The Mandarin Oriental Geneva is a 5-star hotel that will make you feel as if you’re at home. This historical hotel, which happens to also have been the site for the first American Embassy there in the 1950s, is situated on the bank of the Rhone River across from the financial district. Business travelers will find the location incredibly tranquil on a small side street, yet the hotel is only 10 minutes from the airport, five minutes from the main train station and 10 minutes away from Old Town. For winter event programs, the hotel is a mere 30 minutes from the world-renowned ski slopes of Mount Blanc and Chamonix.

Guest Rooms at Mandarin Oriental Geneva

The hotel has 169 guest rooms and 27 suites – they each have the same amenities, but vary in size. In each of the seven floors, standard rooms are divided into a city or garden view.

I stayed in room 542, a deluxe river view room (38 square meters/409 square feet) with large, door-handle windows that open and offer breathtaking city views of the Rhone River, Geneva Beaux-Arts skyline and Alpine mountains. The room is decorated with light colors – tones of green and brown, which goes well with the outside landscape, city views and natural light.

The goose down bedding and pillow menu really makes for an excellent night’s sleep. And twice daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service are standard. The marble bathrooms are spacious and include separate bathtub and shower areas along with heated towel rails (which is a nice touch for the winter months).

The sixth floor contains the same deluxe rooms but was remodeled to include a different feel and design – incorporating vivid pinks and purples.

Suites are divided into junior and signature suites, including the Oriental, Royal and Presidential. Many of the suites have two front doors and all have separate bathrooms per the living areas. The signature suites even have their own City terraces, which overlook the breathtaking Alps and Financial District.

Business travelers will appreciate the room superb amenities: Nespresso machines, three different coffee flavors, cable printers, iPhone speakers, international power adapters and complimentary bottled still water. All TVs are flat screen and either Bang and Olaffson or Samsung equipped with Airplay. Guests only need to download the application in order to hook up their computer or phone to the TV.

For event planners interested in extra privacy for governmental events and their guests, hallways that include suites may be closed off.


Meetings and Events at Mandarin Oriental Geneva

Every program is assigned a dedicated conference planner who facilitates all services that are needed, including technology, catering and last minute details. You’re also provided with access to concierge staff on the day of your event.

Mandarin Oriental Geneva has 10 meeting rooms — including six boardroom style rooms — that can accommodate up to 350 in a reception setting. The ground floor contains the Rhone Room, which boasts breathtaking river and mountain views while offering bright and natural lighting, The room can contain up to 100 in a seated setting and can be broken out into four rooms. The other six rooms lie on the first floor with a separate entrance, restroom area, and reception check in. Each of the rooms contains natural lighting and river/mountain views as well.

Event amenities include AV Technology in each conference room, complimentary high-speed WIFI located throughout the hotel and customizable electronic signs for event attendees. And whether you’re hosting or attending a meeting – or even a regular guest – the hotel’s business center is located in a semi-private area that’s not too far from the lobby. It has four work stations with complimentary WIFI and printing.

Restaurants at Mandarin Oriental Geneva

Rasoi by Vineet is a one Michelin star, fine dining, contemporary Indian restaurant located on the ground floor of the Mandarin Oriental. Vineet Bhatia opened the original Rasoi in London and brought its rich cuisine and sumptuous flavors to Geneva. You will notice that the restaurant has a good mix of diners — hotel business and leisure guests as well as local Genevois (nickname for those who are locals).

Upon entrance, you’ll notice the rich Oriental colors of blacks and reds coupled with the large traditional oven used for meats and naan bread. The oven is over 300 degrees celsius (572 fehrenheit) and can cook naan in under a minute. I would recommend the following courses:

  • Naan and fresh Swiss cheese (starter): This is a local take on a classic Indian staple.
  • Chicken tikki, chicken seekh kebab with goat cheese and fresh herbs: The chicken has a tender and delicious spicy flavor, but is not overpowering.
  • Quail: This was a daily special that has juicy spices.
  • Chocolate cake “Rasgulla”: I was surprised by the hints of saffron lego kulfi and ginger gel lemon confit; it’s the perfect dish to end the meal.

The entire restaurant may be used for private events on Sundays and Mondays when the restaurant is closed.

Café Calla is an all-day restaurant that offers a mix of modern Swiss/French dining with impeccable river views overlooking the Rhone. The restaurant serves the hotel breakfast (also available as room service). The hotel lobby lounge, MO Bar, offers a classical feel with a large variety of spirits.

Mandarin Oriental Geneva Amenities

Business travelers will enjoy the spacious open marble lobby that greets visitors upon arrival. The Mandarin Oriental is one of only two hotels in Geneva with high speed complimentary WIFI. The front desk offers a complimentary currency exchange, which is useful to obtain last minute Swiss Francs. If you’ve rented a car, valet service and garage parking is a must in Geneva.

The Mandarin Oriental also has several options for business travelers looking to kick back and relax after a day at work. The onsite salon, Coiffeur du Rhone, offers beauty services and massages in treatment rooms. There is a spacious onsite fitness centers equipped with modern workout machines. Finally, saunas and steam baths are also located onsite.

The Verdict?

The Mandarin Oriental Geneva is welcoming with world-class amenities and guest services are excellent. If you are a business traveler or event planner considering Geneva, the Mandarin Oriental needs to be on your short list for its combination of in-room technologies, elegant décor, contemporary meeting spaces and phenomenal dining.