German hotel group Oetker Collection has announced plans to open The Woodward in Geneva in spring 2021. This marks the group’s tenth hotel in its portfolio, joining the likes of luxury properties Le Bristol Paris, The Lanesborough in London, and Eden Rock-St Barths.
Located on Quai Wilson of Lake Geneva, The Woodward is Geneva’s first all-suite hotel. Owned by Bastion Holdings, the hotel was originally built in 1901 in a post-Haussmann style by French architect François Durel and is currently undergoing a renovation by world-renowned architect Pierre-Yves Rochon.
The 26-suite luxury hotel will feature “classic-meets-contemporary interiors”, with signature features including marble fireplaces and bookcases, while 21 of the suites will offer a full lake view. A Presidential Suite will feature elegant ivory tones and panoramic lake views from every room, while the Royal Suite will be accessed by a private lift and mimic a chic Parisian apartment.
To complement the luxury interiors, the hotel will also house restaurants L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and Alain Verzeroli’s Le Jardinier, both of which have received Michelin stars at their New York outposts. The former will be run by chef Olivier Jean and will feature an open kitchen concept, with space for 36 guests at the counter, and two private dining rooms.
The hotel also marks the European debut of Le Jardinier, located within two-glass-walled verandas overlooking the lake – a nod to the restaurant’s nature-inspired menu. The French restaurant specialises in vegetables, with many vegan, dairy- and gluten-free dishes on offer.
Both restaurants will focus on using local produce and suppliers, including Geneva-based Stettler chocolate and pastry house Castrischer, and desserts will be created by Salvatore Martone, corporate pastry chef of the Bastion Group.
Further F&B facilities will include two bars, a tea room, and a private digestif and cigar lounge situated in the building’s former banking vault – the building was once a former national bank.
The Woodward will also have a 1,200 sqm spa, including six wellness suites by Maison Guerlain and the longest indoor swimming pool in Geneva at 21 metres. There will also be a state-of-the-art gym, two saunas, two steam rooms, two Swedish baths and a jacuzzi.
Timo Gruenert, CEO of Oetker Collection, commented:
“Our hotels are all unique masterpieces in their own right, and The Woodward fits in perfectly with its extraordinary location, refined interior design and exciting culinary offerings. We will deliver warm, luxury hospitality and I am convinced that our company’s values of family spirit, elegance and genuine kindness will bring this iconic building to life, and ensure guests will quickly feel at home in this new jewel on Lake Geneva.”
Christophe Aldunate, CEO of Bastion Management, added:
“We are delighted that The Woodward will be joining the iconic Oetker Collection, a brand that upholds the highest standards in hospitality and who we trust to breathe renewed passion, flair and life into this historic Geneva location.”
Oetker Collection has a portfolio of luxury properties across Europe, the UK, Brazil and the Caribbean. Earlier this year we reviewed Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the collection’s renowned property in Antibes.
