Hotels in Geneva

Book your cheap hotel in Geneva

Geneva is a city of about 200,000 residents on the western edge of Switzerland, by a lake of the same name.

In the middle ages Geneva became an independent city state, following a successful defence against an attack by the Duke of Savoy in 1602. This event is still celebrated today in the Fête de l'Escalade. Following admission into the Swiss Confederation in the early 19th century, Geneva flourished and a number of international organisations are now located here.

The best place to stay in Geneva is in the centre, in one of the many hotels on the left or right bank of the Rhone. Accommodation is expensive, but the cost is offset by the provision of a free daily transport pass that is provided to visitors for the duration of their stay. Travellers on a tight budget will be attracted to the Plainpalais neighbourhood.


Neighbourhoods of Geneva

Geneva is divided into two areas, the left and right bank of the Rhone, each of which have four separate districts. The Centre is on the left bank. Call in at the tourist office within the main post office for a map of the main sites. East of the centre is Eaux-Vives with its restaurants, bars, Rose Garden and a farmer’s market. On the right bank is Grottes Saint-Gervais, with is small streets, shops and bistros, which makes the area appear like a village within the city. Further east is Paquis, which has a multi-cultural feel and a number of international organisations are situated here.


What to see and do in Geneva

Geneva has many famous attractions:

  • CERN: Tourists can visit the largest particle physics research centre in the world, see exhibits on the history of the site and tour the building.
  • International Red Cross and Red Cross Museum: This museum showcases both a history of humanitarian action and the ways in which today’s challenges can be responded to.
  • The Jet d’Eau Fountain This is the world’s tallest water fountain, reaching a height of 140 metres.
  • Natural History Museum This museum displays a history of Switzerland’s flora, fauna and geology, as well as life size models of different animals from around the globe.
  • Saint Peter’s Cathedral The Cathedral dominates the skyline in the centre of Geneva. Visitors can climb the tower for an impressive view or go down to the basement to see the Archaeological Museum with artefacts from the 4th century.

What to eat in Geneva

Cheese fondue is a famous Swiss dish, which often includes white wine and a little kirsch or cherry brandy with the melted cheese, all dished up in a caquelon or cooking pot. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy rosti or fried potato, with a form of sausage meat known as fleischkase. For dessert, there is a rich nut-filled pastry tart called bundnernusstorte. To drink, tourists can choose from a fine selection of beers or local wines.


Typical events and festivals in Geneva

Geneva has a number of popular annual events, held throughout the year. In the first two weeks of February, music and dance acts form part of the Antigel Festival. In mid-March the newest cars are displayed as part of the world renowned International Geneva Motor Show. In May, the world’s best athletes run round the city to take part in the Geneva Marathon. In late June over 500 boats take to Lake Geneva as part of the Lake Sailing Regatta. For three days in early September the Geneva Yoga Music Festival is held for yoga fanatics. In early December, residents celebrate the successful defence of their city in 1602 in the event named L’Escalade.


How to move around in Geneva

Geneva has a highly efficient public transports system, which allows visitors to travel on buses and trams all on the same ticket. Charging is by zone and not by journeys. Boats are available to ferry tourists from one side of the river to the other.


The climate in Geneva

Geneva has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. In the winter, temperatures will occasionally drop below 0 degrees Celsius, whilst in the summer months, temperatures around the mid-twenties can be expected.


More interesting facts about and sights in Geneva



Spring is traditionally announced in Geneva when the first leaf grows out of a designated chestnut tree. Unfortunately this resulted in spring being announced in October in 2007!

Geneva today 57°F
61°F | 45°F

In Geneva we will have overcast clouds, nice temperatures expected throught the day.

    • Wednesday
    • 64°F | 45°F
    • Thursday
    • 59°F | 50°F
    • Friday
    • 63°F | 45°F
    • Saturday
    • 50°F | 36°F

136 Accommodations in Geneva

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Hotel Bernina Geneva

Hotel Bernina Geneva

857 yd from city centre Excellent location
from74
Hotel Warwick Geneva

Hotel Warwick Geneva

936 yd from city centre Excellent location
from75
Hotel Eastwest

Hotel Eastwest

1,007 yd from city centre Excellent location
from101
Hotel Cornavin Geneve

Hotel Cornavin Geneve

705 yd from city centre Excellent location
from70
Hotel Century

Hotel Century

1,547 yd from city centre
from82

Frequently asked questions about Hotels in Geneva

The most centrally located hotels in Geneva with the best ratings are: Hotel The Ritzcarlton De La Paix, Geneva, Hotel Beau Rivage Geneva and Hotel Rotary Geneva Mgallery.

It depends on the category of the hotel. If you want to stay at a 4-star hotel in Geneva, the average price per night is 74 , while you will pay an average of 61 for a 3-star hotel, and in a more luxurious 5-star hotel, you'll pay around 249 .

Hotel Ibis Geneve Aeroport and Hotel Nash Airport are the closest ones to Geneva.

You can make reservations at Hotel Mövenpick Geneva if you´re looking for a hotel with valet service for your visit to Geneva.

If you need a hotel with disabled access in Geneva, we recommend Hotel Des Horlogers.

According to our clients, if you´re travelling with children, the best hotels in Geneva are Edelweiss Manotel, Auteuil Manotel and Royal Manotel.

If you want to save time, the hotels in Geneva with express check-in and check-out are Hotel La Cour Des Augustins and Hotel Comédie.

Some of the options for hotels with non-smoking rooms in Geneva are Kipling Manotel, Hotel Metropole and N Vy Manotel.

If you're bringing a vehicle, we recommend that you book a hotel with parking in Geneva, like Hotel La Cour Des Augustins, Hotel Des Horlogers or Hotel Hôtel Résidence Parc Des Eaux Vives.