Review: Mandarin Oriental Geneva

By Alexandra Coulton

Checking-in:

The 189-room Mandarin Oriental in Geneva’s cosmopolitan centre is a historical heritage landmark, distinguishing itself as the first luxury hotel built in Europe after World War II.

The hotel opened in 1950 to coincide with the arrival of the United Nations’ European headquarters in Geneva. The Mandarin Oriental’s public areas underwent a significant contemporary redesign in 2008 by internationally acclaimed interior designer, Adam D. Tihany. Following this, all guest rooms were considerably overhauled and extended in 2013 by renowned French interior designer, Sybille de Margerie.

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Location:

The hotel is centrally located on Quai Turrettini with stunning views overlooking the snow-capped Alps and the Rhône river’s right bank. The hotel is within walking distance of attractions such as the Jet D’eau, St. Peter’s Cathedral and the charming cobbled streets of Old Town.

Also within easy reach are Geneva’s cultural institutions, the United Nations building, Geneva’s financial district, chic fashion boutiques, master chocolatiers, and prestigious watchmakers — suitably befitting a city synonymous with luxury. The Cointrin International Airport is nearby, a mere 4 kilometres from the hotel.

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The Rooms:

Interior designer Sybille de Margerie was entrusted with overhauling the hotel’s 189 rooms — including 27 suites — in 2013, where she incorporated geographical location, Swiss cultural traits and the 7-story building’s linear façade into the hotel’s distinct design identity.

The room reviewed was a spacious premier river view mandarin room on the 6th floor with a king-sized bed and separate living area. A unique design feature in all rooms is a sliding cabinet that incorporates the mini-bar and laundry compartment, accessible from the outside. This allows housekeeping to deliver dry-cleaning, polished shoes and the vital restocking of drinks without disturbing guests.

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Remaining faithful to her principles of developing colours, emotion, luxury and creativity into her projects, de Margerie rendered each room in chocolate, beige, brown, cream and plum earth tones to soften the perfectly symmetrical rooms.

Luxury materials are used for all furnishings from plush wool carpets and parquet flooring to fittings made of leather, silk, and mohair. The result is a contemporary elegance that effortlessly combines tradition and modernity — much like the city of Geneva itself.

The Mandarin Oriental lays claim to having Geneva’s largest hotel bathrooms, all of which are luxuriously outfitted in Greek St. Helena marble, with a glass wall allowing natural light to flood in from the living area. The room reviewed featured two marble bathrooms — one with a walk-in rain shower and the other containing a stand-alone bathtub and vanity area — both stocked with a full range of toiletries.

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Each room offers guests state-of-the-art technology including high-speed wireless internet access and a Bang & Olufsen flat-screen television replete with a multitude of entertainment options. All rooms are decked out with a Nespresso coffee machine, a desk, two telephone lines; four telephone handsets, a laser printer and an electronic safe.

Drinking & Dining:

The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Michelin-starred Rasoi by Vineet, has been a firm fixture on Geneva’s gastronomic map since opening in 2010. Rasoi, the brainchild of chef Vineet Bhatia, specialises in progressive Indian cuisine producing modern interpretations of Indian cookery based on robust sub-continental flavours.

Signature dishes include banana leaf rasam cod, crab kofta, and chicken cashew nut korma — with many menu items originating from the restaurant’s sleekly designed traditional open tandoori oven. For a more casual ambience, Café Calla offers guests all-day dining with a modern French-style cuisine. It is also here, in Café Calla, that an impressive buffet breakfast spread worth getting out of bed for is served daily.

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Luxuriously appointed in rich chocolate brown woods and deep blue leather and velvet seating, the MO bar oozes sophistication for those seeking a tipple. Open every day, the MO bar features an extensive cocktail list and serves tapas-style dishes and regionally themed bento-boxes for peckish guests.

Hotel Features:

Hotel amenities include a fully equipped TechnoGym fitness centre, sauna and steam baths, and a beauty studio by Swiss-based spa firm L. Raphael offering various treatments and massages.

Verdict:

Full credit must be given to Lars Wagner, the Mandarin Oriental’s general manager, for the unparalleled service delivered by every single staff member working in this hotel. Wagner is a hotel industry veteran with 30 years experience under his belt — this is clearly reflected in his team, each of whom embodies the legendary hospitality for which the Swiss are deservedly renowned.

Remarkable in its consistency, and noticeable from the moment guests arrive is that every staff member worked hard to ensure service befitting a world-class luxury hotel and the Mandarin Oriental brand was seamlessly delivered. For both business and leisure travellers seeking a well-located Geneva hotel with spacious rooms and impeccable service, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel will exceed expectations.

Details:

Quai Turrettini 1, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland

T: +41(0) 22 909 0000

W: www.mandarinoriental.com/geneva

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