De Genève

Heidi, we don’t think we’re in the Alps anymore! But we could be, given the chalet-esque stone walls and wooden beams that greeted us at the two-star Hotel de Geneve. The 39-room charmer is proudly family owned, with touches of whimsy thrown in here and there. Located five-minutes-and-a-world away from the bustling central station, this eminently comfortable place should be on the list of anyone seeking a “Swiss” experience within the city.

Guestrooms feature dated and standard formica dressers and beds, but all have brand-new floors that were laid out in 2009. Each room has a television, telephone and free Wi-Fi, and some even have decorative fireplaces. All private bathrooms have a shower, but a few extra francs will get you an upgrade to a room with a bathtub.

The Geneve offers a winning combination of rustic touches with modern comfort, all at relatively good rates. Its superb proximity to both transportation and the lake makes it one of the best deals in town, and despite the central location, it’s remarkably quiet.

Complimentary tea and freshly-brewed coffee are available from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. in the lobby, which doubles as the breakfast room. Breakfast, included in the room rate, is a generous Swiss affair, with dairy and more dairy products.