best bed: The Beau-Rivage Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

There is so much history packed into the one glamourous package that is the Beau-Rivage Geneva. This luxury hotel was first opened in 1865 and 5 generations later is still owned by the same family. In 1873 it was the first hotel in Switzerland to install an elevator. That was also the year long time resident the Duke of Brunswick died at the hotel. He left 20 million gold francs to the city which were used to build much of what we see now including the Grand Theatre. A few years later in 1873, Empress Sissi of Austria & Hungary was assassinated as she left the hotel, her favorite place to stay. One of the most in demand suites is named for her (see below). Luckily this did not stop others from coming or history from being made.  The country of Czechoslovakia was “born’  when the documents creating the new nation were signed at the hotel in 1918. The Duchess of Windsor’s jewels were auctioned in one of the grand rooms setting record after record. The art and antique filled rooms are located around a light filled soaring center atrium. Sarah Bernhardt was an early fan. Later Eleanor Roosevelt, Sting, Angelina Jolie, Karl Lagerfeld and Yoko Ono were amongst the celebrities who love the service, perfect location and unique rooms. This is one hotel you definitely want to pay up for a room with a view. Dominque Gauthier has been at the helm of the Michelin starred Le Chat Botte  (puss in boots) since 2001. Not only can he cook, but he is incredibly charming! The frogs legs are a must! There is a reason Kofi Annan said, “there are great hotels, and then there is the Beau-Rivage.”

Number of Rooms: 95

Sweet Suite: The Sissi Terrace Suite or as the Beau-Rivage calls it, the suite where history happened. This is where the Empress was staying when she was assassinated, now it is decorated with period furnishings and precious souvenirs. Yet there is nothing ghoulish; it is a light filled romantic room with a fabulous terrace overlooking the lake and a dream bathroom!

Favorite Thing:  The Beau-Rivage Signature Room where I stayed. Not a suite yet big and beautiful. I loved every minute…the view, the jacuzzi tub, the sauna and the balcony combined to make it the perfect place to recover from jet lag.

Near By: Jet d’Eau, easy walk to shopping and business district, Old Town, The Lake, Bains des Paquis, main train station

Amenities: Le Chat Botte Michelin Starred Restaurant, Clef d’Or Concierge, Patara Thai Restaurant, gym, pet friendly, bar, La Terrasse Restaurant, Nespresso machines, free transport card for all guests

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https://www.beau-rivage.ch