests impressed and satisfied. Furthermore, the hotel's strong commitment to eco-efforts showcases their dedication to both exceptional service and environmental responsibility. With its sustainable initiatives and goal of carbon neutrality, staying at Beau-Rivage Hotel ensures a memorable and environmentally conscious experience.
The hotel’s current waste-recycling ratio is 76.5 per cent; it plans to reach 85 per cent by 2025. Unused hygiene products are recycled through a charity, Youth for Soap, and unused kitchen ingredients – two thirds of which are sourced locally – are resold at low prices through the Too Good To Go association. The hotel also sponsors three Les Miels de Stéphanie beehives in nearby Satigny, which provide the honey served at breakfast.
Accessibility for those with mobility impairments
The entire hotel is wheelchair-accessible, with special entrances off the Quai du Mont-Blanc to the lobby and the key public areas, including Le Chat-Botté and La Terrasse. Lifts service all floors. The Henri Dunant Suite has a second bathroom adapted for wheelchair users, with grab rails in place.
Anything left to mention?
The Beau-Rivage has a permanent population of more than 150 angels in various forms – painted, sculpted, carved. You will feel entirely at home among them.