The Ritz-Carlton Debuts in Switzerland

Photo © stefanocandito.com

Following an extensive multi-million dollar renovation, the 152-year-old Hotel de la Paix, Geneva has reopened as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva, marking the luxury hotel brand’s debut in Switzerland, reports The Ritz-Carlton and the Manz family, the owner of the property.

“With its storied past and legacy of outstanding service, rich culture, and culinary discoveries, Hotel de la Paix is an ideal fit for The Ritz-Carlton brand, which continues to grow and provide exceptional service and genuine care to our guests across the globe,” said Hervé Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton, Bulgari and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “I am delighted to bring the brand and our renowned service to Switzerland – the country where the legendary hotelier Cesar Ritz was born.”

Positioned on the shore of Lake Geneva, with views of the city’s Jet d’Eau and Mont Blanc as a backdrop, Hotel de la Paix has defined luxury in Geneva since its inception in 1865, and hosted many memorable gatherings including the International Congress of Peace.

“We are very excited about the reopening of the Hotel de la Paix under The Ritz-Carlton brand,” said the Manz family. “We chose The Ritz-Carlton as operator because we are convinced that the expertise of The Ritz-Carlton in luxury hospitality is going to help this unique property to maintain its position as one of the leading luxury hotels in Geneva in years to come.”

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva

The renovation of the 74-room property blends modern design and functionality with the hotel’s heritage. Highlight include:

• Flexible event space for up to 100 guests, which can be divided into two separate rooms both of which offer a garden view and natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Fourteen suites, including the Grace Kelly Suite (serves as the hotel’s Presidential Suite), which features gold-leaf gilding and art deco design.
• Fully-restored public areas that reflect a design concept created around art, time and nature.
• Exhibition of tapestries featuring historical figures who played a role in attaining peace (Giuseppe Garibaldi, Victor Hugo, etc.)
• Two “culinary experiences”: Fiskebar, a new Nordic-fusion concept—a first-of-its-kind in Geneva—inspired by executive chef Alessio Corda’s respect for organic, regional dishes; and Living Room Bar & Kitchen, which offers add-day dining in an inviting, lounge-style setting embellished with the building’s historic details and original features, such as the 150-year-old parquet and walnut floor.
• The Philippe Pascoët chocolate offering authentic sweet confections, handmade by legendary Swiss master chocolatier, Philippe Pascoët.

“It is an honor to bring The Ritz-Carlton experience to Switzerland, here with an iconic luxury hotel that has borne witness to a multitude of historic world events,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe for Marriott International. “The Ritz-Carlton is proud to embark on a new chapter in Geneva, infusing the brand’s legendary service standards into this beautifully renovated hotel.”

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD., part of Marriott International, Inc., currently operates more than 90 hotels and 40 residential properties in more than 30 countries and territories.