Parc des Eaux Vives

Occuping a tranquil spot within a busy city, this Swissôtel-run hotel is nestled within the Eaux-Vives park overlooking Lake Geneva. With just seven guest rooms (including two suites) tucked into the eaves of this 18th century building, it’s an exclusive kind of place aimed at high-end guests looking for a hideaway stay. Rooms are ultra-modern and well-equipped, while retaining the character that’s innate to a building of such long history – slanted attic ceilings, round skylight windows, wooden floors. Given the limited accommodation, much of the hotel’s business comes from day visitors to its two restaurants – the casual brasserie, offering a summery Mediterranean menu, and the more formal A L’Etage (closed in winter) which, as you’d expect from the name, affords lovely views of the lake from its first floor Art Deco room and terrace. Particularly popular is the brasserie’s copious brunch on Sunday afternoon.