At a Glance
With antique furniture and a glass case holding a few precious belongings of Empress Sissi, a stay at this historic property feels a bit like sleeping in a museum.
Indagare Loves
- The location, right across from the Jet d'Eau
- The marble work throughout the lobby—it feels like entering a palace
- The Sissi suite, names for Empress Elisabeth of Austria who passed away in the room in 1898
Review
The entryway of the Beau Rivage is a palatial piece of art, the doorway framed by rose marble columns and the floor a masterpiece of tile. Antique furniture and rugs, crystal chandeliers and historic paintings and tapestries evoke the sense that one is staying in a museum, but without the "do not touch" signs. The hallways are lined with cases displaying such personal items as books, clothing and other keepsakes that once belonged to various historical figures. When not occupied, tourists are even welcome to visit the famous Sissi Suite, named after Empress Elisabeth of Austria who stayed at the hotel and even passed away in the room in 1898. The hotel is owned and run by the 4th generation of the Mayer family, who founded it in 1865.
Each of the hotel’s 52 rooms and 43 suites are unique, and many have separate toilet rooms and bathrooms. No matter the room category, the furniture and decor channels a royal aura and all have a combination of warm beige and gold hues complimented with pops of color in the furniture—though this color changes from room to room. The suites are the showstoppers. The Heritage Suite, for example, has heavenly frescoes on the ceiling which date back to the hotel's opening, while the Maharadja Suite channels an Indian aesthetic. The spacious specialty suites go a step further, with high ceilings, multiple living areas, cloth drape skylights and historic tapestries. Some rooms have unobstructed views over Lake Geneva and the famous Jet d’Eau.
The hotel has undergone many restorations to maintain the historical integrity of the building. The most recent renovation was completed in 2022, which updated some of the rooms and added a small spa to the property. On-property there is a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant as well as a Chef's Table experience where guests can go "behind-the-scenes" and dine with Chef Dominique Gauthier. There is also the more cozy and lounge-like Albertine's and La Terrasse Alpine, a wintery, Alps-inspired dining experience.
Who Should Stay
Those seeking an old-world, grand dame experience
Written by Cally Pirrung