Le Richemond

Following a 20-month renovation, the official opening of Rocco Forte’s Le Richemond took place on 26th September in the presence of Sir Rocco Forte, the Vice-President of the Administrative Council Mr Manuel Tornare and the Administrative Councillor Mr Pierre Maudet.

Geneva was bathed in sunlight during the opening, which took place just before midday on the steps of Le Richemond. Mr Manuel Tornare, Vice-President of the Administrative Council of the City of Geneva, was accompanied by Mr Pierre Maudet, Administrative Councillor, and Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman and Chief Executive of The Rocco Forte Collection, which owns Le Richemond, for the ribbon cutting.  They were watched by a crowd of journalists, representatives of the various departments of the City of Geneva, as well as the tradespeople who had worked for 20 months on the renovation of one of the best-loved institutions in the European hotel world since the end of the 19th century.

“It is one of our dearest wishes that Le Richemond regains the place that it has always held in the social and cultural life of the city of Geneva,” said Sir Rocco. “This hotel belonged to the Armleder family for four generations and we would like to pay homage to them here; I should add that today the hotel passes into the hands of another family, the Forte family, and we hope to maintain the unique atmosphere that has always reigned here.”

The Vice-President of the Administrative Council declared, “We are very happy to see that a company of the quality of The Rocco Forte Collection is investing so much money here in Geneva in order to restore the lustre that a hotel like Le Richemond deserves.  Such an undertaking helps to improve the image of Geneva and increases its appeal to visitors.”

Mr Pierre Maudet added, “The renovation of this legendary hotel raises the profile of Geneva Harbour, with Le Richemond certainly being one of the most beautiful buildings in the area.”

The dignitaries then moved into the lobby of the hotel where a commemorative plaque of the inauguration was unveiled and Father Tony conducted a blessing.  The guests were then able to sample the delicious cooking of Executive Chef Pietro Amato while enjoying cocktails in The Ballroom.  Previously called Le Grand Gentilhomme, The Ballroom has been completely renovated, along with the rest of the hotel.  However, it has kept its impressive atmosphere, its splendour accentuated by trompe-l’oeil paintings, mirrored walls, a magnificent parquet floor and, for the perfect finishing touch, superb Murano glass chandeliers.

Le Richemond, built in 1875, prides itself on having an incomparable location in the centre of Geneva, with superb views over Lake Geneva and the Alps.  This Genevese institution re-opened its doors in September 2007 and has 109 rooms, of which 26 are suites, a restaurant, a bar, three flexible meeting spaces, a ballroom, as well as a spa and fitness centre.  Situated close to the business and shopping centres, Le Richemond welcomes the local Genevese and visitors to the city in a cosmopolitan and sophisticated atmosphere.