“An iconic hotel perched on the banks of the Rhône in Geneva. Newly refurbished exuding decadence with cherry wood, bold colours, and silk accents. Home to Ottolenghi's first international outpost outside the UK plus a Japanese omakase and MO Bar.”

Hotel review

Don’t judge a book by its cover - the building of the Mandarin Oriental Geneva looks old, run-down and a little simple but inside, seasonal floral arrangements and friendly staff welcome guests to the newly refreshed Geneva property. The hotel is wildly popular among tourists and check-in and breakfast can be quite busy, but staff do their best to mitigate any problems efficiently. Ask for a room or suite facing the Rhone river and be rewarded with less sun during the day and gorgeous views to wake up to. The Mandarin Oriental has a simple sauna, but guests can’t complain because you have direct access to the Lake where you can go swimming – it is a vibe and a must-do in Geneva. A perfectly located hotel takes you to watch making classes at Initium, chocolate shops and the Old-Town in less than 5-minutes by foot – there isn’t a better located hotel. While Geneva has great restaurants now like Gallo and F.P Journe make sure you eat in the hotel like most Swiss do. Yotam Ottolenghi recently opened his first international outpost, Ottolenghi but if you want something special, book an omakase experience at Sachi, a Japanese restaurant with an impressive whiskey collection and finish your meal at the MO Bar for a creative contemporary cocktail.

Recommended for

  • Great walks

    • Stroll from the Mandarin Oriental to the Old Town over the footbridge, discovering quaint shops and historic charm
  • Cycling

    • Cycle the scenic streets of Geneva, starting with free bikes from the Mandarin Oriental
  • Foodies

  • Romantic Break

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • The Junior Terrace Suites and three ultra luxury suites have private terraces
  • Museums

    • Visit the Patek Philippe Museum, a treasure trove of watchmaking history
  • Pet friendly

    • Pets are welcome. A charge may apply
  • Restaurant

    • Ottolenghi's latest outpost
  • Opulent

  • Good wine list

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Designer

  • Downtown

  • Views

  • Luxury

  • Contemporary

  • Child friendly

  • Gym

  • Grand Hotel

Facilities

  • Rooms

    178 rooms in this hotel
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    The Junior Terrace Suites and three ultra luxury suites have private terraces
  • Parking

    On-site parking is available for a fee
  • Pet friendly

    Pets are welcome. A charge may apply
  • Restaurant

    Ottolenghi's latest outpost
  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Bicycles available

  • Bar

  • Bath robes

  • Wifi

  • Concierge

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Child friendly

  • Gym

  • Garden

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Stroll from the Mandarin Oriental to the Old Town over the footbridge, discovering quaint shops and historic charm
  • Cycling

    • Cycle the scenic streets of Geneva, starting with free bikes from the Mandarin Oriental
  • Museums

    • Visit the Patek Philippe Museum, a treasure trove of watchmaking history

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Our guests appreciate our ideal location in the heart of Geneva, our beautiful views over the River Rhone and the snow-capped mountains, our vibrant F&B scene and our lovely staff.

What is there to do in the area? Nestled in a breathtaking natural setting, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva offers a diverse range of activities to stimulate both body and mind. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature through guided hikes, offering a deeply serene experience with each step. For those seeking adrenaline, thrilling kayaking sessions are available, combining the excitement of whitewater with the wild beauty of the river. Running enthusiasts can enjoy panoramic trails around the property or follow an exclusive jogging plan, specially designed to promote participants’ well-being. Whether for outdoor adventure or tranquility, Geneva provides an ideal setting to reconnect with the surrounding nature. Make the most of the surrounding scenery with one of our exhilarating experiences tailored by our Clé d’Or Concierge team designed to help you reconnect with nature and your adventurous side. Whatever your preference, we can create personalised experiences to suit your tastes and desires.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Our breakfast, located in our newly-opened Ottolenghi restaurant, offers exclusive Ottolenghi signature items like the famous shakshuka, local delights from Switzerland and some all time classics. It also features a buffet with a wide sweet and savoury selection.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Our outstanding restaurants and vibrant bar have made a significant contribution to Geneva’s dining scene. For any additional recommendations, our concierge team is at our guest’s disposal.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? MANDARIN ORIENTAL, GENEVA boasts 178 rooms and suites spread over seven floors, designed with a contemporary, elegant, and refined aesthetic inspired by nature, the mountains, and water. Adorned with contemporary Swiss artworks, they pay tribute to the history of the location, formerly known as Hôtel du Rhône, Swiss landscapes, and the journey of the river from glaciers to the Mediterranean. With a choice of king or twin beds, our River View Mandarin rooms are our most popular room category, decorated in Swiss inspired elements including textures and shapes of the surrounding mountains blending in with the waves of the serene River Rhône. Décor features a calming colour palette, whilst vibrant-colored furnishings brings a sense of Swiss urban luxury to the room.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? Nestled in the city center, our hotel places our family guests steps away from the best family-friendly activities, offering the perfect balance of urban discovery and natural Swiss beauty. With thoughtful children’s amenities and a host of special touches, our hotel promises comfort, connection, and unforgettable memories in one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. 

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? We are looking forward to welcoming you in the heart of Geneva, on the shores of the Rhône River.

Other reviews

Mandarin Oriental Geneva

This was the first hotel to be built in Europe after the Second World War. Much of its early modernist, Art Deco style was preserved when it was renovated by the Mandarin Oriental group under Adam D Tihany, creating an elegant hotel fit for the 21st century.

Originally published by Telegraph

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