Hotels in Geneva

Staying in Geneva

Geneva is a compact city at the tip of Lake Geneva with an international outlook: global organisations, banks, trade fairs and a stream of visitors from all over the world, including many Moroccan travellers on business or in transit. Distances are short and public transport is efficient: trams, buses and even the small lake shuttles connect every district, and the airport is linked by train to Cornavin station. Your choice of hotel therefore depends less on distance than on the atmosphere you are looking for.

Hotels fill up quickly during major conferences and international fairs, and in summer; outside those periods, the choice is more relaxed. One advantage worth knowing: Geneva hotels generally give their guests a free public transport card for the length of their stay, so ask for it on arrival. Geneva has a reputation for a high cost of living, but simpler hotels exist near the station and in neighbouring districts; some travellers also choose to sleep just across the French border.

Where to stay in Geneva

• Around Cornavin station and Les Pâquis

  The densest hotel area, close to the lake and the Jet d'eau, with restaurants from every corner of the world and streets that are lively at night. Ideal if you arrive by train or from the airport; ask for a courtyard room if you are a light sleeper.

• The Old Town and the left bank

  Cobbled lanes, the cathedral, boutiques and museums: the district of charm and romantic stays. Hotels are fewer and often full of character, and the Eaux-Vives waterfront with its parks and urban beach is right nearby.

• The Nations district

  Around the international organisations, a convenient area for missions and conferences, quiet in the evening and linked to the centre by tram. Plenty of business hotels and apart-hotels suited to stays of several weeks.

• Carouge and Plainpalais

  A little further south, Carouge has a village feel with an Italian flavour, while Plainpalais hosts markets and student life. Fewer hotels, but a lively setting and a good tram connection to the centre.

Good to know before you book

• No need to rent a car: trams, buses, the lake shuttles and the train from the airport cover all your needs, and parking in town is scarce and tightly regulated.
• Check the calendar of major fairs and conferences before setting your dates: the city fills up and availability shrinks sharply during those weeks.
• For a family, the left bank and the districts near the lakeside parks offer space and calm; ask for a family room or an apartment, which are more common in residence-style hotels than in classic ones.

Questions about Geneva

Frequently asked questions