Cheat Sheet: Geneva, Switzerland

My picks for where to stay and what to do in this beautiful city

Geneva feels like a second home for me. I love my visits to the ultra-cosmopolitan city and always discover a new favorite ... (fill in the blanks), each time I pop over from London.

WHERE TO STAY IN GENEVA

Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva

In 2005, after more than a year of extensive renovations, Des Bergues reopened as a Four Seasons. Its 120 rooms were scaled back to 103 more spacious ones, featuring Louis Phillipe-style furnishings and palatte of greens and blues. Almost every room has spectacular views of the city and Lake Geneva, as does the lounge's outdoor terrace

Built in 1834, des Bergues is the oldest hotel in Geneva and its classic grace and beauty still remains unmatched. The Swiss have even designated the hotel a historical monument. The splendor of the ... read more about the Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva

www.fourseasons.com | Phone: +41 (22) 908 70 00

33 Quai des Bergues | Geneva 1201 Switzerland

Le Richemond

Fresh from a multi-million Euro revamp by its new owners—the always stylish Rocco Forte Hotel Collection—this 19th-century Geneva classic retains the Old World sophistication and impeccable service that drew such notable former guests as Charlie Chaplin and the French writer Colette. The Neoclassical building has a stellar spot overlooking ... read more about Le Richemond

www.lerichemond.com | Phone: +41 22 715 7000

Jardin Brunswick | Geneva 1201 Switzerland

La Réserve Genève Hotel & Spa

Hot Parisian designer Jacques Garcia has spiced-up the 85 rooms and 17 suites with 1930's glam, full of warm colors (he loves his deep reds and burgandies), and featuring all of the necessary gadgets and either a view of the park or the lake.

I love the feel of this place every time I walk in. Set on ten beautiful acres of parkland overlooking Lake Geneva, La Réserve is one of Geneva's see-and-be-seen spots and happens to be a high quality resort-style property. Hot Parisian designer Jacques Garcia has spiced-up ... read more about La Réserve Genève Hotel & Spa

www.lareserve.ch | Phone: +41 2 2959 5959

301 Route de Lausanne | Bellevue 1293 Geneva

WHERE TO SHOP IN GENEVA

Florist File: Switzerland

Switzerland has countless florists catering to countless events, every day of the week. But if you don't want run-of-the-mill blooms in your bouquet, here are some that stand out from the pack.

Fleuriot
Geneva's social elite rely on Fleuriot, an exquisite shop on the central rue de la Corraterie, for all their floral needs—including last minute bouquets at airport arrivals or at the train station, where Fleuriot has ... read more about Fleuriot

Tristan Artisan Chocolatier

Master Swiss Chocolatier Tristan Artisan Chocolate

Halfway between Lausanne and Geneva—and worth the trip from both—you'll find the cute little town of Bougy-Villars, home to master chocolatier Tristan Carbonatto. He and his wife, Yvette, toil away in their laboratory and whip up confections fit for a queen. In fact ... read more about Tristan Artisan Chocolatier

Phone: +41 (0) 21 807 21 25

Bougy-Villars, near Geneva 1172 Switzerland

WHAT TO DO IN GENEVA

Private Cooking Instructor

It's all well and good learning how to prepare tricky dishes that will impress even the most seasoned gourmet, but what about honing the basic techniques that you use every day? Based in Geneva, Switzerland, American expat Louise is an experienced cooking instructor and ... read more about cooking instruction in Geneva

Geneva Switzerland

Get Suzanne's latest finds and special invitations by email... SIGN UP

Topics: Shops, Gifts, Finds , Epicurean , Travel
Geography: Geneva, Switzerland
Tags: geneva, switzerland, hotels, lake view, cooking instruction, shopping, chocolate, florists, gifts, lake geneva, renovated hotel, modern hotel, cosmopolitan city