Part of the Four Seasons chain, the Des Bergues Hotel is housed in a palatial, 6-storey, lakeside building, which dates from 1834 and has recently undergone extensive renovation. It prides itself on blending a revitalised sense of history with the essentials of today’s plasma-screen, broadband world (as well as sophisticated, intuitive service.) The elegant lobby features marble floors and a magnificent curved staircase with statues and frescoes. The 103 residential-style guestrooms are bright and airy, with rich blue and green fabrics, light woods and Louis Philippe-style furnishings that reflect the property’s classic heritage. Lake view rooms are more expensive, but all are impeccably maintained, as are the en suite bathrooms. Dominated by a wall of windows overlooking the lively Place des Bergues, the hotel’s “Il Lago” restaurant offers the finest Northern Italian fare, accompanied by exceptional Italian, French and Swiss wines, including an exclusive selection from several boutique vineyards. Adjoining the restaurant, Le Bar des Bergues offers equally stunning views and, as one of Geneva’s most convivial meeting places, features an all-day menu of imaginative light fare and a wide range of speciality cocktails. In warm weather alfresco dining is available. The hotel also offers a range of spa treatments and fitness facilities.