Robert Hare takes Beau Rivage from history to contemporary luxury

Hotel Beau Rivage Beau Rivage Geneva: a tale from history to contemporary luxury

Exclusive interview with General Manager, Mr. Robert Hare

The story of the beginning:

In 1865, the Hotel Beau Rivage opened its doors for the first time. The vision of its founders, Albertine and Jean-Jacques Mayer, pioneers of their time, allowed their intuition and audacity to realize this dream. At the time, they did not know that they had built a jewel in hotel history that would stand firm against time.

 In front of this solid building and the clear blue waters of Lake Geneva, more than one hundred and fifty years of history pass through the life of this ancient hotel, giving the place an unparalleled spirit.

Dukes, empresses, actors, poets, diplomats, maharajas, writers, politicians and Hollywood stars all contributed to building the legend and reputation of Beau Rivage. In 1898, in this place, Empress Elisabeth of Austria ended her life, and in 1918, in the quiet halls of this hotel, Czechoslovakia signed its independence agreement.

Historical charm and modern luxury:

Salwa: How does Beau Rivage Beau Rivage Geneva combine historical charm with modern luxury, and how does the guest experience seamlessly balance old and new?

Robert: Beyond its notable past, the hotel's vision carries the same boldness and innovative spirit as its founders. A vision that has always combined the charm and nobility of the past – the legacy of the century that saw the birth of the house – with the vision of modern luxury and an experience of comfort that is completely sophisticated.

In 1873, Beau Rivage offered its guests the first elevator in Switzerland: a technological jewel of that era, powered by hydraulic power.

Later, before electricity even reached Geneva, the hotel was involved in another innovation and became a pioneer in gas lighting.
Even today, Beau Rivage continues to reinvent itself over time. However, the essence of the house and its authentic spirit remain the same. The renovations carried out in 2016 are proof of this: in the hands of the architect and interior artist Pierre-Yves Rochon, the renovations focused on the upper floors of the building, giving the Beau Rivage Hotel a new life with a historic spirit.

Special offers:

Salwa: In a tough competition, what special services and features does Beau Rivage offer to meet the preferences of travelers today?
Robert: There are many great hotels in Geneva, but Beau Rivage stands out as an independent, family-owned hotel with a very rich history. Every corner of the hotel reveals a piece of art, paintings, sculpture, and other artifacts that constitute a true journey through time.

Our rooms are larger than average and we enjoy wonderful views of the Dancing Fountain of Geneva, the lake, the Alps and Geneva's Old Town, overlooked by its magnificent cathedral.

Tasting experiences

Salwa: What is your vision about the hotel’s tasting experience offerings? How does Beau Rivage Geneva ensure an experience that harmoniously combines local and international flavors?

Robert: Our offerings  are well known among the people of Geneva, especially with our Michelin-starred restaurant “Le Chat Boutique”. Matthew Cruz revamps the menu  regularly around fresh and highly seasonal produce, with a framework of French cuisine enhanced with Asian spices and flavours. His creativity will be a delight for the people of Geneva and our international guests alike. In winter, the cable cars installed on the terrace come as a surprise to many, where our guests can enjoy an authentic Swiss fondue and immerse themselves in local traditions.

To add his own special touch, skilled chef Kevin Olivier creates new delights throughout the year, from pastries and ice cream to festive creations for traditional celebrations.

A stunning location on the lake:

Salwa: Given its beautiful location on the shore of Lake Geneva, how does Beau Rivage Geneva take advantage of its surroundings to enhance the overall guest experience?

Robert: Most of our rooms offer wonderful views of the lake, as well as the terrace front, which   ensures a unique experience for guests who wish to have a drink, dinner or lunch facing the lake in the summer months.

Sustainability and well-being:

Salwa: Within the reality of today's travel experiences, how does Beau Rivage consider sustainability and contribute to responsible tourism practices while maintaining its commitment to luxury and comfort?

Robert: Our hotel takes its environmental responsibility very seriously. Within the hotel, we have established an environmental team that meets regularly to identify concrete ways to improve. Thanks to its daily commitment to the environment, Beau Rivage has achieved ISO 14001 certification and has also been awarded the title of “Swiss Tenable” by Switzerland Tourism (Level III). These certifications cover all aspects of sustainability and are subject to periodic checks by external inspection bodies.

The hotel also contributes with its customers to the “Because We Care” fund. As part of this initiative, guests get the opportunity to offset the CO2 emissions generated by their stay. At the same time, Beau Rivage doubles these contributions and invests them in municipal reforestation in Nicaragua.

Advice from the heart:

Salwa: Based on your experience, what advice would you give to fellow hoteliers aspiring to achieve leadership in the hospitality industry? In particular, how can they navigate the challenges and foster a culture of excellence in their facilities?

Robert: Stay positive and calm during difficult periods, seize opportunities and do not exaggerate the risks in every challenge. Excellence is achieved when you continually adapt to changes in the environment, when you identify and focus on new horizons, and when you provide purpose to your team as well as encourage them on their adventures of personal growth.