best bed: Hotel d’Angleterre, Geneva, Switzerland

The D’Angleterre is one of those wonderful hotels that has everything…landmark building, great views of the Jet d’Eau & Mont Blanc, boutique vibe, amazing service, lots of history and even a bit of scandal. In 1902, the Archduchess Louise of Austria ran away with her children’s tutor to Geneva and the d’Angleterre. She was pregnant with her 7^th child… no one has ever been sure who the father was. Shocking! The hotel had opened in 1872 with 30 rooms and was an immediate hit with the who’s who of the day. Another wing was added in 1910; a gigantic reno was started in 1995…only the façade, the staircase and the floors were preserved. Yet the Belle Epoque splendor remains. There is marble, brass and fresh flowers everywhere. When the Red Carnation Group bought the hotel in 2001 they added the wonderful eclectic touches all their hotels are famous for. Mixed in with antiques are modern furnishings and art by the likes of Calder, Miro and Picasso. A cocktail in the Leopard Bar is a must. If you are feeling particularly decadent, indulge in the divine Dom Louis XIII cocktail at 380 euros (the rest are more reasonable!). It must be as good a place to work to as it is to stay, the d’Angleterre is renowned for the loyalty of among the longest serving staff members in hospitality.

Number of Rooms: 45

Sweet Suite: The Presidential Suite is as grand as you’d expect but has wonderful whimsical details. It also has bullet proof glass, butler service and a balcony with to die for views. Michael Jackson came for a couple days and ended staying more than a month. He even organized a meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, who was in town on official business, around the dining table. I’ll bet he took the suite with all four bedrooms but you only need to take it with one.

Favorite Thing: The attention to detail in the service…My first day, exhausted after traveling for 17 hours, mixed up from jet lag, I ordered late afternoon tea instead of dinner and a Bellini, mentioning it was a favorite. The next day a complete make-your-own Bellini kit  was left in my room for me to enjoy at my leisure (along with a big bowl of fruit and a plate of heavenly chocolates). What a treat.

Near By: Bains De Paquis, Lakeside promenade, Mon Repos Park, Train Station, business district, Old Town, Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Patek Phillipe museum, Tavel House, The Flower Clock, Place du Molard, shopping area

Amenities: Valet parking, pet friendly, Free Transport Card, Unique Experiences such as fishing on the lake (the chef will cook your catch), make your own watch, cigar masterclass, dinner on their private boat. High tea, Bar, Windows Restaurant. Smoking rooms available.

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https://www.dangleterrehotel.com

The d’Angleterre is a Virtuoso property. When you book with a Virtuoso Advisor, like me, you will get special amenities!