Founded in 1834, this historical landmark and Geneva's oldest luxury hotel, re-opened as Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in November 2005, after a meticulous eleven-month restoration.

Based on the banks of Lake Geneva, the view from the hotel encompasses Geneva's most significant icons: the Jet d'eau - the world's tallest fountain - and the Old Town, where many buildings date from the 16th century. Also in full view from the hotel are the shopping area and the financial district, both within walking distance across a footbridge. Although in the city center, it is only 2.8 miles away from Geneva's international airport and a mere 10-minute walk from the train station.

The recent building restoration engineered by celebrated French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, sought to recapture the spirit of this distinguished neo-classical jewel-box. No effort has been spared to offer a decor of understated refinement. The reception areas present complex stucco ornaments, which are echoed in the guestrooms. The delicate craftmanship was carried out by highly skilled local artisans. The uncluttered entrance hall reveals a patterned marble floor, four monumental symmetrical columns, a shell-shaped niche reminiscent of Boticelli, the rhythm of the arches, and a magnificent cupola. Elaborate hand-gilded stucco decorations along the top of the walls, express a restrained exuberance.

Il Lago: This highly regarded restaurant features the finest northern Italian cuisine accompanied by exceptional Italian, French and Swiss wines, including a selection from several boutique vineyards. Guests are greeted before embarking on this culinary journey by a hand-painted fresco in the style of 17th century Italian landscapes.

Bar des Bergues: Adjoining Il Lago and overlooking Quai des Bergues and the lake, the Bar des Bergues offers stunning views from its soaring bay windows. The cherry wood panelling infuses the atmosphere with an intimate and serene quality. The lively bar, with its themed evenings, is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing after-work drink. In warmer weather, cocktails or light fare may be enjoyed on the Terrace, facing the lake.

GUEST ROOMS & SUITES: The hotel offers 68 bedrooms and 35 suites. The color scheme favors Wedgewood blue and light almond green, featuring toile de Jouy wall motifs. All rooms display classical, Louis-Philippe-style furnishings, stained using the white-lead technique to delight the eye. Each bedroom has an en-suite marble bathroom, a private bar and an LCD flat-screen television with DVD player and computer keyboard. For those wishing to work in their room, standard equipment includes three direct dial, dual-line telephones with voice mail and high-speed Internet access.

The lighting of the rooms was orchestrated by Sally Storey, director of Lighting Design International in London, in collaboration with Pierre-Yves Rochon. Thanks to a computerized program, each moment of the day has its own lighting mood. Thus the lighting hardly changes between 6am and 4pm, except at lunchtime when it becomes more golden or tranquil. As evening approaches the system is linked to an astronomic clock which follows the movements of the sun, so at night the lighting is subdued, with beams focused on the pictures, sculptures and furniture.

MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS: With its timeless elegance, its sparkling chandeliers, 23-foot high ceiling and huge gilt mirrors, the historical Salle des Nations, specially created for the first meeting of the League of Nations in 1920, has been the setting for many memorable events. Five other function rooms, all bathed in natural light with views of the lake, are used for smaller events, such as board meetings, seminars and small conferences, making the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva's most illustrious meeting venue.

SPORTS & FITNESS: The Fitness Center located on the top floor offers state-of-the art equipment and a complimentary juice bar. For guests looking for more open-air sporting activities, there are no less that twenty golf courses within easy reach of the hotel. Water-sports such as sailing and water-skiing, are also popular in Geneva. The mountains - less than an hour away by car - provide numerous skiing opportunities in the winter as well as climbing and hiking in the summer months.

CHILDREN ACTIVITIES: The hotel is a perfect base for families visiting the area, and it extends an especially warm welcome to its younger guests. From serving milk and cookies upon arrival to providing special gifts such as coloring books and crayons, sweat shirts, t-shirts, chocolate treats, videos, board games, books and toys, younger guests are made to feel really at home. Several suites have two bedrooms and most rooms are connecting, making family stays easy and hassle-free.

STANDARDS OF HOSPITALITY: From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalized 24-hour service, the hotel embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best, offering the highest standards of hospitality.

SERVICES & AMENITIES:

Business Services: 24-hour business services - Airline reservation service - Audiovisual equipment - Business equipment - Computers - DVD player and VCRs - Express check-in/check-out - Secretarial service - Translation and interpretation service - Wired or wireless Internet access in meeting rooms - Worldwide courier service.

The cosmopolitan French-speaking city of Geneva, one of the world's capitals of global diplomacy, humanitarian organizations and finance, is a city with a multi-cultural, even international flair. It boasts more than thirty museums and art galleries and serves as a base to more than 250 international organizations, including the European headquarters for the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the International Red Cross.