Four Seasons Hotel Geneva

The Hotel des Bergues stood here on the shores of Lake Geneva back when the Four Seasons was still just a suite by Vivaldi — it was literally the first hotel in Geneva, and even now it’s still, by many lights, the top luxury lodging in town. Even-keeled traditional luxury hospitality is the name of the game here, and that’s exactly what Four Seasons does best.

The interiors are by the Parisian designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who’s well known for his classic style. The result is true to the character of the original Bergues, Louis Philippe furnishings and all, but it’s sharp-edged, crisp and clean, antique but never old. And the visuals are more than just window dressing — while many luxury hotels seem to prize efficiency over character, this one has it all: well-oiled Four Seasons service and unforgettable 19th-century grand-dame style.

A full-service spa and a couple of fine restaurants are par for the course, and nothing at the Bergues will disappoint in those departments. You’ll likely share your breakfast with CEOs and European royalty, but there are some oddly democratic touches as well — you can probably book a ride in a limousine, if that’s your style, but you’ll also be issued your own Travelcard, offering access to Geneva’s public transit system. It would be strange to be handed a Metrocard upon checkin in to New York’s Waldorf-Astoria, but somehow in Switzerland, it’s the most natural thing in the world.