Photo by flickr user jarito
Switzerland is the home of the hotelier profession and Geneva hotels provide a rich variety of proof of this, from the grandest lakeside ‘palaces’ to the (relatively) modestly priced. Don’t expect to find many bargains, as hotels in Geneva tend to be full throughout the year, but discounts are to be had on occasion and it is worth doing a bit of research. Our recommendations range from the eye-wateringly expensive (but fabulously luxurious) to one that belongs to the Salvation Army (but don’t worry, it is immaculately presented and very welcoming).
Geneva is not an obvious destination for a lot of people, but it has quite a lot going for it and plenty to see and do for a long weekend, quite apart from its value as a stopover on the way to the Alps. The city is compact and easy to walk around, and the lake and mountains provide a beautiful setting and are easily accessed. There are boats along the lake to suit all tastes and there are some lovely walks within a short distance of the centre if you want some exercise. Then, of course, there is the shopping - never cheap but always classy. Geneva old town is for art and antique lovers. With so many galleries and shops, you can discover the history of Geneva by digging through the treasures and trinkets of the old antique boutiques and find some relics that date back as far as medieval times. The cobblestone paths and old buildings of the area are an architectural delight, and getting lost in the many winding alleys only promise to bring you new surprises and fabulous, one of a kind items.
In the city centre the two parallel streets of Rue de Rhone and Rue de Marche are the most popular in the city, housing lush names like Gucci and Valentino. Big Swiss department stores can also be found here such as Bon Génie, Globus and Manor. If you walk down Rue de la Confederation, one of the best pedestrian-only streets for shopping, you'll be sure to see shops and boutiques offering watches, wine (don't forget that the Swiss make delicious wine, but don't export any of it so make sure to do a little tasting) and the latest fashion trends. Plus every variation of Swiss army knife and, of course, the famous, mouth-watering Swiss chocolate. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.
