Mandarin Oriental acquired a worldwide reputation in high-end hospitality since its first opening in Hong-Kong. With many iconic properties such as the ones I visited in Bangkok or Shanghai, this hotel chain proposes an opulent yet discreet luxury to its guests. There was no need for more to book Mandarin Oriental Geneva for my next stopover in the city.
Affluent and frequent travelers know that there is a difference between Asia and the rest of the world, when it comes to luxurious Asian hotel groups. Peninsula, Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental… They usually propose a more elevated and refined richness in their Western country residences, often defined as flagships.
So I arrived with a high level of expectations at Mandarin Oriental Geneva. Its convenient location from the train station was already a positive point, as well as its beautiful location on Quai Turrettini overlooking The Rhone river. How about the rest of the hotel? Read below.
A Luxurious Business Hotel
Let me go straight to the point: Mandarin Oriental Geneva is a business hotel. An upscale business hotel, but no more unfortunately. There, you can expect a high level of service in a modern property but no Wow factor or any little extra.
Once you are clear with that, you will still enjoy a nice lobby and lounge area – always quiet and peaceful during my stay. Sport addicts have a fitness center on last floor, with its own terrace, while gourmets can book at the Peruvian restaurant Yakumanka.
The staff are really up to the job and they are the ones who can turn a standard stay into great. I particularly remember receptionists and the concierge who helped to make each step of my journey in Geneva smoother.
Deluxe Room
The Deluxe Room I had was overlooking the backyard. It was very large, approx. 40 sqm, which was super convenient despite the short length of my stay. I appreciated quality of materials used and the carpet floor: perfect for people who enjoy having a very quiet room.
Last interior design refresh is dated from 2008 by internationally acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany. You can feel it’s a bit dated especially when you look at the bathroom… Furniture and faucets would really need a serious refurbishment to keep up with five-star standards.
Yakumanka, the Peruvian cuisine
Mandarin Oriental Geneva has only one option for dining, Yakumanka restaurant by Chef César Bellido. It offers an authentic cuisine centered around fine seafood, in a casual dining room. I recommend to book there during a sunny lunchtime to enjoy Rhone river views.
I just had breakfast there, so I can’t give any culinary advice about that place. Still, food was great and once more, the staff made the difference by providing very nice service.
Conclusion
You may felt a bit of disappointment in this review. That’s right, I was expecting more from Mandarin Oriental Geneva compared to my past experiences with MO hotels in Asia. Nevertheless, I can understand that Geneva is not a primary location for tourism so it might explain why this hotel is really business oriented. Let’s how my visits in Barcelona and Paris will be!
Gallery
Pictures and video made by The Luxe Insider
Stayed in June 2021
Mandarin Oriental Geneva opened originally in 1950 as “Hotel du Rhône” and has been refurbished the last time in 2013. It is composed of 178 rooms and suites. I stayed in a Deluxe Room, around 40sqm, which public rate starts at CHF 476/night.
Mandarin Oriental Geneva – Book
Address:
Quai Turrettini 1,
1201 Geneva, Switzerland
