Exterior of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva from the river.
Geneva

Our History

A GENEVA ICON SINCE 1950


Originally named the Hôtel du Rhône upon its opening in 1950, it was the first luxury hotel built in Europe after World War II. Standing majestically on the right bank of the Rhône River, it immediately attracted a crowd of celebrities, diplomats, and business leaders. Its exceptional location, at the heart of the business district, luxury shops of the Rue du Rhône, the old town and theaters also contributed to its success. Part of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group since 2000, it remains an iconic landmark in the heart of Geneva.


Discover our summer activations to celebrate.
The facade of the Hotel du Rhône now named Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

The Hôtel du Rhône: The Beginning of a New Era in Geneva

When it opened its doors on July 14, 1950, the Hôtel du Rhône marked the beginning of a new era for Geneva’s hospitality scene. Not only was it the first luxury hotel to open in Europe after the Second World War, but it also embodied a new vision of luxury, hospitality, and modernity. More than simply reflecting the spirit of the times, the Hôtel du Rhône echoed Geneva’s ambitions — its inauguration coincided with the arrival of the United Nations’ European headquarters in the city. The new luxury address quickly became a landmark in Geneva’s urban landscape.
A croquis of the facade of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva and the rhône river

A Modern and Iconic Architectural Landmark

The architect of the Hôtel du Rhône, Marc J. Saugey (1908–1971), designed a modular building in “accordion-style”, with a flexible capacity ranging from 150 to 350 beds. In doing so, the Hôtel du Rhône stood apart from other establishments in Geneva at the time: it was neither a grand palace nor a conventional residential hotel. Saugey described it as “an ultra-modern hotel offering every comfort, designed for “modern men and women who spend hours on planes or travel by night to save time.” A leading figure in post-war architecture and urban planning, and deeply influenced by American design, Saugey was responsible for some of the most innovative architectural achievements in Geneva.
People talking in the 50s in the restaurant of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

A Place and Guests like No Other

From the moment it opened, the Hôtel du Rhône became a central stage for Geneva’s vibrant new identity as the capital of diplomacy. The post-war energy pulsed through its lobby, where prominent political figures, royalty, artists, musicians, and business leaders from around the globe came to stay. The hotel quickly attracted a world-renowned clientele, each guest bringing with them ideas, ambitions, and hopes for shaping a new world.
Book with pictures of Geneva in Mandarin Oriental, Geneva.

A New Chapter with Mandarin Oriental

The year 2000 marked a major turning point for the Hôtel du Rhône as it became one of the newest flagships of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and was transformed to usher in the new millennium. Its elegant, timeless style, bold culinary choices, state-of-the-art facilities, and unparalleled service quickly reaffirmed its place as one of Geneva’s finest addresses. Thanks to its recent room renovation as well as its significant contribution to Geneva’s dining scene with the opening of SACHI then Ottolenghi, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva continues today to write its story with ambition and purpose.