La Réserve – Inside Geneva’s most legendary lakeside retreat
Are you thinking of spending your summer in Switzerland? Or simply travelling a few days for business? This is why La Réserve Geneva is an excellent choice – no matter the occasion.
You’ve probably already heard of La Réserve Genève. After all, the hotel has been a resident of the Swiss French city for over twenty years. But where some hotels are forgotten as soon as the hype is over, this world-renowned icon never seems to go out of style. What’s its secret? It’s simple. La Réserve Genève is not just an ordinary hotel — it’s a destination, offering a distinct experience to every guest. It’s home to traveling businessmen, couples seeking a romantic break, and families on a resort-style vacation. The Swiss retreat, founded by French entrepreneur Michel Reybier, truly has it all.
Located right on the lakeside of Geneva, La Réserve gives off resort vibes from the very start. It’s just a 15-minute drive from the city, or you can arrive in style aboard the hotel’s legendary Motoscafo boat shuttle across the lake. Unlike most Geneva hotels set along the riverside, La Réserve occupies 10 acres of prime lakeside land — making it feel less like a city hotel and more like a full-on resort experience. If you’re looking for a place to unwind this summer without venturing far from home, trust me: this is where you want to be.
As soon as you enter the hotel, you’ll understand why this place has been so beloved by its guests throughout all those years. Outside, the lined-up Rolls-Royces wait to greet you, while inside, the attentive staff welcomes you with a smile. A seductive scent lingers throughout the hotel, known by guests as the signature ‘La Réserve fragrance’, which gives you a first hint of the sensory world that awaits.
That atmosphere continues in the 102 unique rooms and suites, each designed in rich colours and decked out with decadent interiors — from leather desks and plush velvet sofas to granite bathrooms and stunning lake views. The hotel’s living room is cool, without having to scream it. No wonder celebrities and A-listers like to hang around here. Besides, the vibrant energy inside reminds me a bit of the Costes hotel in Paris—so if that’s your style, you’ll know exactly where to stay on your next visit to Geneva.
La Réserve attracts two types of people. Some want to connect and mingle with an international crowd — they enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Le Loti Restaurant and gather at the bar, where the live DJ sets the tone. Others come to disconnect from the city and want to relax and recharge at a deluxe lakeside resort nearby. You’ll typically find them lounging by the indoor pool or strolling through the spa in white bathrobes, sipping tea at Café Lauren — a serene spot that serves light, healthy dishes from morning to evening. The spa at La Réserve is central to the hotel’s appeal, spanning an entire floor with a fully equipped gym, yoga and Pilates studios, a sauna, hammam, and 17 treatment rooms. I might have had the best massage here in a while.
You also have guests who come to experience the best of both worlds. They might spend a relaxing afternoon by the lake before having a Michelin-starred dinner at the hotel’s famous Chinese restaurant, Le Tse Fung. (Also, the only Chinese restaurant in Switzerland with a Michelin star.) With three restaurants and one bar, you’ll always find something to suit your mood. Le Loti was my favourite, with the miso black cod being the highlight of my evening. There was a cosmopolitan energy I don’t find in every Swiss hotel, and I can understand why La Réserve is a hit with Geneva locals looking for a night out.
La Réserve is also a popular choice among families. With an adventure-filled kids club, an outdoor pool, and a playground, there’s plenty to do for the little ones. In summer, the resort organizes ‘summer camps’ for kids — perfect for guests staying one or two weeks. The children will be entertained while the parents enjoy some summer sun.
If you want a more exclusive experience while staying at the hotel, check out Villa du Lac. It’s a different type of accommodation — and perhaps Geneva’s best-kept secret. La Réserve’s summer lake house is perfect for families or groups of friends who want to enjoy the best of the resort, but with the privacy of their own space.
Villa du Lac is located directly on the lake and set apart from the main building. In contrast to La Réserve’s classic interiors, the villa has a more contemporary feel. With its floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views, it looks like something straight out of Selling Sunset. Measuring 385 m², the villa offers direct lake access, three bedrooms, a private swimming pool, a spacious outdoor terrace, and a private boat in front. The best part, it comes with all the services of the hotel — from private chefs and spa treatments to butler service and concierge support. If you’re planning a summer vacation in Switzerland, Villa du Lac offers the kind of quiet luxury that’s hard to find.
So whether you come here for wellness, food, family time, or simply to indulge in a bit of lakeside glamour, La Réserve Genève proves that a hotel can be much more than just a place to sleep. It’s a retreat, a lifestyle and definitely one of Geneva’s most effortlessly chic escapes.
