Geneva is a big surprise, a beautiful city with a great vibe, its famous lake encircled by snowy peaks in winter. It’s home to a vast number of high-profile international organisations, and while the architecture is strictly French, the population is distinctly global. This chic hotel sits in the middle of it all, one block back from the lake, a short stroll over to the Old Town. It has everything you’d want from a smart city base: helpful staff, delicious food and lots of style. It mixes Eastern colour and design with Western form and function, hence its name. Art from across the world adorns the walls and the bar spills into a pretty courtyard, where mood lighting illuminates a wall of flowing water.
A lift in reception whisks you up to the 41 lovely rooms. Some are bigger than others, but all have a pleasing uncluttered style with super-comfy beds, all the technology you’d expect and white robes in beautiful bathrooms (even small robes for children, a nice touch). Babysitting can be arranged, there’s a computer in the library for guests, and there are 2 good restaurants across the road. Finally, don’t miss Les Bains des Pâquis - a favourite local haunt; it's a strip of land that extends into the lake for swimming, sunbathing, eating, drinking, even a hammam.
Highs
- One of the best locations in town, 5 minutes' walk from the train station and 3 minutes to the lake
- Stylish rooms with cool bathrooms are generously sized, even the Solo rooms for singles
- Excellent inventive Asian fusion food in the restaurant and well priced by Genevois standards
- Guests are given a free local travel card
Lows
- Rooms seem expensive, especially on week nights when business people are in town, but Geneva is a pricey place generally and children under 12 stay free
- Breakfast is extra, but again, free for children under 12
- The hotel is on the edge of Geneva's (rather tame) red light district
- Taxis to the airport (3km away) are expensive; better to take the airport train, which stops at Cornavin, half a kilometre from the hotel
Best time to go
Geneva is a great city, far more interesting than you might think, and there’s always something going on, from concerts and opera to festivals and regattas. It is an international hub of big business and very expensive as a result. However, prices drop at weekends and in July and August during the holidays.
Our top tips
Location
Eastwest hotel is in the heart of Geneva, close to the lake and a few minutes' walk from the Old Town and shopping streets. Geneva sits in the southwest of Switzerland on its border with France (its airport marks the border, with exits either side).
By Air:
You can fly into Geneva from all over Europe and from most countries across the world. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving this airport.
From the Airport
You can take a free train into the city, or a taxi cost CHF50 when we visited. Local transport is excellent so there's no need to hire a car while you're here, unless you're planning to explore the wider area.
By Train:
Geneva is connected to all major Swiss cities and towns by train. From abroad, it is possible to take the train to Geneva from Paris and Milan without changing, and from London, Rome, Berlin and Vienna changing only once. See Seat 61 and Eurostar for more details. The hotel is 500m south of the station at Cornavin.
By Car:
The hotel is 300m from the southern shores of Lake Geneva. If you want to hire a car, see our car rental recommendations. Speed cameras are everywhere, so beware!
Detailed directions will be sent when you confirm a booking through i-escape.com. 
More on getting to Switzerland and getting around
Airports:
- Geneva 3.0 km GVA
Other:
- Beach 0.5 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km