To make sure you get the best from Geneva while you’re our guest, we’ve put together some important information for you.
Time Zone
GMT +1 hour
Daylight Savings Time is acknowledged from the last weekend in March to the last weekend in October.
Language
French is the official language in Geneva; however, because of the international nature of Geneva, English, German and Italian are all understood throughout the city.
Currency
The Swiss Franc is the predominant currency found in the following denominations: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000. Euros are also accepted in most places. You can exchange currency at either a bank or private currency exchange. Exchange rates are subject to daily fluctuations and additional charges may apply.
Electrical Standard
Local voltage is 220 volts AC. Electrical plug adaptors can be provided by the hotel for all countries.
Shopping Hours
Monday to Friday (excluding Thursday: 8:30am to 6:45pm
Thursday: Late opening to 8pm
Saturday: 8:30am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Shopping
The main shopping areas of Geneva are located in the city centre, which is accessible within minutes of the hotel. The Rue du Rhône and Rue du Mont-Blanc are both approximately 0.2 Km away, which should take no more than 5 minutes to reach on foot. Carouge is approximately 3 Km away and can be reached by car or taxi within 10 minutes.
Medical Facilities
The Hôpital Cantonal is approximately 5 km away, 10 minutes by car. Permanence Medicale de Cornavin and Permanence Medicale de Chantepoulet are both about 0.5 Km from the hotel and take between 3 and 5 minutes to reach by car.
Banking
Two convenient banking facilities are situated close to the hotel. UBS located at Rue du Rhône or Place de Cornavin. Credit Suisse is located on Rue de Lausanne.
Tips on Tipping
Tipping is not usually necessary as service charges are included in the price. However, many people like to leave a tip, especially where service has been exceptional.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays
Date
New Year’s Day
1 January 2008
Good Friday
21 March 2008
Easter Monday
24 March 2008
Ascension Day
1 May 2008
Pentecost
12 May 2008
Swiss National Day
1 August 2008
Geneva Fast
11 September 2008
Christmas
25 December 2008
Restauration Day
31 December 2008
Local Events
Events
Date
Events Details
Geneva's Carniva
23 - 25 February 2008
Celebration with masks, costumes, music and street entertainment
78th International Motor Show
6 - 16 March 2008
SIHH- 18th International Fine Watchmaking Exhibition
7 - 13 April 2008
EBACE '08 - European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition
19 - 22 May 2008
Bol d'Or Rolex
June 2008
Geneva Music Festival
20 - 22 June 2008
Music Festival all around the city
Montreux Jazz Festival 2008
July 2008
Swiss NationalDay Celebrations
1 August 2008
Swiss national day celebrations take place in the whole Switzerland on 1 August. For the City of Geneva, the official festivities are held in the Bastions Park. Speeches, paper lantern parade, patriotic show, bonfire, children costume contest and fireworks.
