The Splendors of Beau-Rivage in Geneva
To finish off my trip in Switzerland, there was nothing like spending a night in Geneva's best hotel, the Beau-Rivage! I was completely enchanted by this historic hotel, which has welcomed the world's most prestigious figures since its opening in 1865. In addition to its antique charm, the hotel benefits from the Mayer family's efforts to constantly improve it. Recent changes include the uppermost Celeste floors inaugurated only this year, where I spent 24 hours in one of the most beautiful suites.
If you've been following my blog for a while, you know how much I adore luxury establishments with a history! Of course I'm a fan of super-modern hotels such as La Réserve in Ramatuelle, but I also love the heritage building ambiance. Founded in 1865 by the Mayer family, Beau-Rivage is currently headed by the 5th generation, a rarity in luxury hospitality. This gem of an establishment is therefore an integral part of the family's history, and the numerous stories that have taken place in its 94 rooms and suites have been passed down from generation to generation.
Flawless, Exemplary Service
As soon as we pulled up in our car, we quickly realized that Beau-Rivage would go above and beyond our expectations. After a flight of stairs, the courtyard was utterly captivating: the fountain and beautiful skylight, featuring the Pompeian style in vogue in the 19th century, hit the mark! We were also enchanted by the hotel reception service! The personnel were considerate and professional, from the valet service to the check-in to the concierges who bent over backwards to help us plan our stay in Geneva.
The Celeste Suites: the Most Luxurious in Geneva
Next we headed to the uppermost floors, the result of this 5-star establishment's most recent renovation. These new suites were designed by the famous interior architect Pierre-Yves Rochon and feature a unique look. They mix a classical style with some East Asian and even feminine accents. I spent the night in the beautifully named “Elizabeth Taylor” suite, a tribute to the famous Hollywood actress. I have to admit that even though I've stayed in some of the most extravagant hotels in the world, this suite blew my mind!
Starry-Eyed
Once through the door, I discovered an incredibly luxurious 100 m² duplex, so beautiful it left me breathless. The exquisite classical furniture combined with the high ceilings and gorgeous light immediately gave the impression of an enormous room. Natural light came streaming in through the large windows, which offered a view of the famous jet d'eau, the symbol of Geneva, as well as the old city and Mont Blanc in the background.
A majestic staircase led me up to the mezzanine bedroom, complete with a well-equipped dressing room and a grandiose bathroom. The bathroom is extremely luxurious for an urban hotel, with a jacuzzi sitting atop a stained-glass base, offering both historic charm as well as a shower that can double as a steam room. And remember how it's called a Celeste suite? This is because guests can admire the stars through a skylight placed over the bed. It's a small detail, but one that propels the Beau-Rivage ever higher in the rankings of the world's best hotels.
I particularly loved the room reception service; it's undeniably one of the most fabulous in the world. Alongside La Réserve, it's one of the best I've ever seen! An abundance of fruit, macarons, delicious pastries, and a bottle of Deutz champagne awaited us in our room… believe me, I smiled for the rest of the day!
Gourmet Dining
Unsurprisingly, the Beau-Rivage includes an excellent Michelin-starred restaurant. The Chat Botté is a gastronomical restaurant led by chef Dominique Gauthier. He serves French cuisine with Mediterranean accents in set menus of five or seven courses. For lovers of more exotic flavors, head to the restaurant Patara for Thai-inspired gourmet cuisine.
For dinner, we wanted something a bit less formal, so we opted for the Bar. In a classy, subdued environment, the Bar serves classic as well as more refined dishes throughout the day. We couldn't resist trying the burgers, which were just as delicious as the mocha tiramisu we had for dessert. During the summer, the Beau-Rivage opens up an outside terrace. If it hadn't started raining at the beginning of the evening, we of course would have chosen to sit there to enjoy our dinner while admiring the view of Lake Geneva. We'll leave it for next time!
Just a Few More Hours…
The next morning, we took advantage of the last few hours in our suite. I caught up with the day's news thanks to the tablet left in the room for guests to use, took a bath in the gorgeous jacuzzi bathtub, and then enjoyed an enormous breakfast set up in the comfort and privacy of our own suite. It was pure happiness, and I wish it could have lasted forever…
The Verdict
The Beau-Rivage Hotel is a remarkably charming and indisputably elegant luxury establishment that swept me off my feet. Not only is it a hotel, it's a veritable private mansion that has maintained its first-rate status for more than 150 years. While the Mayer family is extremely careful about preserving the building's soul, they're not stuck in the past. Their most recent renovation, completed in 2018 with the Celeste suites, was a fantastic success! Incredible luxury that can compete with the best Parisian hotels. I heartily recommend this 5-star establishment, a shining example of excellence that is making its way to the pinnacle of Swiss luxury hospitality.
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Practical Information
Thank you to Beau-Rivage for the invitation to explore their establishment. Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!
