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 Beau-Rivage is one of Geneva's most magnificent hotels, and when you step inside, it feels like you're coming home to friends. This is because the hotel has remained in family hands for almost a century and a half, despite unforeseen economic challenges. And also because the family's third generation, Jacques Mayer and his sister Catherine Nickbarte, are still passionate about their residence.
The story started in 1865, when Jean-Jacques Mayer bought the building following the death of the English developer who wanted to turn it into an apartment complex. Tourism was flourishing and Geneva sealed its destiny as an international city with the arbitration of the Alabama affair in 1872. Beau-Rivage has welcomed crowned heads and artists, including Richard Wagner, the Empress Sissi - who also spoke of her tragic destiny, - and the fantastic Maharaja of Patiala.
The hotel closed down during the war, from 1940 to 1944, and slowly regained its strength after that. During the 1970s, they got rid of the stuccos, stained-glass windows, panelling, and fireplaces, as they didn't fit in with the style. These relics of the past ended up in the attic, and only reappeared at the end of the 80s. The final renovation included redoing the frescos in the famous atrium. The hotel managed to uncover its original beauty. Overflowing with history and a few implied references, such as the Louis II of Bavaria suite, with a private sauna and double jacuzzi, and a view over Mont-Blanc.
Information and contact:
Hôtel Beau-Rivage
Quai du Mont-Blanc 13 (locate)
1201 Genève
Tél + 41 (0)22 716 60 60
www.beau-rivage.ch
Photo CCA
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Switzerland, french part 
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