Geneva
"The Intercontinental Hotel Geneva"
For my first trip to Switzerland, I stayed at Geneva. InterContinental Geneva is a stately, 18-storey tower in the centre of the diplomatic district. Surrounded by parkland, with Lake Geneva and the Alps visible in the distance, the hotel is close to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the United Nations Office. Old Town, the Ariana Museum and the Botanical Gardens are also nearby.
The hotel is near bus stops and is walking distance to most of the attractions in Geneva. The rooms are well appointed and spacious, ask the receptionist for a room overlooking lake Geneva when checking in.
There are 2 Bar and a restaurant in the hotel. Les Nations is a library-style lounge filled with a large selection of books, a variety of magazines and, of course, an elegant bar. Guests settle into comfy leather couches to listen to live piano music as they sip after-work or before-dinner cocktails. A table d’hôte for up to 10 is the perfect spot for a casual business lunch or drinks with friends.
“Cosy chic” is an apt description for the O’Bar, where couples and groups gather around the long bar, at intimate tables or in plush leather armchairs near the fireplace. Light fare is served along with classic and creative cocktails from 5 pm until the wee hours of the morning. From Wednesday to Saturday, the cool sounds of a jazz duet fill the night air.
THe restaurant aptly named Woods is located in the ground level of the hotel. You’ll sense the harmony that exists in nature in Woods, a contemporary restaurant offering contemporary cuisine. A wood block sculpture table greets you at the entrance, and a graceful wooden arch and wine cellar divide the space into a relaxed salon and a more formal dining room. Chef Didier Quesnel honours his seasonal ingredients by continually discovering new ways to charm the palate with light, fresh creations.
"United Nation Head Quarters Geneva"
The Palais stands in the 45-hectare Ariana Park among majestic trees many of which are over 100 years old. The City of Geneva has made the park available to the UN for its offices for as long as the UN exists. The park was originally owned by the Revilliod de Rive family whose last descendant bequeathed it to the City of Geneva. One of the bequest's conditions was that peacocks should roam freely on its grounds. It is not unusual to see peacocks dancing in full splendor in the Palais grounds. The park also contains a 1668 chalet brought from the Gruyere district to Geneva for the national fair of 1896.
"Palais des Nation"
The Palais des Nations serves as the representative office of the Secretary-General at Geneva. A focal point for multilateral diplomacy, UNOG services more than 8,000 meetings every year, making it one of the busiest conference centres in the world. With more than 1,600 staff, it is the biggest duty stations outside of United Nations headquarters in New York.


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