This past winter we discovered the elegant Switzerland, and along with it, its wonderful hotels and flawless services.
After Lucerne and Lausanne, we adventured into Geneva, and here found one of the most emblematic hotels in the country, the Hotel Metropole Genève.
This historic building is more than a century and a half old and its located at the iconic Rue du Rhone.
Located right in the heart of town, it has a privileged view over the lake and it’s surrounded by the most luxurious stores. Being relatively close to the Old town and the financial area makes it the best option both for those traveling for work, or for pleasure.
First Impression
What can you say about a neoclassic building from 1854?!
The red awnings outside give it the charm of timeless elegance, the reception follows the same line.
The reds predominate, mixing with some beige and brown, but even the Christmas tree salutes us with the color of passion!
The inside is also neoclassic but with a certain touch of comfort and coziness.
We were welcomed by a nice team that quickly took care of our check-in and showed us around the hotel.
The Metropole was renewed in 2016, however, some changes weren’t possible because the hotel is City Heritage. And, being a former hospital, some bedrooms are a little smaller. But, the renovation, despite keeping the original design, brought more modern and bigger rooms and areas.
Bedrooms
There are 111, plus 16 luxurious suites.
We stayed in a Lifestyle Lake-Side Room.
Ours had a view to Lake Geneva and the famous Jet d’eau, one of the most iconic postcards from Geneva (I don’t really get why, but can’t argue with tastes!), it had a special focus in home automation, without putting comfort aside.
Once again, bright colors are used to create an interesting chromatic game, assuring a perfect symbiosis with the wooden floor.
The tv in the mirror, the inclined Turkish bath in the shower or the handy smartphone system (fast, unlimited internet, local and international calls, useful info about the city, exclusive promotions, and 24h concierge), made our bedroom even more appealing.
The view over the Jet d’eau
The terrace of restaurant Gusto
Restaurants
There are four excellent options at Metropole. Close to the lobby, we have the eclectic The Mirror Bar. A space that transports us to a trendy and vibrant ambiance, with its red tones and mirrors.
The Mirror Bar
It works on a daily basis as bar/restaurant for a snack or simpler dishes accompanied by wine or cocktails, a hot chocolate on cold afternoons, or simply enjoying a nice leisure moment. The bustle of guests and locals in the evening is impressive, among work meetings or just pleasure moments.
The view over the lake from the MET Rooftop Lounge
On summer months, there’s also the MET Rooftop Lounge, a space that assures the most enjoyable sunsets in town, very cosmopolite, with a great view to the lake, the city, and the mountains.
Gusto, of classic Italian cuisine, is the perfect place for a relaxed lunch, or a romantic dinner, where the Chef, a true ambassador of the Italian cuisine, Alessandro Cannata, delights us with his creations.
Here we had the chance to experience one of the most creative and innovative tasting menus of Italian base served outside the country.
Among good bread, champagne, and light snacks we started a surprising meal, where there was time for a delicious cuttlefish tagliatelle with puttanesca sauce, small raviolis “capeletti em brodo” which combo and broth left me good memories, and of course, a delicate venison loin, with a delicious sauce and crunchy veggies.
To finish, a nice deconstruction of the classic Tiramisu, and an obvious Mont Blanc (as seeing it through the window…!).
Gusto has a simpler version, downstairs, the La Cantina del Gusto, where breakfast is served, and also a self-service lunch.
La Cantina del Gusto
And for two years now, it also serves one of the most famous brunches in town.
Besides these spaces, the hotel has another space outside, the La Brasserie du Parc des Eaux-Vives, a traditional French cuisine restaurant located a few km from the center of town.
Services
Besides the usual services, like room service, wi-fi, laundry, and concierge, Metropole has also a few other services for its guests.
The location is probably one of the best in the city, making it easy for those traveling for fun, but also for business travelers.
It is equipped with six rooms, prepared for any kind of event. And the Restaurant Hotel du Parc des Eaux-Vives, 5 min away by car, also has 5 rooms.
The hotel has a nicely equipped gym, with natural light.
Service
Big hotels, business style, rarely are my first option when traveling, however, some show me that a hotel can have a lot of movement without losing its identity.
And Metropole is an example of that, even with wide spaces, full of guests, you can feel special.
A good example of the service quality was when we realized we left our macbook cables on a hotel we previously visited, and the staff (some of them portuguese by the way) quickly took care of our problem with the other hotel.
These small details really do make the difference!
And it is always a privilege to stay in a building so iconic and full of history!
See you soon Geneva!
Hotel Metropole Genève
Bedrooms from 270€
Quai General Guisan, 34 – Geneva
+ 41 223 183 200
hotel@metropole.ch
Photos: Flavors & Senses