Le Richemond
By Nancy Walman
After 20 months of complete renovation, Le Richemond re-opened its doors on the 21st of September 2007.
Recently acquired by The Rocco Forte Collection, this prestigious five star hotel has held its prime position facing the famous Brunswick Gardens and overlooking the Alps, Lake Geneva, and the Old Town Cathedral for over 130 years. Just 6km from Geneva Airport and with the business and shopping districts of this sophisticated city only walking distance away, it is ideally located for business meetings and conferences. Three meeting rooms, all with natural daylight and the ballroom, which accommodate parties of 10 to 200, make it the ideal choice for events of all kinds.
The Official Opening of Le Richemond:
A Legendary Hotel and Genevese Jewel in Rocco Forte collection.
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. Crowd of journalists, representatives of the various departments of the City of Geneva, as well as the tradespeople who had worked 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 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.
Events, Events and More Events
One can book Online. From James Bond to Sex & The City, Richemond’s Le Bar Celebrates The Martini! Le Bar at the Hotel Le Richemond has decided to honor the Martini cocktail. More than a drink, the Martini represents a spirit, an atmosphere, a certain idea of luxury tinted with a touch of nonchalance and laid-back attitude. It is this Martini spirit that Le Bar will put forward once a month, by proposing a Martini Night, dedicated to a historic personality that has perpetuated the celebration of this classic and contemporary concoction.
Richemond’s Le Bar, a chic and refined meeting place
Richemond’s Le Bar is also a place to be at any time. With its exceptional terrace and its vibrantly coloured bar, Le Bar offers “a la carte” menus that are simple and refined. For those who don’t have the time for a longer stay at the Sapori, Richemond’s restaurant, Le Bar offers them the chance to be tempted by a classic burger, a plate of Parme Pio Tosini ham accompanied by a marvelous Buffalo mozzarella, without forgetting the famous crab royal sandwich with its subtle and refreshing taste.
Le Bar Opening Hours:
Open every day
From 10h30 to 01h30
Direct reservations:
Tel + 41 22 715 72 01
lebar.lerichemond@roccofortecollection.com
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Sapori Captures The Spirit of Italy
Sapori: The Restaurant at Le Richemond with Exquisite Italian Cuisine in a Chic SettingIn the warm, contemporary and cosmopolitan atmosphere of Sapori, the Italian restaurant at Le Richemond, the Sicilian chef Pietro Amato creates sophisticated dishes, placing great emphasis on the quality and freshness of all the products used.
Sapori truly highlights the Italian art de vivre. The fish, which is exceptionally fresh, will delight gourmands who really must try the wild salmon accompanied by cannoli of bread and sea bass with a Dijon vinaigrette or fillet of mullet with tomatoes and capers, along with a black olive sauce and polenta.
The truffle season has seen the introduction of some delicious new recipes, such as Carnaroli risotto with white truffle. The home-made pastas are a real high point at Sapori. Not less than five kinds of different bread are offered at each meal, each with a small helping of the most mouth-watering olive oils.
The decor of Sapori is both contemporary and eclectic, in keeping with all the areas of the newly-renovated hotel. It features dark wood, rich warm materials and wall coverings, leathers, the signature red of Le Richemond, the hotel’s omnipresent alcoves with floral accents, interesting crockery and impeccable service. Sapori also offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 14 people for family reunions or confidential business lunches.
Only 34 years of age, Chef Pietro Amato is blessed with a rare talent and creativity. His passion for cooking comes across in the food, which pairs tradition and modernity. A good selection of wines from the mythical cellar of Le Richemond, which has been updated by Head Sommelier Sébastien Humbert, tops off the perfect meal. And make sure you do not leave without sampling a delicious dessert prepared by Head Pastry Chef Arnaud Salvetti – try the Moelleux au Chocolat (a kind of gooey chocolate souffle) or his latest creation Le Croustillant de Gruée de Cacao et Crème de Marron avec son Sorbet de Cacao Amer (a crunchy concoction made with cocoa and chestnuts, served with a bitter chocolate sorbet).
Festive menus
To celebrate the end of year festivities, Sapori has put together some great menus for a private family meal or a party with friends. The menus Follow.
Opening Hours:
Every day
From 12h to 14h30
From 19h to 22h30
Price of set menu for business lunches: CHF 62.-
Reservations: Tel + 41 22 715 71 00
Email : sapori.lerichemond@roccofortecollection.co
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The Hotel
Le Richemond, built in 1875, boasts an incomparable location in the centre of Geneva with a superb view of the lake and the Alps. The Genevan palace has re-opened its doors in September 2007 after months of refurbishment. Today it counts 109 rooms, including 26 suites, a restaurant “Sapori”, a bar, 3 flexible conference rooms and a ball room. Le Richemond is the only hotel in the centre of the city to offer a real spa, comprising 5 treatment rooms and a fitness centre. Located near shopping and the business quarter, Le Richemond will welcome Geneva residents and other guests in a chic and relaxed cosmopolitan atmosphere.
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The huge Armleder Suite is a truly flexible space. A huge living area (measuring 70 square metres) can be linked to one, two or three junior suites, thanks to a series of doors along a central corridor. When all three suites are booked, the Armleder Suite covers 250 square metres.
The living area is perfect for entertaining. Light and airy, it offers every home comfort, including a real log fire, perfect for warming the cockles after a day’s skiing in Chamonix. The contemporary design is paired with Art Deco and classic touches, in the shape of original works of arts, an eclectic collection of antiques and some furniture that has been designed for the space by the designer John Stefanidis.
Rich and sensual materials have been used in the soft furnishings, while the room itself is decorated with marble, gold, mosaics and parquet flooring. All the latest technology is a given and all the windows on this top floor are bullet proof, while luxurious highlights include a private sauna and under floor heating.
An additional 100 square metres of terrace wraps around the entire seventh floor and has stunning views over the old part of the city to Lake Geneva and the Alps, with Mont Blanc in the distance, to one side and vistas of the Jura Mountains to the other side. Stylish furnishings adorn the terraces.
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Reservations & Information : www.roccofortecollection.com
Le Richemond Jardin Brunswick 1201 Geneva Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 715 7000 Fax: +41 22 715 7001
Le Richemond is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Founded in 1996, the Rocco Forte Collection presents a collection of luxury hotels established in Europe. Each location seduces with its singularity and offers a design in perfect harmony with its environment. Attention to detail, quality and service are the key words at the Rocco Forte Collection.
Ten years following its creation, the Rocco Forte Collection has expanded and includes:
- Hotel de Russie in Rome
- Hotel Savoy in Florence
- The Balmoral in Edinburgh
- The Lowry Hotel in Manchester
- Hotel Astoria in St Petersburg
- Hotel Amigo in Brussels
- Le Richemond in Geneva
- Villa Kennedy in Frankfurt
- Hotel de Rome in Berlin
- Brown’s Hotel in London
- The Charles Hotel in Munich
Upcoming openings:
Prague – 2008
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort en Sicile – 2008
Marrakech – 2009
Copyright 2008 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved .
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