Review: Mandarin Oriental Geneva
Checking-in:
The 189-room Mandarin Oriental in Geneva’s cosmopolitan centre is a historical heritage landmark, distinguishing itself as the first luxury hotel built in Europe after World War II.
The hotel opened in 1950 to coincide with the arrival of the United Nations’ European headquarters in Geneva. The Mandarin Oriental’s public areas underwent a significant contemporary redesign in 2008 by internationally acclaimed interior designer, Adam D. Tihany. Following this, all guest rooms were considerably overhauled and extended in 2013 by renowned French interior designer, Sybille de Margerie.
Location:
The hotel is centrally located on Quai Turrettini with stunning views overlooking the snow-capped Alps and the Rhône river’s right bank. The hotel is within walking distance of attractions such as the Jet D’eau, St. Peter’s Cathedral and the charming cobbled streets of Old Town.
Also within easy reach are Geneva’s cultural institutions, the United Nations building, Geneva’s financial district, chic fashion boutiques, master chocolatiers, and prestigious watchmakers — suitably befitting a city synonymous with luxury. The Cointrin International Airport is nearby, a mere 4 kilometres from the hotel.
The Rooms:
Interior designer Sybille de Margerie was entrusted with overhauling the hotel’s 189 rooms — including 27 suites — in 2013, where she incorporated geographical location, Swiss cultural traits and the 7-story building’s linear façade into the hotel’s distinct design identity.
The room reviewed was a spacious premier river view mandarin room on the 6th floor with a king-sized bed and separate living area. A unique design feature in all rooms is a sliding cabinet that incorporates the mini-bar and laundry compartment, accessible from the outside. This allows housekeeping to deliver dry-cleaning, polished shoes and the vital restocking of drinks without disturbing guests.
Remaining faithful to her principles of developing colours, emotion, luxury and creativity into her projects, de Margerie rendered each room in chocolate, beige, brown, cream and plum earth tones to soften the perfectly symmetrical rooms.
Luxury materials are used for all furnishings from plush wool carpets and parquet flooring to fittings made of leather, silk, and mohair. The result is a contemporary elegance that effortlessly combines tradition and modernity — much like the city of Geneva itself.
The Mandarin Oriental lays claim to having Geneva’s largest hotel bathrooms, all of which are luxuriously outfitted in Greek St. Helena marble, with a glass wall allowing natural light to flood in from the living area. The room reviewed featured two marble bathrooms — one with a walk-in rain shower and the other containing a stand-alone bathtub and vanity area — both stocked with a full range of toiletries.
Each room offers guests state-of-the-art technology including high-speed wireless internet access and a Bang & Olufsen flat-screen television replete with a multitude of entertainment options. All rooms are decked out with a Nespresso coffee machine, a desk, two telephone lines; four telephone handsets, a laser printer and an electronic safe.
Drinking & Dining:
The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Michelin-starred Rasoi by Vineet, has been a firm fixture on Geneva’s gastronomic map since opening in 2010. Rasoi, the brainchild of chef Vineet Bhatia, specialises in progressive Indian cuisine producing modern interpretations of Indian cookery based on robust sub-continental flavours.
Signature dishes include banana leaf rasam cod, crab kofta, and chicken cashew nut korma — with many menu items originating from the restaurant’s sleekly designed traditional open tandoori oven. For a more casual ambience, Café Calla offers guests all-day dining with a modern French-style cuisine. It is also here, in Café Calla, that an impressive buffet breakfast spread worth getting out of bed for is served daily.
Luxuriously appointed in rich chocolate brown woods and deep blue leather and velvet seating, the MO bar oozes sophistication for those seeking a tipple. Open every day, the MO bar features an extensive cocktail list and serves tapas-style dishes and regionally themed bento-boxes for peckish guests.
Hotel Features:
Hotel amenities include a fully equipped TechnoGym fitness centre, sauna and steam baths, and a beauty studio by Swiss-based spa firm L. Raphael offering various treatments and massages.
Verdict:
Full credit must be given to Lars Wagner, the Mandarin Oriental’s general manager, for the unparalleled service delivered by every single staff member working in this hotel. Wagner is a hotel industry veteran with 30 years experience under his belt — this is clearly reflected in his team, each of whom embodies the legendary hospitality for which the Swiss are deservedly renowned.
Remarkable in its consistency, and noticeable from the moment guests arrive is that every staff member worked hard to ensure service befitting a world-class luxury hotel and the Mandarin Oriental brand was seamlessly delivered. For both business and leisure travellers seeking a well-located Geneva hotel with spacious rooms and impeccable service, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel will exceed expectations.
Details:
Quai Turrettini 1, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
T: +41(0) 22 909 0000
W: www.mandarinoriental.com/geneva
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Geneva Hotel Review Mandarin Oriental Geneva Melina Gouveia reviewsLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!