Saint-Gervais Hotel

Situated on a quaint side street just minutes away from the train station and myriad attractions, the no-frills, one-star Hotel St. Gervais is a solid cheapo pick with some of the best rates in Geneva. This is no lap of luxury, but the price is right, and the clean, basic facilities more than do the job. If you want mood lighting, minibar and ergonomic furniture, keep looking. But for an affordable piece of Old Europe in the heart of a modern city, the St. Gervais is the spot.

The worn-out tartan carpet in the hotel’s dark hallways may make the place seem traditional or shabby, depending on your point of view. The 26 spotless guestrooms are also a tad weathered, although some have been renovated. In all rooms, the crisp linens are brilliantly white and the hardwood floors are dark. Many rooms have large mirrors in lieu of other decorations (so you can beautify your sparse room with your own splendor). All rooms are equipped with a cable TV and free Wi-Fi.

The spacious private baths in renovated rooms feature delightful mosaic tile work. Most rooms, though, share bathrooms, which are kept clean throughout the day. (Side note: We’d like to apologize to the naked French gentleman we walked in on. Please keep the door locked—it wasn’t fun for us, either.)

The hotel’s historic building provides some small charm. Do note, however, that given its age it has some funky, tight layouts and bizarre slanted angles. (In short, you probably won’t be able to fling your suitcase open on the floor.) Also note that reception closes at 11 p.m.

Breakfast is included in the room rate.