Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Geneva
Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, holds a fascinating place in history as the former “Hôtel du Rhône,” the very first luxury hotel built in Europe following World War II. Opened in 1950, its design by Swiss architect Marc J. Saugey was revolutionary for its time, featuring a unique, accordion-style modular structure that prioritized modern efficiency and comfort.
Today, the property masterfully blends its mid-century heritage with contemporary elegance. Renowned designer Adam Tihany has been instrumental in refreshing the public spaces, infusing them with a sophisticated mix of Art Deco influences and signature Asian accents. A standout technical feature is the sliding cabinets in the guest rooms, which allow staff to discreetly replenish minibars from the hallway without ever needing to enter your room.
The hotel is perfectly positioned on the right bank of the Rhône River, offering serene water views while keeping you at the heart of the city’s action. You are within a short walking distance of the historic Old Town, the iconic St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the high-end boutiques lining the Rue du Rhône.
For those interested in culture, the hotel’s central location makes it easy to visit major landmarks like the Palais des Nations—the European headquarters of the United Nations—or the Patek Philippe Museum. Whether you’re there for the world-class dining, such as the authentic Japanese cuisine at SACHI, or simply to enjoy the riverfront scenery, the hotel remains a legendary landmark in Geneva’s hospitality scene.
Expert reviews
“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.
“Occupying a prime waterfront position, the striking Mandarin Oriental Geneva does not fail to live up to the exceptionally high bar set by the sister properties of this internationally recognised brand.”
“Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is listed as one of the Swiss city’s Historical Heritage landmarks — it was originally the Hotel du Rhône, the first luxury hotel built after World War II.”
“This was the first hotel to be built in Europe after the Second World War. Much of its early modernist, Art Deco style was preserved when it was renovated by the Mandarin Oriental group under Adam D Tihany, creating an elegant hotel fit for the 21st century.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Walking distance
- Top location
- Excellent Wifi
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
26 December 2025
Beautiful, but way way too expensive
Nice room. Spacious. Quiet. Friendly staff.
Ridiculously expensive. Probably 2x London. And while beautiful, not even close to worth it. I highly recommend 20 other places in Europe first.
10 November 2025
it was very underwhelming
on arrival the concierge made a whole scene about our room foldable bed not yet ready and how it may be too small for my two children i had to argue that i had booked the write room he wanted to charge extra 2,000 CFA i refused he later said it was miscommunication basically it was an awful experience from the beginning
16 August 2025
Very very bad and unsafety
There is nothing to like it
The rooms were dirty, corridor lights at 576 room was off, it was looking sacry, breakfast was very bad , the items that should be in the room already , was not there , and we wanted toothbrush two times
7 April 2025
Not worth the money
Very bad for the money. The room was so small and average looking. The break fast was like a take away dinner. And I spent 1200 usd per night for this.
8 March 2025
They took a huge deposit, the hotel was paid in advance!!
personnel sympathique et travailleur!!
Small room for the price paid. Simple 5-star hotel furniture, small bathroom, poor quality cosmetics. Breakfast selection could be richer.
30 December 2024
Not a patch on other MOs
Location & very helpful and courteous staff
The rooms were cold, bathroom floor was icy cold with no heating; food was not good at all.
27 August 2024
Would never recommend this place, it is a waste of money (not only what you pay, but more)
Breakfast was good and the amenities in the room. Still not worth staying here.
The hotel is outdated and desperately needs reconstruction - the door in my room got blocked two times during one night stay. But the most outrageous thing is - they stole money from my card (I am not talking about the deposit of 300chf, although they too still are not returned). I woke up in the morning to find out that my card was charged 650 chf by mandarin oriental, even though I prepaid my stay and didn’t use any facilities. At the reception I was told - oh, yes, we charged your card for somebody’s room (and no sorry, no nothing). Two hours later I came to reception again and asked, when will I get my money back and was offered to get a gift card instead of money, so that I spend it at the hotel (and again - not even sorry for their mistake). I was outraged and again demanded my money back. And only 4 hours later another manager said that she was sorry for their mistake and gave me the bill, that they send me my money back, assuring me that I will get it soon. However, two days later - and I still didn’t get my money back, even though a part of it was “just blocked” as I was told. It was the worst experience in my life and I urge anyone reading this to avoid staying at this hotel.
12 August 2024
Fine - standard mandarin experience
Breakfast was fine - standard 5 star
Room comfy
Quiet location
Clean
The taxi ordered for sipper turned out ti be 80F!!!!
I was told at desk no more than 50.
Breakfast was “complimentary” but I paid 100F for it one morning.
Not great. I didn’t complain but did wonder why these charges occurred.
9 July 2024
Great hotel at the center of Geneva
Very good location at the center of Geneva. Exceptional service. Sumptuous breakfast buffet. Well-appointed rooms with lots of amenities.
Fitness center a bit small, but ok for a short visit.
13 June 2024
Amazing hotel lovely and efficient staff. Food is great
The staff are amazing always very efficient and ready. The food is amazing , location is great. I had a issue with a double booking and a lady called Giovanna from guest services looked into it and sorted out the problem , so the guest is always first in this hotel.
The property is very dated the facilities, lighting , decor of room really needs to be updated. Its a great hotel but for the price you pay the room is not up to standard.
5 April 2024
Worth every Swiss Franc!
The staff was amazing and I truly felt welcomed. It’s very upscale but I was made to feel at home. The hotel itself is just extremely beautiful, clean, and luxurious. I would stay there again and again!
24 February 2024
Great hotel with excellent service
Every thing ,location ,service ,helpful staff
Nothing
24 December 2023
Elegant Perfection in so many ways. A Swiss Watch of a Hotel
Excellent staff, friendly Concierge and Team. Consistent service. Smiles always .
Tastefully and very thoughtfully designed and presented. Everything was fresh and new. The lady who prepares and sets out the breakfast presentation is world class. Well done to her. Great location.
16 November 2023
A hotel I would recommend
It’s confortable, well located with very pleasant service
26 October 2023
The Gem of Geneva!
The service and courtesy of the staffs are top notch. When we checked in, Tom from Front Desk was amazing. He was so efficient and fast in our check in process, hence we were able to rest in our cozy rooms much faster. In addition Tom kindly enrolled me to the Mandarin Club wirh certain attractive benefirs. The Concierge Desk lady - sorry I did not catch het name tag - was also very helpful in recommending and making reservation to a popular cheese fondue restaurant not fsr from Mandarin Geneva. While we checked out this afternoon, Adrien from Front Desk was very helpful and efficient. Last but not the least was the Car Valet and Porter team. They are magnificent! Thank YOU MO Geneva in making our short vacation a memorabke one!
The view from our room was not particularly pleasing. The hotel indeed shows some age in its electronics and digital capability. Please kindly refurbish. Thank you.
26 October 2023
Good service. Only.
Quality of servic
The breakfast room. Small, overcrowded amd understaffed. Decoration and quality more reminiscent of a Novotel than a Mandarin Oriental.
Where are the Hong Kong standards ?
20 September 2023
An extremely pleasant hotel
It is a beautiful hotel but I particularly appreciate the warm welcome
Nothing
13 September 2023
A splendid stay in Geneva
Location, room service and the staff were amazing!
The rooms were a bit small.
10 July 2023
Even though in the beginning my experience wasn’t great, I had a good time
I liked how the staff are very helpful and accommodating .
I booked the room with garden view, but was shocked to see pipes and a wall. Told the staff about it they were helpful and cooperative but mentioned that there was “no real garden”. I was about to leave and book a different place but they told me that the only thing they can do is move me to a higher floor with a slightly better view.
Overall, I did not expect that a hotel like Mandarin oriental would deceive its visitors in this way.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Kid-friendly buffet
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Pet basket
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Cycling
- - Hammam
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Haircut
- - Hair colouring
- - Hair styling
- - Body treatments
- - Steam room
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness classes
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Bicycle rental
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Entertainment & family services
- - Board games/puzzles
- - Strollers
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Transport
- - Public transport tickets
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - 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

More photos

2 June 2026
If you would like a 3 star hotel that is over priced look no further !
The rooms in the pictures are highly misleading at the top of booking as they are all suites
The bed was very uncomfortable and the room although this moved us next door to a. Slightly bigger room was more like a 3 star
The hotel is massively overpriced and changed our stay to la reserve where the hotel was of a high standard
Very disappointed and will not be returning to this hotel