Hotel Bel'Espérance

At last, a budget place worth writing home about! Just as we were losing faith in expensive Geneva, the 41-room Hotel bel Esperance shone at us like a beacon of hope. This former hostel turned two-star inn is a gem perched on a steep street in Old Town. Reserve ahead, though—plenty of guides like the French travel bible “Guide de Routard” have already spilled the beans on this badly kept secret.

The bel Esperance has rooms that range from spartan to florally classic. The building, located in the middle of Old Town, faces three lovely vistas: a tranquil courtyard, picturesque park and historic street (you can’t lose with any one!). Every room we saw was tidy and spotless. Larger rooms might feature a mahogany wardrobe or a writing desk with upholstered armchairs, and all rooms (even the shotgun single) have basic amenities like a telephone and television.

The bathrooms, equipped with a shower or bathtub (depending on the price category), are sparklingly clean.

To top it all off, the hotel’s vine-covered rooftop terrace, with panoramic 360-degree views, was enough to make us swoon. Add to that a cheerful and friendly staff, and you have a winning budget hotel.

If you don’t believe us, the snippets we copied from their guestbook proclaimed, “Wonderful oasis in the heart of Geneva” and “Had a lovely visit. Excellent breakfast!” We couldn’t find any fault with the bel Esperance.

Breakfast is included. Wi-Fi is free throughout the building.