“An elegant all-suite hotel occupying a striking post-Haussmann style building overlooking the lake. Most suites offer fabulous lake views and each has a marble bathroom, huge tub, sitting room, and experience bar. With two fine-dining restaurants and a Guerlain Spa, you'll want for nothing here.”

Hotel review

The city of Geneva has a handful of luxury hotels (Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental) but the Woodward is the newest, having opened late 2021 and stands as the only property uniquely identifiable as an all-suite hotel. The smallest 5-star hotel sitting on the iconic strip rive droite which lines the glistening Lake Leman, is surprisingly petite and feels a little underwhelming when you drive up and check in but the hotel does have everything you need.
 
There are no rooms, only large, spacious and beautifully designed suites ranging from 55 to 160 metres-squared with most of them offering views of the lake, albeit at an angle. High-ceilings, Swiss parquet floors and signature Pierre Yves-Rochon designs are found throughout the suites with lots of closet and shelf space in both room and bathroom.
 
Art is found in all the public areas and in the suites take centre stage too with the television placed at an angle in the corner of the room to make room for priceless artwork on the wall. The mini bar is well stocked and all non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are free and replenished by friendly staff. There is a Guerlain spa with a wellness centre with all the usual amenities - indoor swimming pool for laps, two steam rooms and saunas, 24-hour fitness centre and courteous staff who keep it clean and fresh at all hours of the day. And for those who prefer outdoor swimming the lake is only a 5 minute walk.
 
The dining experiences are the piece de resistance for the Woodward. Downstairs in the basement is L’atelier Robuchon (yes, that famed French chef from Paris) and it is the only 2-starred Michelin restaurant in the city run by dynamic duo Oliver Jean and pastry chef Titouan Claudet. If you can’t book yourself a spot at this trendy restaurant, head upstairs to the hotel’s main restaurant Le Jardinier where dishes are similar but simplified to highlight the region’s outstanding produce. Skip the bar, most cocktails are batch made despite a friendly bunch of servers but be sure to have breakfast - all the pastries are made by chef Claudet and they are the best in the city and dare I say, Switzerland."

Recommended for

  • Romantic Break

    • With elegant suites overlooking the lake, a choice of two fine dining restaurants, and a spoiling spa this is a romantic stay
  • Short break

    • For those en route to the Alps, this makes for a very indulgent pit stop
  • Museums

    • Make a stop at the Patek Philippe Museum and learn about five centuries of watch making
  • Spa

    • An extensive Guerlain Spa complete with a hammam, whirlpools, and experience showers
  • Restaurant

    • There are two fine dining restaurants, L’Atelier Joel Robuchon and Le Jardinier
  • Sailing

    • Take a cruise on Lake Geneva and admire its awe inspiring beauty
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the striking 12th century Geneva Cathedral
  • Designer

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Gourmet

  • Romantic

  • Luxury

  • Charming

  • Contemporary

  • Wellbeing

  • Air conditioning

  • Disabled access

  • 5* Luxury

  • Child friendly

  • Honeymoons

  • Gym

  • Chic

  • Historic

  • Boutique

  • Lakeside

  • Grand Hotel

Facilities

  • Rooms

    26 rooms in this hotel
  • Spa

    An extensive Guerlain Spa complete with a hammam, whirlpools, and experience showers
  • Restaurant

    There are two fine dining restaurants, L’Atelier Joel Robuchon and Le Jardinier
  • Swimming Pool

    The impressive indoor pool is Switzerland's longest
  • Hot Tub

    Whirpool tubs in the spa
  • Babysitting

    In-house babysitting
  • Wifi

  • Bar

  • Airport transfer

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Meeting Room

  • Massage

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Room service

  • Disabled access

  • Suites

  • Air conditioning

Activities

  • Museums

    • Make a stop at the Patek Philippe Museum and learn about five centuries of watch making
  • Sailing

    • Take a cruise on Lake Geneva and admire its awe inspiring beauty
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the striking 12th century Geneva Cathedral

Map & Location

Other reviews

The Woodward

Super high-end Swiss lakeside heritage chic with a zingy contemporary twist.

Originally published by CNTraveller

The Woodward

The Oetker Collection's first hotel in Switzerland has swung open its doors in a 19th century building on Geneva’s Quai Wilson, offering magnificent views over Lake Geneva and the city’s emblematic jet d’eau. Interiors by Pierre-Yves Rochon comprise 26 suites, two restaurants and an extensive Guerlain Spa.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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