Novotel Geneve Aeroport France

Safety was the worst part. Twice, people were given our room key and came into the room. The doors wouldn’t lock, so we had to push furniture against one to sleep, and guests tried to get in again during the night. Reception staff just shrugged and seemed uninterested, and were rude about it. The place is outdated and overpriced, but those issues pale beside the safety problems.

The rooms were a good size, and breakfast was good-sized too. The hotel isn’t too far from the airport, but we waited ages for the included transfer. I’m not sure whether traffic caused the delay. There are no lifts up to the rooms, so keep that in mind if stairs are difficult for you or you have heavy bags.

We were really disappointed. The room was uncomfortable all night because it was very warm and the AC didn’t work. We turned the fan up as high as it would go, but there was barely any airflow. The bath looked gross, discolored and yellow, so we didn’t use it. We’d booked for three things: the pool, the bath, and the location near the airport. The pool was listed as open on the hotel website, Booking.com, and in my confirmation email, which specifically gave May 2nd as the opening date. We were excited to use it, but when we arrived it was still closed for the season and covered in moss. We mentioned that we’d expected it to be open, but got no explanation or apology. Also, a taxi from the airport costs a lot, €30 for a 10-minute drive, and the shuttle doesn’t run all day. The advertising felt very dishonest, and I wish I could get a refund somehow.

The morning and breakfast team were much friendlier than the evening receptionist, who wasn’t welcoming or helpful. When I asked where we could eat or get a drink, she said there was nowhere, but we found a great late tapas bar, Sbeer, just 200 yards away. The room was tidy, clean, and big, so it was okay for a stopover. Be warned that taxis to or from the French sector of Geneva Airport charge at least 35 euros for a 10-minute ride.