After talking to you about things to see and do in Geneva, let me talk to you today about accommodation and more specifically about the question of “Where to sleep in Geneva? ». This is an important question that you will certainly ask yourself if you plan to stay several days in Geneva.
Although the second largest city in the country, Geneva is not a very large city. It also has the highest population density in the country (and by far).
This is a good thing for visitors passing through the city since it means that the number of neighborhoods to stay in Geneva is limited. Indeed, we will only be interested in the 4 main districts of the city.
We will then see some good places to sleep in Geneva, from luxury hotels to youth hostels and AirBnbs.
Where to sleep in Geneva?
- The best areas to sleep in Geneva
- The most beautiful hotels in Geneva
- 3 AirBnbs to stay in Geneva
- Sleep cheap in Geneva
- Youth hostels where to sleep in Geneva
The best areas to sleep in Geneva
As I told you above, Geneva is not very large and we will only detail here the 4 main districts of the city which constitute the best locations for accommodation. From these districts, the vast majority of the city is accessible on foot, with the possible exception of the United Nations district, which is slightly out of the way.
Where to stay in Geneva?- Cité-Centre: the historic center of Geneva
- Eaux-Vives district
- Saint-Gervais – Chantepoulet
- Paquis district
Cité-Centre: the historic center of Geneva
The first district we will discuss here is one of the most important in the city, the Cité-Centre district. It constitutes the major part of the historic center of Geneva which extends to the Saint-Gervais district which we will discuss later.
This historic center, Roman at first, then medieval city was once surrounded by ramparts.
It is one of the liveliest areas of Geneva where there are many shops, luxury boutiques, bars, restaurants and places of interest.
There you can find, for example:
- Place du Molard and its restaurants
- Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Geneva
- The University of Geneva
- Bastions Park
- The Treille promenade
- As well as many museums such as the Barbier-Mueller museum or the Rath museum.
The Cité-Centre district will be one of the best areas to sleep in Geneva. It will also be one of the most expensive areas to stay in the city.
Eaux-Vives district
Originally, the Eaux-Vives district was a full-fledged city of Geneva. It was not until 1931 that this town joined the city of Geneva to become a popular district.
This district, located to the east of the city, is bordered by Lake Geneva with the Quai Gustave-Ador which is a pleasant walk.
There are several places of interest in this district, such as the Parc de la Grange or the Natural History Museum. But the major place of this district remains, of course, the famous Geneva jet d'eau.
On the west side of this district, there are many bars and restaurants. This part of the Eaux-Vives district is also a very good place to sleep in Geneva. You will benefit from proximity to the historic center of the city, the lake, bars and restaurants in the area while enjoying more affordable rates than in the Cité-Centre district.
Saint-Gervais – Chantepoulet
The Saint-Gervais district is the other district that constitutes the historic center of Geneva. A few centuries earlier, like the Cité-Centre district, Saint-Gervais was part of the influence of the city's fortifications.
This district is located just opposite the Cité-Centre district, on the other side of the Rhône. Just like the district of Eaux-Vives, that of Saint-Gervais was originally an independent town in Geneva. It was attached to the city in the XNUMXth century.
This district is therefore a very good area in which to sleep in Geneva with a wide choice of accommodation, from the most luxurious such as the Mandarin Orienta, or the Four Seasons, to more affordable hotels such as the Hotel de Genève.
Paquis district
The Pâquis district is the newest district of Geneva. Formerly, this was a set of pastures, hence its name, located outside the fortifications. It is a multicultural neighborhood where different communities live together. A few years ago this area had a bad reputation. Geneva station is located there.
Along Lake Geneva, on the Quai du Mont-Blanc, are some of the most luxurious hotels in the city such as the Hotel d'Angleterre or the Beau Rivage.
Inside the district, you can enjoy a very wide choice of hotels at more affordable prices as well as apartments, AirBnb, etc.
The district is popular with tourists and locals alike, especially in summer, when it is good to take advantage of the "Bains des Pâquis", a landscaped area that allows you to enjoy sunny days as well as the lake.
Along the lake, on the Quai du Mont-Blanc, is installed "Bronnette", a space open only in summer where it is pleasant to sit down for a drink and eat, while enjoying the long summer evenings.
The most beautiful hotels in Geneva
Capital of luxury, it is impossible to talk about places to sleep in Geneva without mentioning these luxury hotels. They are numerous and all offer very high-end services. The view offered by these hotels on Lake Geneva is one of the bonuses that will be offered to you if you choose to stay there.
The Four Seasons Geneva
Let's start with one of the best addresses in Geneva, the Four Seasons. Located in the Saint-Gervais district, one of the historic districts of the city, the establishment takes place in a completely renovated XNUMXth century building. The Four Seasons offers luxurious rooms perfectly equipped with a breathtaking view of the lake and the heart of Geneva. Standing, Decoration, Reception See prices
The Hotel d'Angleterre
Located on the Quai du Mont-Blanc at the entrance to the Pâquis district, the Hotel d'Angleterre is one of the best addresses in Geneva. Its spacious rooms offer a breathtaking view of the lake and its fountain. The bar and the restaurant are among the strengths of this establishment. Location, Decoration, Hospitality See rates
The Beau Rivage
Also located in the Pâquis district, the Beau Rivage is also one of the most luxurious establishments in the city. It offers a magnificent view of the lake and its geographical location allows you to reach the historic center of the city quickly, on foot. Its restaurant, Le Chat Botté, starred in 2015, is one of the best places to eat in Geneva. Location, Decoration, Calm
3 AirBnbs to stay in Geneva
Renting an AirBnb will also be a solution to consider for accommodation in Geneva. The choice is wide, from the cheapest to the most luxurious.
Studio, Historic Center
A charming little studio that can accommodate 2 people and enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of the Old Town of Geneva and a stone's throw from the cathedral. Perfect location Check rates
apartment 4 pers.
North of the Saint-Gervais district and a stone's throw from Geneva train station, enjoy a spacious and refurbished apartment that can accommodate 4 people. Apartment 4 people See prices
Studio in Geneva
Located very close to the train station and not far from the Saint Gervais district, this small studio can accommodate 2 people. Simple but clean, the price is the strong point of this accommodation. Low price See prices
Sleep cheap in Geneva
If you have a limited budget to sleep in Geneva, then here are 3 addresses of hotels, simple of course, but well located and which will allow you to stay in Geneva without breaking the bank.
Strasbourg Hotel
Located not far from the train station in the Pâquis district, the Hotel de Strasbourg offers attractive, recently renovated rooms. Access to the historic center is quick in 10 minutes on foot. Location, budget See rates
Hotel Rousseau
Located in the Saint-Gervais district, a 5-minute walk from the train station and a few steps from the lake, the Rousseau hotel enjoys an ideal location. The rooms are spacious. Location, budget See rates
Hotel Geneva
The price is the strong point of this small hotel well located, not far from the Saint-Gervais district. Access to the lake and the historic center is quick in 5 minutes on foot. Location, budget See rates
Youth hostels where to sleep in Geneva
Youth hostels are few in number in Geneva. Here are the two main youth hostels in Geneva. They are both located not far from Geneva train station, in the Pâquis district.
City Hostel Geneva
Offering private rooms for 1 to 2 people, as well as small dormitories for 3 people. The hostel is located in the Pâquis district, not far from the train station. One of Geneva's most popular hostels. Location, Hospitality, Cleanliness See rates
Geneva Hostel
Located not far from Quai Wilson, close to the train station and Lake Geneva, the Geneva Hostel enjoys an ideal location. The hostel offers private rooms for 2 and 4 people, as well as dormitories for 6 people. Location, Hospitality, Cleanliness See rates
Do not hesitate to share with us in the comments your recommendations and your advice in terms of accommodation in Geneva.
