As surprising as it may seem, my visit to Geneva marked my first stay in one of the Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel chain’s establishments. I had the pleasure of celebrating mine and my husband’s birthdays at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok with a delicious afternoon tea, but in Switzerland I hung my hat for a night at the marvelous urban hotel. Check out my photo diary of my Genevan getaway!
Top-Notch Location
The superb Mandarin Oriental hotel is located in the very heart of Geneva! This urban establishment features 181 rooms and suites with an elegant design, but it also offers a panorama view of the Rhone framed by mountains in the background. To draw in both tourists and business clientele, the hotel put down its roots in the city center in 2010; those who’d like to indulge in a little shopping or discover the city will find themselves close to several major points of interest, and the business district is only a stone’s throw away.
My Terrace Junior Suite: Contemporary and Elegant
The hotel houses 181 rooms including 35 suites which offer either a view overlooking the garden or the river. I was thrilled to settle into the Terrace Junior Suite, located on the top floor. It includes sleeping quarters, a living area with a fireplace, and a well-equipped office space that will certainly appeal to business clients. It continues into a Greek marble bathroom filled with natural light. The best part is without a doubt the balcony overlooking the river – a major selling point!
The Michelin-Starred Indian Restaurant Rasoi by Vineet: Sure to Please!
Since the beginning of 2018, I have dined in about 30 Michelin-starred restaurants! It’s always a pleasure to discover a new gastronomical interpretation. At the Mandarin Oriental Geneva, I was thrilled to take a seat at the restaurant Rasoi by Vineet, awarded one Michelin star. I should mention that I’m not a big fan of Indian cuisine! It’s too spicy for me, not so sophisticated—in short, not my fav. Nonetheless, I was happy to discover a more elaborate, gourmet version, offset by the perfect atmosphere! In a resolutely contemporary ambiance featuring black and red tones, the famous chef Vineet Bhatia (who also has a very successful restaurant in London!) took us on a veritable culinary journey.
We decided on two different set menus: my husband opted for the “Rasoi Culinary Discovery” menu, while I chose the vegetarian meal. We of course shared everything so that we could each try as many dishes as possible. The chef’s highly contemporary style shines through not only the décor, but also the highly modern presentation of his creations and the flavors he combines. The traditional Indian aspect is not left behind, with each dish served in the center of the table to be shared. We enjoyed an excellent evening there, thanks to the impeccable service, helpful advice, and of course the top-notch gastronomy. Thanks to the chef for reconciling me with Indian cuisine!
Or Perhaps the Café Calla and the MO Bar
The Café Calla serves modern French cuisine at midday and in the evening. We also went to the dining room there for breakfast the following morning. The buffet offers classic 5-star hotel fare as well as typically Swiss products that helped us start our day off right!
The MO Bar is the place to be at the beginning of the evening; both Genevans and tourists come here to sip on cocktails in a sophisticated and elegant ambiance. During the day, the bar serves food on the go.
The Verdict
The Mandarin Oriental is without a doubt one of the most luxurious establishments in Geneva. It has a challenging task, as it has to draw in both business clients and tourists who are passing through. This is taken care of thanks to its chic and contemporary atmosphere and its unrivaled location. It’s both highly central and peaceful, thanks to the panorama view of the Rhone surrounded by nature. I particularly loved the restaurant Rasoi by Vineet, which offers a fantastic interpretation of modern Indian cuisine.
I loved:
I disliked:
Practical Information
Thank you to the Mandarin Oriental for the invitation to explore their establishment. Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!
Do you know the Mandarin Oriental ? Feel free to send me your comments or questions by posting them on social media.
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About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.