Hotel Beau-Rivage, Geneva
More photosFounded in 1865 by the Mayer family, the Hotel Beau-Rivage remains a rare gem in Geneva as a truly independent, family-owned luxury hotel. Over the decades, this iconic waterfront property has served as a silent witness to history, famously hosting the signing that birthed Czechoslovakia and welcoming legendary figures from Empress Elisabeth of Austria to Elizabeth Taylor.
The hotel’s architecture perfectly captures 19th-century opulence, featuring gilded accents, crystal chandeliers, and rich heritage decor. While it retains its classic aristocratic charm, the interiors have been thoughtfully renewed by French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. A unique technical tidbit is that the building was home to Switzerland’s very first elevator back in 1873.
Guests can enjoy a highly refined culinary experience at *Le Chat Botté*, the hotel’s Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant. For a more relaxed experience, the atrium offers a beautiful space to unwind, and many of the suites provide stunning, unobstructed views of the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain and the sparkling expanse of Lake Geneva.
Location-wise, it is positioned right on the Quai du Mont-Blanc. You are just a short walk away from the city’s famous Flower Clock, the lush Jardin Anglais, and the historic Old Town with its towering St. Peter’s Cathedral. Whether you are strolling along the lakefront or exploring the nearby banking district, the Beau-Rivage provides a sophisticated, historic home base in the heart of Switzerland’s most international city.
Expert reviews
“Boasting an evocative setting where the Rhône meets Lake Geneva and offering exceptional views across the lake to the Swiss Alps, the Beau-Rivage is a 19th-century jewel.”
“Founded in 1865, Beau-Rivage Genève is one of the rare luxury hotels in Switzerland that’s managed by the direct descendants of its founder. History and innovation run deep here — the hotel has hosted a long line of royals in the 19th century and also debuted Switzerland’s first elevator in 1873.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Memorable stay
- Top location
- Excellent Wifi
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
21 December 2025
Classic. We had a city view suite, the room was stunning and large, clean with everything you could need. The staff are
27 June 2025
Good location comfortable luxury stay with major disappointmenton hotel facilities closed off due to major construction.
Very good location. The service was excellent. The bedroom in the junior suite was very comfortable.
Under construction renovation with much of hotel closed so limited facilities.
Bathroom in junior suite was small.
7 May 2025
Don’t go there, unless you have historical passions and ambitions to satisfy.
Absolutely perfect, friendly and amazing stuff!!!
Renovation is poor and smelly, facilities are poor, bathroom has no sanitary shower, no mosquito webs etc, etc, etc… breakfast in the restaurant reminds the years of hunger and desolation (I have never had such a poor and small breakfast in my life). And this all for shameless price!
13 June 2024
Not coming back
Location , great room , reception was wonderful
Breakfast was bad , not worth the value
Fruit salad smells onions, services really bad
26 April 2024
No complaints for a 5 star Swiss hotel .
Location is excellent with staff being very polite and attentive to ones needs . Excellent communication . My son dropped my credit card in cafe lobby and I was immediately contacted by concierge that the card was found Good value compared to nearby luxury competitors . Cafe and Restaurant are a up to standards for a luxury hotel. Most discerning guests should be happy with hotel .
None .
4 April 2024
The most unforgettable hotel we ever have
Amazing service
Clean private and with lots of history
24 March 2024
Perfect stay in a beautiful city
It is probably one of the best hotels in Geneva. The staff is polite and very helpful, everything is clean, there is a great view on the city and the breakfasts are the best ones I ever had in a hotel. Everything you need is available, including even a separate dog menu!
Probably the only complaint I can have is weak shower head pressure. It's in no way critical, but if that was fixed, I would say the hotel is as perfect as it gets.
4 March 2024
There are better options
Nice breakfast, new rooms and helpful staff
There is noise coming from outside the road, even during the early hours of the morning, even with the windows closed.
23 January 2024
The maid stole $3,000 from our nightstand. Hotel of thieves, never stay there!
nothing
The maid stole $3,000 from our nightstand. Hotel of thieves, never stay there!
1 January 2024
Very nice experience.
Well located, beautiful historic property.
14 November 2023
Elegant and luxurious
Elegant, sophisticated, historic, professional service standards yet warm, welcoming ambience
6 September 2023
Unless the room size and location can be substantially improve we will wait another 25 years.
The Hotel is the one I have known 40 years ago, although not in the past 25 years. The public rooms, the bar, the terrace for breakfast and the staff are excellent.
Ambiance quiet & discreet.
Other than the staff, breakfast on the terrace on a warm summers day was the highlight.
Our room was not good. Very very small and the view described as "city" meant back, loading dock, truck parking not acceptable.
No value for money.
2 September 2023
Will definitely go back
Perfect location, clean, professional staff,
30 July 2023
Expensive, but a very pleasant stay.
The room ( A suite) the view and the fantastic beds.
I cannot tell you much more because we only spent a few hours and one night at the hotel.
18 July 2023
Room was terrible. The rest of the hotel was above average and so was the service
Location
The room I got 205
12 July 2023
Amazing, comfortable stay for our family
The staff, accommodations, view, proximity, everything was exceptional. We would love to visit again and were sad to leave.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Hiking
- - Fitness
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Bike tours (additional charge)
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
Transport
- - Public transport tickets
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available
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