Located on the River Rhône within the city’s shopping, historic and business districts, the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva will satiate even the most fastidious world traveller.
Opening its doors in 1950 after World War II as the luxurious Hotel Du Rhône, the MO has undergone a number of renovations, effortlessly weaving its past history into a contemporary palette and elegance we have come to expect from the group today.
During redecorations in the late 90’s, the original framework and feel of the building (an early modernist Art Deco style) was left intact, under the supervision of Swiss Architect Jean-Louis Christen and interior designers Chhada Siembieda and Partners. Another major transformation in July 2008 by acclaimed New York designer Adam D. Tihany gave the hotel a sleek modern look and saw the launch of Geneva’s popular restaurants Rasoi by Vineet, Le Sud and MO Bar.
French Designer Sybille de Margerie of SM Design headed the most recent phase of renovation – the new interiors a.k.a the Mandarin Floor that offers modern and spacious rooms immersed in vibrant though delicate colour patterns. Greek marble and soft wool carpets bedeck the floor, while leather, silk and mohair complete the plush look. The Mandarin rooms located on the sixth floor blend contemporary design with effortless elegance, offering elite guests a choice of two sophisticated pallets; fuchsia and silver or delicate tones of gold.
The interiors of the MO are an intelligent symmetry of clean lines embellished with well-designed furnishings, juxtaposing bold modern art against soft earthy tones of greens, browns and creams. Another unique design in the rooms is a sliding cabinet which cleverly incorporates the mini bar and laundry compartment, accessible by housekeeping from the outside for the seamless delivery of dry-cleaning, polished shoes and restocking of drinks with no disturbance to guests.
The hotel’s Michelin-starred signature restaurant Rasoi by Vineet run by India’s very own master chef Vineet Bahtia, is decorated in vibrant colours of reds and purples evoking our colourful heritage and traditions.
While the contemporary MO Bar has cherry wood ‘fin’ planks connected with a glass membrane lit from below on the outside and materials such as leather, silk and warm wood on the inside.
In addition, six sound proof private rooms are located on the first floor with their own distinctive look in tones of cognac and beige. Besides ample natural daylight, the rooms provide a grand view of the Rhône River, a great place to hold conferences and meetings.
Whether on business or a pleasure trip, the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva has something all travellers can appreciate – class!
Text By Natalie Pedder-Bajaj
Photos Courtesy The Mandarin Oriental
Contact
web: www.mandarinoriental.com/geneva
