Three of the best Geneva hotels for business trips

Geneva’s top hotels offer unbeatable locations, swish meeting spaces, mouthwatering dining – and quality and charm you could set your watch by.

By Ali Catterall

Compact, cosmopolitan – and ridiculously well-connected – Geneva somehow manages to feel both intimate and global all at once; qualities that place it firmly among Europe’s top cities for business. Just 15 minutes from the airport to the city centre, the city is home to the United Nations’ European headquarters along with more than 200 international organisations, making it a magnet for diplomats, financiers, global decision-makers and of course PR and public affairs professionals.

Part of Geneva’s pull comes down to Switzerland itself: a nation whose neutrality and strong trade agreements have long made international business easier. And although the cost of living here ranks among the highest in Europe, the country’s efficient systems, political stability, and enviable quality of life continue to draw in high-net-worth individuals and top talent alike.

Historically known for luxury watches and banking, Geneva has recently expanded its reputation into cutting-edge sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering, and biotechnology. And this constant flow of global talent has given the city a uniquely dynamic and outward-looking character.
For visiting executives and teams, another bonus is the exceptional calibre of its hotels – especially when it comes to meeting and event spaces – another reason the city excels as a business base. Here are three standouts.

Four Seasons Geneva

The Four Seasons is where those seeking a bit of prestige and polish come to stay. Sitting on the shores of Lake Geneva and right in the heart of the city, it’s within easy walking distance of the financial district, international HQs, and Geneva’s main train station.

The pastel blue interior of the executive suite with matching walls, upholstery and bedding, plus double doors with a view of the mountains.

While the interiors are classically elegant, the hotel also meets the needs of modern business travellers with its six meeting rooms and various event spaces, whether you’re running a major event or networking over Michelin-starred dining on the rooftop. The grand ballroom alone seats up to 300 guests for conferences or launches, while a variety of smaller salons and private dining rooms provide discreet, luxurious spaces for high-level meetings.

The ornate lobby features gold-etched columns and a floral centrepiece under a large ceiling-hung chandelier.

The hotel also features a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and refined bars and restaurants, including Il Lago with its Italian gastronomy and Izumi, serving Japanese cuisine. Add to that, impeccable service, state-of-the-art AV technology, and top-notch catering, and it’s easy to see why the Four Seasons is the city’s go-to business base.
Learn more about Four Seasons Geneva

La Réserve

Just across the water and located within 10 acres of lush gardens, La Réserve feels more like a lakeside retreat than a city hotel – which means it’s perfect for offsites, board retreats, or trips with an informal emphasis on wellness. That said, it still has strong business credentials.

The restaurant at La Reserve featuring a mix of longitude cushioned seating and individual chairs around tables, dark walls, lamps and a large plant whose leaves extend across the ceiling

Its conference and event centre features a variety of adaptable spaces, with the largest room accommodating up to 350 guests, all equipped with advanced technology and flooded with natural light. And here, executive teams can enjoy private villas and spacious accommodations.

The outdoor pool surrounding by grass and trees, with views across Lake Geneva and the mountains

The hotel’s restaurants also serve exceptional cuisine, while additional amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, a full-service spa, a fitness centre, tennis courts, and a kids’ club. The hotel also offers a complimentary water taxi service to Geneva city centre from spring to autumn – perfect for both leisure and business travellers.
Learn more about La Reserve

Metropole Geneva

Less expensive than the previous two, but with a nevertheless unbeatable location for both business and leisure, the Métropole Geneva is the perfect option. And positioned on the left bank of Lake Geneva, it’s the city’s only Palace Hotel in this prime area – just steps from the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain and the charming Old Town.

Although the hotel’s currently being refurbished, there are still rooms and suites available and freshly updated with every modern convenience, from high-speed internet to luxurious bathroom amenities.

The meeting spaces include seven fully equipped salons (the largest is able to host up to 200 delegates), with plenty of natural daylight and the flexibility to host anything from board meetings to product launches.

A wide angled shot of the Metropole Geneva lobby with blue walls, crean floor, and furnishings in maroon and cream.

Meanwhile, the rooftop, offering sweeping, year-round views of the lake, provides an unforgettable backdrop for networking events or cocktail receptions.
Learn more about Metropole Geneva

Ali Catterall is an award-winning writer, journalist and filmmaker whose writing has featured in the Guardian, Time Out, GQ, Film4, Word magazine and the Big Issue, among many others. Ali is also the writer and director of the 2023 film Scala!!!

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