Dubai-based Jumeirah Group has acquired the iconic Le Richemond hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva.
The property has been closed since mid-2020 due to the downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but will now reopen as an “ultra luxury hotel”, following renovation works which are planned to complete in 2025.
Originally opened in 1875, Le Richemond has previously operated under the Rocco Forte brand (when Business Traveller reviewed the hotel back in 2007), and more recently as part of the Dorchester Collection, before parting ways with the group in 2017.
It represents Jumeirah’s first property in Switzerland, with the group stating that the move “signals Jumeirah’s appetite for investment in key cities that support the diversification of its portfolio and build brand equity as a globally recognised luxury hotel operator”.
The hotel currently features 87 rooms and 22 suites, and Jumeirah said that the renovation project would “reposition and elevate the guest experience to a level consistent with Jumeirah’s brand expectations”, introducing the group’s signature wellness and fitness concepts as well as “unique destination dining concepts”.
The property will join Jumeirah’s existing European hotels – The Carlton Tower Jumeirah and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London, Capri Palace Jumeirah in Italy, and Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa in Mallorca.
The group previously operated a property in Frankfurt, but this recently rebranded as a JW Marriott hotel.
Commenting on the news Katerina Giannouka, chief executive officer of Jumeirah Group, said:
“This is an important acquisition for Jumeirah as it marks our entry into Switzerland, presenting guests with a prestigious address to stay in the heart of Geneva’s most desirable destination, as well as serving as a gateway to world-renowned ski resorts. Le Richemond is a legendary property with a 140-year legacy and impeccable pedigree, and we are committed to preserving this heritage as we redesign the hotel.
“We are in pursuit of the finest architects and designers to curate an exceptional hotel within the Jumeirah portfolio, and we are confident that the re-launch of this property as a new ultra-luxury hotel in Geneva following the completion of the planned renovation works (currently expected in 2025), will support the city’s tourism economy, attracting both domestic and international visitors for business and leisure.”
“As the gateway to the mountains of Europe, Geneva is strategically significant for us as we look to diversify our portfolio in major cities with both summer and winter resort destinations.”
