“In the middle of it, there’s joy” – Unknown
There’s something quite special about life’s unpredictability. A couple of months ago, a trip to Geneva, Switzerland and a stay at one of its finest finest hotels was about as likely as a trip to the moon. But that all changed in the blink of an email invitation (and a quick confirmation from my lovely bride that she would not divorce me if I went), a flight to Europe, and an airport pickup by luxury driver. Let’s do this!
I was ecstatic to learn that I would be staying at Le Richemond, a sublime 5-star property in the center of Geneva. Le Richemond is part of the elegant global hotel brand, the Dorchester Collection. As you can see, classic luxury – regal colors, golden hues, and a lovely touch of signature panda creations.
Location
Open since 1875, Le Richemond is positioned splendidly at the southwestern most bank of Lake Geneva, where the Rhone River meets the expansive Lake. Click Here to view on Google Maps.
One of the property’s most enduring and surprising qualities is its location. As you can see by Map, the hotel is situated in Geneva’s heart, but yet, set apart from the city’s bustling thoroughfares, imbuing the guest with the feeling of being centrally located without being beset by traffic and noise.
Accommodations
Le Richemond features 109 rooms and 22 suites, and I was most fortunate to enjoy a suite overlooking Lake Geneva and the iconic Jet d’Eau (the fountain), and also the famous Mont Blanc, a component of the staggeringly lovely French mountainside in the distance. The room was elegantly appointed in rich reds, generous stone, and classic furniture. The focal point was a luxurious wrought-iron balcony, casting the view of the Lake. It’s quite something to enter the space, and take in the views.
Click Here to view my YouTube on the balcony.
The property also features the breathtaking Armleder Suite. I unfortunately didn’t have the chance to visit it, but here are a few images, courtesy of Le Richemond:
Dining – Le Jardin
Le Richemond offers as its signature restaurant, Le Jardin, featuring a menu developed and executed masterfully by Chef Philipe Bourrel.
Le Jardin has been awarded with a 16 out of 20 by the famous French restaurant guide Gault et Millau. Click Here to view the inventive Market Menu. You’ll notice a strong emphasis on high quality, and locally sourced ingredients; which always forms the basis for an exemplary dining experience.
Here are some images of the divine dining selections we enjoyed (my apologies, light was scarce), and take notice of the creative use of the hotel’s signature red coloring, so great!
Other Features
Le Richemond features a signature spa, Le Spa by Sisley, which is the only Sisley Spa in Switzerland. I unfortunately did not have the time to enjoy the spa, but the signature treatments are varied. Click Here for more information.
Le Richemond also offers a comfortably classic place to unwind and enjoy a cocktail in Le Bar. Stephen at Le Bar greeted my by name, remembered my cocktail, and enhanced my visit to the property. Thanks Stephen!
Closing Thoughts
I opened this article with the quote, “In the middle of it, there’s joy.”
My last night at Le Richemond, I stepped onto my suite’s wrought-iron balcony, placed my glass of wine on the antique table, and looked to the sky. A full moon’s light pierced a collection of restless clouds, illuminating the southern section of Lake Geneva. The sounds of the city echoed in the distance as visitors and residents explored and experienced Geneva – hoping that the night would last long both in the moment, and in their memories.
In this moment, in the heart of glorious Geneva, I felt a joy that is difficult to articulate. And perhaps, the better use of my words is to urge you to visit Geneva, book a suite at Le Richemond, order a glass of wine, and put yourself right in the middle of it. You’ll never be the same.
Le Richemond – Location and Social
Le Richemond (Website): Rue Adhémar-Fabri 8-10, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland (Google Maps)
Click on the links below to further learn about and connect with Le Richemond:
Click Here to read the reviews on Trip Advisor
Click Here to read the companion piece to this article: Three Days of Luxury in Geneva, Switzerland
Dorchester Collection – Social
Thank you!!!
Thanks so very much to everyone at the Dorchester Collection and Le Richemond for this visit, and especially to Robyn for her insights, and for the use of some of your high resolution images!
Please take note that the hotel welcomed me as a special media guest, but that my opinions are, as always, entirely my own.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this article, and happy dining and traveling!
#agp
