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

Old stone lovers are in for a treat. In the heart of Old Geneva, this hotel dates back to the 17th C. with even older stonework in the cellars.

The building - actually a grouping of four buildings - changed its layout as many times as it changed owners. During the Edict of Nantes in 1684, the building needed another storey in order to accommodate the Huguenot refugees, which explains the series of small windows under the eaves. A few years later, the Samuel Chouet de la Rive family brought together the different parts of the building to create one residence, inspired by the Italian model. Finally, when the present owner, Amédée Granges, took over the café in 1957 and then bought the whole building in 1977, the venerable structure was in a sad state.

The transformations and renovations that followed brought life back into the house's hidden treasures: painted beams, chimneys, interior frescos. Interior designer Philippe Michiels integrated some original pieces into the rooms, as he specialises in combining ancient and modern. A great success for a place that is in direct relationship with its history.

Close by, other places to discover:

The neo-medieval façade and Flemish gable depict a stork unfurling its wings to greet visitors. The decor is representative of the hotel's fantastical character.

This charming, yet unusual, kingdom offers as many rooms as it does styles. Different rooms to choose from: the Romantic four-poster bed and canopy from some Spanish palace, the Chinese folding screens, or the determined futurist style covered in metal. A deliciously strange and passionate collection of antiquities and chiné furniture.

The establishment was built in 1900 by a Dardagny wine-grower in order to run off his wine. At the time, it was considered the most luxurious hotel in the city, as each room was equipped with a bathroom and running water, among other things. But the luxurious hotel also experienced setbacks. It was sold several times and transformed into a meeting place for illegal immigrants during the war, and finally turned into a gambling den. In 1979, it was bought by an architect. The building was gradually renovated, yet today it still retains its glamour of yesteryear. It kept the Salève molasse-stone façades, but added on two new stories in the process. The restaurant offers a beautiful wine list with 350 vintages, obliging a return to the wine-growing sources! 

 Information and contact:

Hôtel de la Cigogne
17 Place Longemalle (locate)
1204 Geneva
Ph. + 41 (0)22 818 40 40
www.cigogne.ch
Photo CCA

An absolute favourite! The Auberge d'Hermance is nestled in the heart of the medieval village, hence the name, and is known for its formidable charm. What attracts people here is the strange, yet successful, mix of rustic elegance: ancient rocks and a Mediterranean subtlety. And what brings them back is the extremely famous salt crust chicken, aperitifs by the fire, candlelit dinners, and the magnificent terrace, lightly shaded during the summer. They fall in love for good with this timeless place, surrounded by greenery and with Lake Léman for its decor. A little paradise situated only a few minutes from the centre of Geneva.

Informations et contact: www.hotel-hermance.ch 

L'Auberge d'Hermance
Rue du Midi, 12
CH-1248 Hermance
Tél: + 41 (0)22 751 13 68
See road map to Auberge d'Hermance
Photo: Auberge d'Hermance