Geneva’s top concierges share their in-depth knowledge of this remarkable city.
MINA BAYAT
I would like to suggest a private visit to the famous Patek Philippe Museum – home to the prestigious creations of the Geneva-based master watchmakers, which was founded in 1839.
Guests will discover an extraordinary display of watches, musical automata and portrait miniatures from the 16th to the 19th century. After the visit, guests may enjoy a guided walking tour around the old city, accompanied by an expert in the city’s history. A day trip to the traditional village of Gruyères, only 1.5 hours from Geneva, is a must for enjoying traditional Swiss scenery and the chance to taste traditional cheese fondue. For the adventurous, why not take a helicopter flight above Mont Blanc? Wine lovers will enjoy a visit to one of the many vineyards outside Geneva to taste local varieties. And if the weather allows, we can organize a cruise on a private yacht – complete with lunch – so guests can explore more of the beautiful Lake Geneva.
DINING
I recommend two restaurants where guests will definitely have a rewarding gastronomic experience:
Auberge du Lion d’Or
A Michelin-Starred restaurant that enjoys a spectacular view over the lake and mountains; an elegant dining room providing a ‘Zen’ contemporary spirit and a truly beautiful terrace. Savor French seasonal gastronomy at its best!
Domaine de Châteauvieux
This two-Michelin-Star restaurant belongs to the region’s most famous Chef – Philippe Chevrier. Part of a 16th-century hotel located in the countryside close to Calvin, guests are guaranteed truly excellent cuisine, prepared in a more traditional way, in addition to a fabulous wine list.
BEST SHOP / PLACE TO SHOP:
Rue du Rhône (100m walk from the Four Seasons) has the best shops in town: Hermès, Breguet, Chaumet, Van Cleef & Arpels, Roger Dubuis, Avakian, Mont Blanc, De Grisogono, Boucheron, Louis Vuitton and many more.
RUDI TSCHIDERER
Culture plays an important role in Geneva: opera, music and theater – in diverse forms but always of excellent quality – grace the city’s nightlife.
The city’s ample charms also include glorious parks, a magnificent natural setting – perfect for sporting activities and other excursions – Lake Geneva and of course, the fascinating Old Town.
BEST RESTAURANTS
Domaine de Châteauvieux
Chez Roberto
10 Rue Pierre-Fatio, 1204 Geneva
+41 22 311 80 33
Brasserie LIPP
Confederation Centre, 8 Rue de la Confédération, 1204 Geneva
+41 22 318 80 30
BEST SHOP / PLACE TO SHOP
The Rue du Rhône
EMILIE GARNIER
I recommend visitors spend at least one day in the famous medieval town of Gruyères: visit the castle, then a cheese factory and round off your day with a visit to a chocolate factory.
Take a tour of Lake Geneva: our hotel limousine will drive you along the lake in the direction of Thonon-Evian; stopping for lunch at the Restaurant du Port in Yvoire. You will then continue to Montreux where we suggest a visit to Château de Chillon. Your driver will then make a final stop in Lausanne where you will be able to choose between some retail therapy or a visit to the Olympic Museum.
BEST RESTAURANT
Domaine de Châteauvieux
Auberge du Lion d’Or
Buffet de la Gare des Eaux-Vives
BEST SHOP / PLACE TO SHOP
Square Longemalle and Rue du Rhône. For the best chocolates, go to ‘Confederation Centre’ shopping mall with its 53 stores and restaurants.
BEST TO DO / ACTIVITIES / LEISURE
In winter: Go to Megève (FR), Zermatt or Gstaad for skiing.
In summer: A boat ride, sailing or water skiing on Lake Geneva.
THE GUEST SERVICES TEAM
The Hotel President Wilson Guest Services Team highly recommends the Patek Philippe museum.
This private museum retraces the history of European watches. Founded in 1839, it has welcomed well-known jewelry collections from distinguished designers such as Heller & Son, Ponti Gennari and Piaget.
We can organize a private visit to a watch factory such as Franck Muller or Piaget, where you will see first-hand each step in the making of a luxury timepiece.
The hotel VIP Guest service and concierge can arrange for an exceptional cruise on Lake Geneva or for the more adventurous, an exciting helicopter tour over the city.
BEST RESTAURANTS
Domaine de Châteauvieux
Châteauvieux is the flagship of Philippe Chevrier, famous for his inventive cuisine that prides itself on its traditional gastronomy and use of local provenance. Closed Sunday and Monday
16 Chemin de Châteauvieux, Peney-Dessus, 1242 Satigny, Geneva
Auberge du Lion d’Or
An unforgettable journey for your taste buds, offering flavors of the season from a passionate and talented chef. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
L’Auberge d’Hermance
Admire enchanting views of the lake and mountains, while you savor one of many exquisite dishes prepared by Chef Philippe Audonnet. Open seven days a week.
12 Rue du Midi, 1248 Hermance
BEST SHOPPING
All luxury stores of Geneva are located on the Rue du Rhône. In this street, you will find the most luxurious brands for clothes, jewelry and watches.