Detailed Review
In the heart of Geneva, the city’s first hotel – and still the first choice of world statesmen and global travellers – has been a landmark on the Rhone since 1834. Now, as Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, it blends a revitalised sense of history with the essentials of today’s plasma-screen, broadband world – and warm, sophisticated, intuitive service.
Press Quotes
"You’d be hard-pressed to beat the view of Lake Geneva from the windowside bathtub in the newly renovated Royal Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva.” Observer 07
Independent Reviews
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"Louis-Philippe elegance in a traditional palace hotel"
Hotel des Bergues
By Brian Johnston
The Hotel des Bergues is the dowager duchess of Geneva hotels, standing right on the edge of the Rhone River where it leaves Lake Geneva, as if wondering whether to dip an elegant toe into the chilly waters. Opened in 1834, it was Geneva’s first hotel, and you could hardly beat the location, right in the city centre and just minutes away from the old town and financial district. Most of the rooms and public areas have views over the lake and distant Alps, with Geneva’s fountain adding a majestic touch. Once you step inside the lobby, you’ll see that elegant order is what this famous hotel is all about: the marble floors shine like mirrors and the cream drapes hang to luxurious effect, every crease arranged to perfection. Once the haunt of European monarchs and now of diplomats, business people and European high society, the hotel manages to avoid the stuffiness of many top hotels, and its service is surprisingly informal and friendly; even the conference centre manages a great deal of charm.
The rooms
A total refurbishment of the hotel in 2002 has added lots of useful modern amenities but has thankfully not distracted from the historic atmosphere of the 103 rooms. Many of them (and all the suites, which have balconies) overlook the lake, though others have courtyard and city views. The furnishings are French (Directoire and Louis Philippe styles, for those in the know), the chandeliers crystal, the bathrooms marble, but none of it is heavy; indeed, the impression is one of bright airiness. Rooms are decorated in light blue, pink or green pastel shades. Cushions with floral prints match the actual flowers in scattered vases, while graceful occasional lamps and decorative pieces add a homey touch. And if you think French elegance sounds a bit uncomfortable, fear not: oversize towels, thick bathrobes, and mattresses like gargantuan marshmallows will have you snuggling up in no time. Somewhere among it all, the hotel has hidden up-to-date conveniences: flat-screen TVs that can be turned towards you, heated towel racks, DVD players, high-speed Internet access and (that mystery of modern technology) steam-resistant mirrors.
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