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The President: the gentleman’s hotel
Tone-on-tone
The room’s large windows are filled with blue, overlooking the swimming pool and Lake Geneva, dotted with plane trees and Alpine crests. It’s a location that’s both welcoming and strategically placed — given the hotel’s close ties to the United Nations — where summer’s days are filled with swimming and relaxing afternoons.
Neighbouring the Palais Wilson, headquarters of the historical League of Nations, Hotel President beautifully embodies its 50-year reputation as a place for prestigious (and discreet) gatherings for people from all over the world. Having first opened its doors in 1962, the establishment has accompanied Geneva’s international interests and growth ever since, all while continuing to evolve. Since its beginnings, the hotel’s elegant spaces have been embraced by diplomats as an ideal setting for distinguished — and often confidential — meetings. Many good business deals have taken place here, along with a few rumoured war-ending negotiations, and many of the world’s most famous stars — like Michael Jackson, Rihanna and Bill Gates to name just a few — have stayed in the legendary Royal Penthouse Suite, one of the most luxurious hotel suites in the world.
Strategically located in the heart of the Rive Droite, this 1960s icon boasts 201 guest rooms and 25 suites, a majority of which feature views of Lake Geneva. The vast entry hall, large modern floral arrangements and professional staff welcome immediately set the tone. The rooms feature Byredo Paris toiletries, Nespresso coffee machines, Bang & Olufsen LCD televisions, and an elegant palette of beige and browns for a delectably modern-yet-retro charm, while Switzerland’s only Spa La Mer offers ultimate relaxation with Signature treatments.
Big-name dining
Here, international business dealings take place around the tables of the prestigious Bayview restaurant (1 Michelin star, 18/20 Gault&Millau) by renowned Chef Michel Roth — named the Bocuse d’Or and Meilleur Ouvrier de France. The seasonal menu integrates bold traditions and local ingredients, along with musical interludes by the young Chef Danny Khezzar. Restaurant regulars are never short on praise, highlighting the delicacy, contemporary elegance and playfully creative presentation that goes into every dish. You can expect impeccable service at every interaction that’s always attentive yet never intrusive. The experience is further enhanced by the mahogany décor, a suspended crystal central table and an extensive wine selection of 800 bottles, including some Petrus and Cheval Blanc.
A summer oasis
In the summer months, the gorgeous terrace of the Rive Droite By Michel Roth shines. The locale welcomes you in a beach club ambiance, with a heated swimming pool (28°C) that’s surrounded by parasols, daybeds and Italian-style couches. Enjoy deckchair service, outdoor dining and a Summerhouse cocktail bar as you soak up luxurious French Riviera and Mediterranean vibes. Here, summer is celebrated with avocado bruschetta, Gilt-head bream with lavender honey and Sicilian lemon tart. And there’s no need to reserve a room to enjoy the experience; the venue welcomes both hotel guests and outdoor guests.
In fact, many Genevan locals take advantage of Rive Droite’s exceptional brunch, which is one of the city’s best and most generous, featuring stunning artistic desserts by Pastry Chef Didier Steudler. To further accentuate the festive beachside atmosphere, the terrace also offers a high-end selection of nighttime shishas and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays from 15:00-20:00. It’s the perfect midway point between Genevan diplomacy and hedonism, offering an instant holiday without even having to leave the city.
