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Why the InterContinental Genève is the Hotel of Choice for Business Travellers

Tried & tested by our Creative Director Jamie Waite and wife Bethany Waite.

Not many people can say they’ve shared a bed with a president. Ok, I didn’t quite share a bed with President Joe Biden, but he was the last person to spend a night in InterContinental Genève’s penthouse suite - The Residence, before I had the pleasure to.

After my time at the hotel, I can truly say there is no better place for business travellers to stay whilst in Switzerland. Here’s why:

InterContinental Genève’s The Residence is the best suite on the market

Tony Chi, member of Interior Design’s Hall of Fame, redesigned the hotel and The Residence in 2005, with elegance and opulence.

Before I even go on to describing the hotel and its penthouse, the roster of guests tells a story in itself. Previous guests of the hotel include US Presidents such as George W. Bush, Bill and Hilary Clinton and, as mentioned, Joe Biden. Celebrities and sportspeople alike have also visited, such as Sofia Loren and Roger Federer. The Residence is described by InterContinental Genève as the epitome of excellence and it truly is. The luxurious suite, designed to reflect the elegance of palaces of the past, has two of almost everything. Two master bedrooms, two open-plan living spaces, two dining rooms, two dressing rooms, 2 fully-equipped kitchens and even two Hammans!

Situated just 500 metres from the UN HQ, the hotel has also played host to crucial political meetings, such as then Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and then US President Jimmy Carter discussing the Arab–Israeli conflict, as well as a summit meeting between Presidents Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan. The suite, with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, also boasts a bar and fitness and relaxation facilities. I put both to good use - it’s called “balance”!

The Residence certainly earns its eye-watering €20,000-per-night price tag.

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Switzerland

Le Fumoir, IHG Geneva

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Get a 5* food experience at InterContinental Genève

During my stay at the InterContinental Genève I was treated to an extravagant 5-course dinner. Woods, the hotel’s restaurant offers food with local, natural ingredients, which is reflected in the decor too. Visual art has been provided by Korean artist Jae-Hyo Lee, such as an immense wall of foliage and a hemispherical table at the entrance.

The restaurant offers a seasonal menu designed in-house. During our tasting we tried the green asparagus and confit egg yolk with calf sweetbreads, followed by cream of pea soup with capers. I can honestly say I have never experienced a taste so extravagant.

I can honestly say I have never experienced a taste so extravagant.

Francois Eustache, Head Chef, IHG Geneva

The InterContinental Genève offers an in-house experience for everyone

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a cigar aficionado (like me), you’ll find something to enjoy at the InterContinental Genève.

The hotel’s courtyard is the perfect sun-trapped area to enjoy a morning coffee catching up on emails. Into the evening you can also enjoy crafted cocktails to unwind.

The hotel boasts a walk-in pool, with a poolside restaurant. It turns out, the pool at the InterContinental Genève is the city’s largest 5* pool. The hotel is soon to launch a new outdoor area, including pagodas, to enjoy the summer sun.

During my stay at the InterContinental Genève I experienced the hotel’s incredible Cigar Lounge.

An original concept by Tony Chi, the lounge offers a selection of the finest cigars from around the world. You really are spoilt for choice.

What I love about the InterContinental Genève’s cigar lounge is its location. Found on the top floor, it offers an amazing view of the hotel’s lobby. What’s so special about the lobby? It’s here where the InterContinental Genève hosts its vast collection of artwork from internationally renowned artists. Throughout the hotel you’ll find artwork from the likes of Alessandro Twombly, Amanda Weill and Zed Taylor, to highlight just a few.

The enclosed lounge was ventilated in a way that it removed all surrounding smoke - it was fascinating to see it in action!

When I say it offers an experience for everyone - I mean you can bring everyone too. Well, nearly! Sharing a floor with The Residence are eight further rooms which can be connected, meaning the entire 18th floor can be exclusively rented. Further to these rooms, the InterContinental Genève offers many suites which can be connected, allowing up to 17 guests of the same party on one floor. So, whether you want to invite your whole family or bring along your team, there’s certainly capacity to do so.

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Receive impeccable service at the InterContinental Genève

I experienced the best of the best whilst at the InterContinental Genève, and the service from the staff didn’t disappoint. Matching the grandeur of the suite, The Residence includes a personal concierge and chauffeur - treatment certainly fit for a President. During our time in the restaurant, even the newest of staff could reel off knowledge of the menu’s ingredients and story.

The service from the staff reflects the rigorous training the hotel must put employees through, and ultimately the ultra-premium service they wish to provide to its patrons.

I’d like to give a special mention to Lauren, Elena and Alexandra who all served me during my stay, offering top class service.

A hotel in the heart of Geneva

In terms of location, business travellers can’t ask for more.

As mentioned, the InterContinental Genève is located within walking distance of the Palais Des Nations. From a travel perspective, it is just a short distance from Geneva Airport and you’ll also receive a complimentary public transport travel card during your stay.

Walking distance from the hotel you can also discover the Ariana Museum, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum or the Geneva Botanical Garden.

If that feels a bit heavy after a day of work, you can relax on a boat trip along Lake Geneva.

If you’re travelling to Geneva, in my opinion there is no better place to stay. It offers superb access to the local amenities, you couldn’t ask for more if you want to wine and dine, and patrons are treated like royalty.

I’d like to share my huge thanks to InterContinental Genève’s General Manager, Hans Heijligers. He spent time with me discussing everything the hotel has to offer, as well as his own career journey.

Find out more about InterContinental Genève and The Residence here.

All of the staff provide impeccable service The hotel boasts an enviable location in central Geneva

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