By Gilles Malaisé
 

Located in the «Triangle of Gold», on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Hotel d'Angleterre is the work of the famous architect Anthony Krafft. Since 1872 a top five leading palace-hotels in Geneva, this is indeed the smallest five star hotel downtown: with only 45 rooms and suites. Amazingly intimate, this is the preferred hide-away for those looking for romanticism... and discretion. A mixture of honey-mooners, high-profile travellers, businessmen and bankers from round the world constitutes the faithful clientele of what we would like to call a «boutique palace-hotel».

Though the entrance, rue de Monthoux, might look modest, the stairs climbing up to the rizty marble lobby are impressive: flanked by two Sphinxes, they have been stepped by statesmen like Michaïl Gorbatchev, movie stars (Johnny Weissmuller - «Tarzan»- was a regular guest), famous singers (Céline Dion, Patricia Kaas... and Michael Jackson). We always feel a hard to describe excitement visiting historic palace-hotels, haunted by the memories of legendary visitors. Shouldn't it be the warm, impressive service, displayed by one of the most motivated staff we have ever met, we would somehow feel like in a museum of fame. The friendly and much aware concierge knows all the secrets of Geneva; the Guest Services Manager was so anticipating during our stay. We can count on our fingers the hotels in Europe where the staff  is on hand to open the lift door: we are in one of them. This is of course just a detail; but what makes the difference between a palace-hotel and a luxury hotel, if not details?

The design of the lobby makes the hotel extremely intimate, confidential and secure. Nobody can step in without being seen -and discreetly inspected- by the reception team. Which is very important in Geneva: a city very much visited on business and high profile shopping purpose. This is how, according to us, the Hotel d'Angleterre distinguishes very much from the competitors which are all much larger and animated properties.

Totally refurbished in 2004, the rooms have been technically modernized with flat screen TVs, Tivoli Ipod stations, an excellent communication network (both WiFi and wired Internet are actually high speed, and complimentary; which we liked very much). The sound proofing is most efficient, and the bedding top comfortable. Though, the style of the old Hotel d'Angleterre remains untouched: with elegant antiques, poster beds with precious fabrics (silk, “Toile de Jouy”). Bathrooms, alternating precious marble and fine marketed wood, with a display of Penhaligon's fine British toiletry, are so stylish. When the maid comes in the evening the turn the bed off, she leaves a candle beside the tub (so romantic...) and drops some fine Swiss chocolate or French “Cannelés” (a delicious pastry from Bordeaux) on the pillow. No doubt: we are staying in an authentic palace-hotel. The smallest, 23 sq. m Classic Room are fine indeed: the “basic” comfort of the Hotel d'Angleterre starts from high standards. Most of them have a courtyard view, while the larger, 33m2 Superior Rooms, quite similar in term of design and comfort, display a partial or total -which means breathtaking- lake View. So chic, the Executive Suites -commanding the lake and the city- have been designed in a dramatic palette of silver, white and platinum, with a modern classic furnishing from the 20th century, a private bar featuring complimentary whisky and Cognac, and two marble bathrooms.

The Presidential Suite is the crowning glory of Hotel d'Angleterre. The Gotha books it far in advance -it is one of the best seller suites in Geneva- just to enjoy its 110 sq.m of top luxury, privacy, and security. Full lake view, of course, it displays a unique reflection of neoclassic British style by designers Toni Tollman and Brian Brennan. We loved at first sight the dark blue carpets and curtains, matching the lacquered white walls. It would take much space just to describe the sophistication of this palatial, actually opulent private apartment, which comes with a special butler service and enhanced security (the windows, for instance, have been bullet proofed).  A further four bedrooms can be attached to the suite, for family, friends or servants. The list of happy few who stayed in the Presidential Suite is endless. Michael Jackson remains the most eccentric, certainly: he loved staying hours al fresco, chatting with friends on the balcony, and only left the hotel once or twice for a walk along the Lake. He has been a resident during six months in 2000, composing many songs in his bedroom... and leaving some drawings and paintings on the walls, which have been washed out after his departure.

We simply loved the breakfast in the “Windows” restaurant, surveying the entrancing panoramic views of the lake and distant mountains. Though the hotel was full house during our visit, there was no rush at all at the buffet, displaying a selection of fine dishes (the dried “Viande des Grisons” and the selection of French and Swiss cheese are just wonderful... have a freshly baked pretzel with it, just to make it the Swiss way). Plenty of hot dishes (sausages, eggs, fried mushrooms..) can be ordered “à la carte”. We always have our breakfast in the inspected hotels, as this is a reflection of the global service: from the cutlery, quality of the napkins, till the promptness and kindness of the waiters calling us by name -just like the rest of the staff- everything was 100% faultless.  Managed by chef Philippe Audonnet, "Windows" has got a very good reputation among gastronomes in Geneva: many patrons have their dinner there, before enjoying a glass of Champagne or Cognac in the stunning and funky Leopard Room (“Hotel Bar of the Year”, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, 2006). A favorite place for night owls, so British with its fireplace, stripped sofas, and leather seats along the bar animated by the cheerful Valter. From Gstaad to Geneva, he is the confident of the local and international Society; as discreet as a Swiss banker, he preferred to entertain us with his impressive culture on wines and spirits... There is live music every night and, indeed, this is a great hotel bar as seen in the movies. The hand-rolled Cuban cigars displayed little bit everywhere are just decoration items; smoking is prohibited in Switzerland, just like almost everywhere in Europe... though we heard a good piece of news: a cigar lounge will be opening in late September / early October 2014!

Rates start from EUR 480 for a Classic Double room,up to EUR 700 for a Deluxe Double room. Suites start from EUR 1,487. Including all taxes, but excluding breakfast (EUR 26 for Continental / EUR 34 for Full Buffet). Many attractive special offers and packages are available all year long.

This glamorous hotel, rated atop Tripadvisor, is family owned, and run by Jacques Favre, one of the most renowned hoteliers in Switzerland. A member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, this is one of the Leading Small Hotels of the World.