Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

Built in 1950, the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is a Swiss landmark. Built in Europe after World War II as a flagship luxury hotel, it was taken over by the international luxury chain Mandarin Oriental in 2000 with a total renovation in 2008. The tony property overlooks the Rhone River, and every space in the hotel feels luxurious. Decor is a palate of warm browns and creams, with contemporary dark wood furnishing, marble floors, and chairs and benches upholstered in velvety fabrics. The hotel's bar and lounge, MO, adds wood-beam accents, a wood lacquered bar, and a collection of charming blue-velvet armchairs for a look that feels at once regal and inviting. The convenient location, exceptional views, spacious rooms, and high-end dining make it one the top choices in the city for those who can afford it. It's ideal for business and leisure travelers alike, including couples and families. 

This hotel is centrally located in Geneva directly along the Rhône River in walking distance to restaurants, cafes, attractions, and the heart of Old Town. The footbridge that crosses the river is just a two-minute walk from the hotel. Attractions in walking distance include St. Peter's Cathedral (14-minute walk) as well as the Jet d'Eau and the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum (each an 18-minute walk). The closest tram and bus stop, Bel-Air, is a three-minute walk, and guests can receive free public transit cards through the hotel, which also covers transport to the airport. Geneva Airport can be reached in as little as 20 minutes by public transit or 15 minutes by car. The main train station is 10 minutes away by car or public transit. The hotel offers parking and private car service for extra fees.

Guest rooms and suites are spacious, with elegant contemporary decor in warm, neutral shades of brown, tan, green, and cream. (Sixth floor Mandarin Suites add regal purple and silver accents.) Velvety upholstered chairs or pillows, wool carpeting, sleek lacquered wood furniture, and ornamental wallpaper give rooms a luxury feel. That mood continues in the roomy, marble bathrooms, which are outfitted with toilets, bidets, walk-in rainfall showers, and separate soaking tubs. 

The hotel has 162 rooms and 27 suites, the latter of which sometimes feature spacious furnished terraces, sofa beds, and/or panoramic river views. Especially opulent suites add private hammams, fireplaces, and dining areas that can seat up to 12. But even entry-level Superior Rooms start at a generous 323 square feet, while the largest Two-Bedroom Deluxe Suite measures a massive 1,432 square feet with a separate living room and two bedrooms each with ensuite bathrooms. 

Guests can expect top-shelf modern amenities, including minibars, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, smartphone docking stations, and safes. Bathrooms have robes, slippers, hairdryers, and high-end Molton Brown individual toiletries. Wi-Fi costs an extra daily fee unless guests book directly through the hotel. The hotel offers turndown service and 24-hour room service.

This Mandarin Oriental has the lavish property features guests expect from the luxury brand. Arguably topping that list is the Michelin-starred Rasoi by Vineet, a chic, formal restaurant serving Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner. There's also the sleekly stylish MO Bar and Lounge, which has an extensive drink menu, a coffee menu, and light dishes. Cafe Calla is no slouch either, even next to Michelin-starred dining. This upscale-casual French-restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunches, and also offers special dining events -- guest chefs, pop-up restaurants, and more. Seating is also available outside, with views of the river. Food tends to be pricey throughout the hotel, and guests should expect to pay a healthy extra fee for breakfast. 

The hotel also has a small spa with a sauna, steam room, and beauty and treatment rooms for facials, massages, and other treatments, but there's no pool or whirlpool. There's also a 24-hour gym with dark wood floors, lined with cardio and weight-lifting equipment, including a full rack of dumbbells and cardio machines with individual screens. 

Service here is high-end: There's a dedicated concierge and 24-hour room service. The hotel can arrange dry cleaning or laundry service, car or limo rentals, and more. Free transit passes are available for local transport, but parking costs an extra fee. The hotel offers extensive family-friendly service, including cots, high-chairs, kids' menus at Cafe Calla, and children's DVDs. Babysitting can be arranged. Unless rooms are booked through the hotel's own website, Wi-Fi will cost an extra daily fee, both in rooms and in public spaces.