Geneva, The Gateway to the Alps

Geneva is a pretty city, set right on Lake Geneva, but one gets a clear sense that the city’s identity lies in the fact it is a global business city. 

Geneva was merely a stop-over before heading to Chamonix, France; a place to adjust to the time zone and decompress before beginning a hiking whirlwind tour.   As a solo traveler this trip I figured there would be no better place to decompress than the five-star accommodations of the Le Richemond, steps from the Lake Geneva shoreline. 

I don’t typically splurge on hotels in European cities because I’m usually not spending that much time in the hotel but Le Richemond was worth it.  The hotel’s sophistication shined through.  The staff was extremely helpful, the spa facilities were perfect, and most importantly, the rooms have large soaking tubs.  

I arrived at the hotel exhausted from the redeye and slept for a few hours before wrapping up work projects.  I treated myself to a 60-minute-deep tissue massage and some time in the steam room before heading to dinner nearby at restaurant called Chez Ma Cousine, a casual restaurant known for their locally raised chicken dinners. 

At Chez Ma Cousine, a chicken dinner consists of a roasted half chicken, green salad, and roasted potatoes, a perfect Sunday meal. 

The most important lesson I learned in my 30 hours in Geneva, is this: If you’re not dipping your merengues in Gruyere double cream, you aren’t doing it right.