LuxEcoLiving's Best Hotels in the World: Le Richemond Geneva Is Not Picture Perfect But the View Certainly Is

Not to be expected... certainly not for one of the most respected brands in the hotel industry. The Dorchester Collection hotels are world renown.
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By Nancy and James Chuda founders of LuxEcoLiving and Healthy Child Healthy World
Not to be expected... certainly not for one of the most respected brands in the hotel industry. The Dorchester Collection hotels are world renown. We have enjoyed our experiences at many of their properties throughout last years, Best Hotels in the World Series, however, entertaining one of the most historic of all their properties, set on the banks of Lake Geneva by the famous Jet d'Eau, Le Richemond does not live up to the city known for its style and grace, nor the other hotels in the collection.

By comparison, having just come from The Alpina Gstaad where luxury is defined by the warmth of its architecture, its staff and views of the majestic Bernese Alps, we found ourselves pining for its beauty and excellent service.

LuxEcoLiving The Alpina Gstaad

Originally founded in 1875 by the Armleder family and known throughout the world for attracting distinguished guests, from Hollywood icons to international dignitaries, some of the greatest names of the 20th century-from Charlie Chaplin and Louis Armstrong to Sophia Loren, Rita Hayworth and Marc Chagall. But that was then. This is now.

Our suite was a big disappointment. The furnishings were sadly cosmopolitan with a contemporary flair... nothing too exciting. The all white marble bathroom was original but dangerously so. I kept thinking this is an accident waiting to happen. Normally, the wardrobe closet would be stocked with slippers and a robe. All I could find was one robe and no slippers. The staff was earnest to please. In fact, if I could boast about one great think it would be the line-up behind the front desk. Every person was so hospitable. They arranged our transportation needs and provided maps and suggestions for other locations along our journey; we were covering 13 properties in 3 countries.. dare I say this was not an easy task. As travel writers and editors who take tremendous efforts to curate details... we were stuck with nothing to feature.

When room service arrived with a wilted floral decoration as a centerpiece... I simply jumped back into bed and perused all of my videos from other Dorchester Collection properties and said.... what's up! A quick call to room service provided an additional desert (complimentary) which helped me get over the hurdle of High Expectations Anxiety. I couldn't resist. I had to tell someone. That someone is you.
Morning came. Time to pack and leave but not before a quick tour of Le Jardin known for its exquisite modern Mediterranean cuisine.
All I wanted was a fresh croissant and a cup of coffee.... and guess what? We had to catch our train to Milan so we didn't have time to feast!
Will somebody please write about what we missed because life is getting shorter and I am running out of properties to write about from the exquisite Dorchester Collection.
Editor's Notes: Next up, Le Principi di Savoia Milan Italy

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