La Cour des Augustins, Geneva
If you prefer to steer clear of the city’s main shopping district, this is the perfect place for you.
A 10 min. drive (or tram journey if you are using public transport) from Geneva train station and in the heart of a residential district, this is a small gem of a hotel in every respect.
The interior is quirky and stylish, with its ultra-contemporary look and African art works everywhere. Two statues fashioned from nails flank the entrance and set the tone. The breakfast room walls provide display space for a fair number of African tribal masks.
We visited in the winter, but a courtyard garden connecting the split building looks inviting and must be very popular in the summer months.
The accommodation would also appeal to the high tech lover – everything, from the entrance door to the lift and bathroom lighting is automated and intuitive. The rooms are not vast, but fully functional, with coffee machines (teas, coffee, water and a Toblerone bar are complimentary) and some more African art themes.
The staff are obliging and will offer you detailed instructions on how to access bars, restaurants, shopping, sight-seeing, along with a complimentary public transport card.
If you don’t feel like straying, there is a bar right across the street and a pizzeria nearby, as well as several eateries, all of which looked lively and full of locals (as opposed to tourists). If you have the time and energy, the walk from the main shopping area is well worth the effort. Up the hill and past the cathedral are a number of trendy bars that would give you a completely different view and flavour of Geneva – away from established perceptions and branded boutiques.
Whatever you do, don’t miss breakfast at La Cour des Augustins. A small, but varied buffet offers pretty much everything you’d get in a 5 star hotel, along with a signature hot lemon juice, yummy scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and grilled half tomatoes that we loved.
Top choice for travellers who prefer to eschew the bells and whistles of grand hotels, yet benefit from all the comforts associated with a boutique hotel in the heart of Geneva.
La Cour des Augustins **** | Boutique Gallery Design Hotel | Rue Jean-Violette 15 – 1205 Geneva – Switzerland
T : +41.(0)22.322.21.00 | F : +41.(0)22.322.21.01 | www.lacourdesaugustins.com | reservations@lacourdesaugustins.com
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