Hôtel Carmen SA

The room was dirty, noisy, and full of things that didn’t work. Then a random man walked straight in without knocking or explaining anything and started screaming. I was shocked and scared, and genuinely panicked. Where was the staff or security? When I reported it, nobody seemed to take it seriously. I felt there was no concern for guest safety at all. This was a stressful and unsafe stay, and I’ll remember it for all the wrong reasons. Never again. Don’t stay here unless chaos and trauma sound appealing.

If you want to spend your time and money exploring Geneva instead of watching French TV in a fancy room, Hotel Carmen may suit you. It’s one of the less expensive options in a famously costly city, and it’s clean and basic. I found the location handy, close to Uni Mail and a tram line, with Lake Geneva a short walk away, though the restaurant’s outdoor seating downstairs makes it rather loud. The rooms are relatively small, there’s no air-conditioning, and the toilets are shared. In one room I had a shower in the corner; in the other, the shower was shared in the hall. Both rooms had sinks. My four-star rating shouldn’t be taken to mean this is a four-star hotel. It’s a traditional European place, suitable for the right kind of traveler.

The room was clean, and the toilet and shower were shared only with one other room. But I wouldn’t book again. I didn’t know there was a wine restaurant and club next door. Google Maps calls it a nail bar. After a long day of travel, I was kept awake most of the night by thumping bass and chairs screeching. I know rooms aren’t soundproof, but nothing could drown out that noise. If you need a good night’s sleep, you probably won’t get one here. I hope to get a refund. My room felt more like a club than a hotel room.

The location worked really well for getting to shops, transport, and tourist spots. My room was spacious and clean, with the amenities I needed. The staff were friendly and helpful, and no request seemed like a problem for them, which matters when you’re visiting as a tourist. A lovely place, and I’d definitely stay again.