We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Geneva as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Geneva: Hôtel Les Arcades
Best boutique hotel in Geneva: La Cour des Augustins
“Impeccable taste, total discretion, and a passion for detail mark this stylish boutique hotel where thematic decorations stretch from African to baroque.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Geneva.
“The elegant, but pricey, Mandarin Oriental is located in the charming and quiet Saint Gervais neighborhood on the right bank of the River Rhône. It offers luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and three restaurants, including the top-notch contemporary Indian establishment, Rasoi by Vineet Bhatia.”
Shortlisted in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Geneva, Switzerland.
“Nestled on the shores of Lac Léman, this contemporary resort in a residential suburb resembles a grand African lodge. Spacious rooms, most with a balcony or patio, are dressed in warm browns with punches of vibrant reds and purples.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Dubrovnik.
“This intimate, refined 17th-century beauty slumbers against the quiet nocturnal heartbeat of the Old Town. Its 28 rooms and four junior suites are refurbished in a luxe, modern style with downy beds, stone feature walls and exposed wooden beams.”
“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.”
“The repurposed interiors, by the ubiquitous Pierre Yves Rochon, are by turns wild and lavish, demure and delicate. The eclecticism that confronts you when you step in off the street—a deliberately dissonant jolt of crystal, marble, murals, gilded Victorian lacquer, mid-century modernism and Macassar ebony—soon settles down; but that initial impression of fizz and drama lingers.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s Hotlist 2022.
“If you’d like to brush shoulders with some international pooh-bahs, then book a room at the InterContinental, Geneva’s go-to spot for high-level peace talks and news conferences.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Geneva.
“For something different, this low-cost option operated by Geneva’s hotel-management school offers excellent value. Service levels are exceptional and the spacious rooms, studios and fully-fledged apartments are modern and spotlessly clean.”
“The Fraser Suites Geneva located downtown in the city center and offers business-style spacious suites, with living rooms that close off from the bedroom and great urban views. There’s no bar or restaurant, but rooms do have kitchenettes.”
Shortlisted in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Geneva, Switzerland.
“With a selection of bright, playful guest rooms, suites and long-stay apartments, this funky design hotel on the fringe of the Old Town is popular with repeat visitors to Geneva, and for good reason. Parquetry floors, quirky furnishings, luxe linens and stark, white walls accented with splashes of colour along a variety of design themes, keep things fresh and interesting.”
Recommended by:
Fodors, Forbes, CNN, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Forbes
Recommended by:
CN Traveler
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Geneva is a Swiss city that is located at the southern tip of Lac Léman and is surrounded by the Jura Mountains and Alps. It is the headquarters of Red Cross and United Nations and an international center for banking and diplomacy.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Geneva are:
Carouge
Carouge is a neighborhood in Geneva that was built by Italian architects as a separate town on the outskirts of the city. The area is replete with cafés, hip bars, artisanal shops, boutiques and tailors.
Eaux-vives
Eaux-vives is a neighborhood in the city that is home to a 140 metre high fountain. The area houses thrift shops, boutiques, old style cinemas that give the neighborhood an old world charm and a distinctly bohemian feel.
Les Pâquis
Les Pâquis is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood in the city centre. Although it is small in size, it has a plethora of great restaurants, cafés and bars. The restaurants in the area feature cuisines from all corners of the world.
Old Town
Old Town is a neighborhood that has several landmarks such as Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in the city, St. Pierre Cathedral, and others. The area has several restaurants, cafés, bars, antique bookshops and art galleries. Shoppers can get various stylish boutiques on Rue de la Croix d’Or and Rue du Rhone shopping streets.
Plainpalais
Plainpalais is a neighborhood that is in the vicinity of several of the buildings of University of Geneva. The area is also home to several of restaurants, cafés and bars.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Geneva.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Geneva, then try Hôtel Les Arcades. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Geneva.
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Geneva, then you should book La Cour des Augustins. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists. Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Geneva, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in Geneva? Check out City Hostel Geneva. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our list of best hostels in Geneva.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Geneva, then go for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Geneva. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Geneva, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking to relax in a spa in Geneva, then try La Réserve Hotel & Spa. Customers have given the spa excellent review ratings recently.
Geneva is an expensive city. For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $210 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $270 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Geneva hotel then you can expect to pay around $610 per night.
If you're looking to stay in Geneva with your family, then try Hotel d’Angleterre or Hotel Beau-Rivage. Both hotels have excellent review ratings by families.
If you're looking for a romantic Geneva hotel for couples then try Hotel d’Angleterre. The hotel has excellent customer review ratings by couples.
Chamonix and Mont Blanc Day Trip from Geneva. Discover the allure of the European Alps on a full-day trip to Chamonix and Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, from Geneva. With a guide, travel through the splendor of the countryside to Chamonix, a picturesque Alpine town. Price: $123.
Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise. Explore the old town and international districts of Geneva on a 3-hour sightseeing tour by foot, boat, and tramway. See top attractions, such as the fountain of Jet d’Eau in Lake Geneva, St. Pierre’s Cathedral, the Flower Clock, and more. Price: $84.
Geneva Pass : Discounts and Free Offers at 40 Sights. Make the most of your time in Geneva with the awesome Geneva Pass, and receive free offers, preferential rates, great discounts, and surprise gifts at over 40 of Geneva's favorite attractions, including museums, cruises, and guided city tours. Price: $29.
More things to do in Geneva
When you think of Switzerland, the first things that probably come to mind are mountains and cheese. But there is so much more to this country than that! It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth, with lush green valleys stretching high into the Alps, quaint villages and charming cities that are almost too picture-perfect to be real. And when it comes to Swiss cities, no place stands out quite like Geneva. With a population of nearly 200,000 people, it is the second-largest city in the country after Zurich. Its Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s home to numerous museums and other attractions. In short, if you’re planning a trip to Switzerland anytime soon then you should definitely put Geneva at the top of your list. Here’s why…
There are many reasons why you should visit Geneva, but here are a few of the most important ones. First of all, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. With gorgeous views of the Alps and a bustling, charming old town, it’s easy to see why. Second, it’s a great place for history lovers. Not only is it home to the Red Cross, but it was also the home of many famous writers and philosophers such as Voltaire and Rousseau. Last but not least, the food scene in Geneva is absolutely incredible. You can’t go to Switzerland without trying their chocolate, cheese and fondue, but you should also try some local specialties like Carp and Fondue.
Geneva is one of Switzerland’s oldest cities. It was first established by the Romans in the 1st century AD and was then known as “Riomagus”. It remained a settlement of some significance until the medieval period when the nearby city of Bern became the country’s new capital. Because it no longer held strategic or economic importance, Geneva’s population dwindled and its importance as a city was virtually forgotten. And while it was certainly a beautiful place to live, it was pretty much a backwater for the next few centuries. That all changed in the 18th century when the city’s fortunes were suddenly revived thanks to a small group of French Protestants fleeing persecution. This group settled in Geneva, bringing with them a spirit of innovation and creativity that transformed the city.
There are many things to see in Geneva, but these are the ones that you shouldn’t miss. First of all, you must visit the Jet d’Eau. This is the tallest fountain in Europe, and it shoots water up to 140 meters into the air. It’s one of Geneva’s most iconic landmarks and it’s well worth a visit. Next, you should spend some time exploring the Old Town. Stretching along the banks of the Rhone River, this area is known for its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets. You’ll find plenty of shops, cafes and other attractions here, and it’s a great place to go on a warm day. Next, you should visit the Red Cross Museum. This is where the organization was founded, and it’s still home to the original International Red Cross. Finally, you should visit the Swiss Federal Library. It is home to more than 10 million books and documents, making it the largest library in all of Europe.
There are plenty of walking tours in Geneva, but this is one of the best. First of all, you should walk along the Rhone River, admiring the Jet d’Eau and the views of the Alps beyond. You might want to stop at the Cornavin Railway Station and the Botanical Gardens on your way. From here, you can take a funicular up to the Parc des Eaux Vives, which is home to a beautiful water feature. Next, you should walk through the Old Town, stopping at the Cathedral of St. Pierre, the Maison Tavel and the Place de Charles-Dullin. You can also visit the Universal Postal Union and the International Museum of Red Cross and Red Crescent. Finally, you should walk through the Parc de la Paix and the Rue de la Paix before heading back to the Rhone River.
If you have a few days to spare, you should definitely visit the Jardin Botanique. This is Geneva’s famous botanical garden and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the city. You should also climb the nearby Salève, which is Geneva’s highest mountain. It’s not very high (it only rises to 1134 meters), but the views are stunning. You could also visit the nearby Lac Léman and its islands. One of these, the Île Rousseau, is home to a museum dedicated to the poet. Next, you could visit the Parc des Bains-douches in neighboring French town of Colombier. This park is famous for its steam baths, which are open all year round. Finally, you should visit the nearby city of Lausanne, which is home to the International Olympic Committee.
Geneva is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it’s well worth a visit. The best time to go is in spring, when the weather is perfect. You can explore the city on foot or by boat, and you can also go hiking in the nearby mountains. There are plenty of things to do and see, from the Jet d’Eau and the Cornavin Railway Station to the Jardin Botanique and the Swiss Federal Library. You can also visit nearby cities like Lausanne and Colombier if you have a few days to spare. Overall, there is plenty to do and see in Geneva, so make sure you don’t miss out on this Swiss gem!
We recommend that you read our guide about where to stay in Geneva. It gives you an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
If you like our list of the best hotels in Geneva, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Hamburg or the best hotels in Frankfurt.