Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva

Built in 1834, des Bergues is the oldest hotel in Geneva and its classic grace and beauty still remains unmatched. The Swiss have even designated the hotel a historical monument. The splendor of the chandelier-filled ballroom, created to host the League of Nations, is evident throughout the property, from the decor to service—all of the impeccable caliber you'd expect from hotel that counts Emperor Franz Joseph, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen of Spain among its past guests. In 2005, after more than a year of extensive renovations, the hotel reopened as a Four Seasons. Its 120 rooms were scaled back to 103 more spacious ones, featuring Louis Phillipe-style furnishings and palatte of greens and blues. Almost every room has spectacular views of the city and Lake Geneva, as does the lounge's outdoor terrace—don't miss it! The best afternoon tea in town is at Le Bar des Bergues, and the restaurant, Il Lago, serves gorgeously presented Northern Italian cuisine. Try to book a table overlooking the courtyard. Whether you want to pamper yourself at the hotel's modern spa or enjoy this historic city in equally historic lodgings, Des Bergues is a must.

Rooms rates from €496.