[LuganoPirate]

I think HMRC are a lot more ferocious than Swiss customs. They will charge the duty and fine you on top but you’ll not get a criminal record unless its drug, arms or other nefarious items. It’s dealt with at the frontier point and that’s it.

Nonetheless I declare everything. I once declared 24 bottles of wine. The Swiss customs asked to see it and on counting it only found 18! I’d over declared. So impressed was he with my honesty he let me go without paying the extra!!!

[a_canadian_traveller]

Great example of karma!

[Californian]

If you haven’t already chosen your hotel, one quaint option to consider might be the hotel Les Armures in the old town. The restaurant is excellent and they have very good fondue. I’ve never stayed at the hotel but have eaten at the restaurant and friends who have stayed at the hotel liked it.

[MartynSinclair]

“They will charge the duty and fine you on top but you’ll not get a criminal record”

You may be right LP – but never the less Customs retain the power to prosecute. Like you, I would not take the risk NOT to declare, very simply, I would not wish to put my livelihood at risk!

[Swissdiver]

Late reply, sorry.

Geneva Lake view in the center of Geneva might be quite expensive. You can try though the Swissotel Metrolole. Les expensive, but quite nice, are a couple of hotels when I tend to send visitors:
– http://www.eastwesthotel.ch/en/
– http://www.hotel-tiffany.ch/en/

Both are quite central, the former on the right bank, one block from the lake, the second on the left bank, five minutes walking distance from the old town. Both are usually affordable (in Geneva terms, one of the most expensive cities in the world, hotel-wise).

Enjoy your stay

[Swissdiver]

Btw, Manotel hotels are to be avoided as much as possible, because of their horrendous locations, all in or by the red district.

[a_canadian_traveller]

I’m late in acknowledging it, but thanks Californian and Swissdiver! I will look into all the hotels suggested. Interesting that you should say that about the Manhotel chain, Swissdiver, as one of them comes highly recommended by Vintage Krug. I appreciate both opinions. I think I would consider a good hotel if it’s not in a truly ghastly area, but cannot say the same for my better half. She likes to walk around in the vicinity of any hotel at which we stay. Having said that, a ‘colourful’ neighbourhood would probably not be a problem, as long as we wouldn’t feel like we’re comprimising our safety.

On another note, in response to SwissExPat’s comments about good J fares on American, I’d like to share a similar experience I had last week. We were able to book J tickets from Toronto to Grand Cayman Island (late May) for a grand total of $1085 CAD each. That’s about $1035 USD. That’s non-stop to GCM on Air Canada, and AA for the return, via MIA. None of this is terribly interesting, but I haven’t come across such good J fares in quite some time. All narrow-body aircraft, of course, and more like Domestic service than International, but until now I cannot recall flying to the Caribbean from Canada in J for less than $2000. Needless to say, I was very happy that day.

Best wishes to all, and may all your flights be pleasant and safe.

CT

[Swissdiver]

a_canadian_traveller,
Regarding VK’s views on Manotels, I guess that we are a bit less attentive when travelling alone. I am not sure though your wife would be thrilled to have to cross the red light district each time she want to go by the lake or on the other bank where the city centre is… In addition, “Les Paquis” (the name of the area) is a bit more than lively by night since Geneva Police is now trying to close down all sort of illegal night business there (prostitution is not illegal in Switzerland, but smuggling drugs is)…

[VintageKrug]

Really?

I’ve stayed three times at The Kipling and I have to say I never noticed I was in a Red Light District…! It’s hardly Amsterdam!

http://www.manotel.com/kipling/en/

[Swissdiver]

Yes, really! Now of course I was only born and raised in Geneva and am just leaving there, so this could leave me a bit short of knowledge about my city… If you read me well furthermore, I wrote “in or by the red district”. Kipling is by the red district. The problem lies in the fact that going on the other bank (where the city centre is) requires either a detour or crossing the said district with prostitutes waiting for clients in the street…

[DutchinSwitzerland]

The red-light district certainly isn’t a great walk with your spouse, especially since the prostitutes work on the street, and not like in Amsterdam behind a window.

I would certainly recommend a day-trip to Lausanne (that’s where I live) when you’re in Switzerland A_C, trains are indeed great and rund on-time all the time. If you really have time (and good weather) you should also go on one of the many boats to visit various places along the lake (follow this link for exploration http://www.cgn.ch/en-GB)
Car rental can get quite expensive in Switzerland and with the great public transport I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Best hotels are already mentioned in the above posts. On trip to do is the cable car up to Saleve mountain (http://www.telepheriquedusaleve.com/), it has beautiful views on the lake and a good restaurant on top. Look forward to read where you finally chose to stay

[VintageKrug]

Gosh, I never noticed any prostitutes! I shall have to look more closely next time! Can’t imagine most people are that prickly about such activities, honestly.

Lausanne’s such a lovely town; how lucky you are to live there!

[LuganoPirate]

Lausanne is a beautiful and interesting City as well as home to the IOC. I’m a bit prejudiced as it’s my “Lieu d’origine”! I was there end March on a very cold but beautifully sunny day enjoying Filets de Perche in Ouchy.

[PatrickRowe]

I agree with you Swissdiver having lived in or near to Geneva for 30 odd years, I have noticed that areas of Geneva such as Cornavin station and Paquis are no longer safe areas at night with rampant drug and alcohol consumption on and off the premises and little in the way of a police presence especially at night. Alas muggings are increasingly common as well. Not far out of town is Coppet- 10 minutes by train and the delightful Hotel du Lac is to be recommended. Divonne with its chateau, casino and vintage golf course are a 20 minute bus trip from Coppet train station

[a_canadian_traveller]

Many thanks to all who offered suggestions. The matter has been left in the capable hands of Mrs. CT, and she intends to make a final decision by tomorrow, so I’ll be sure to let you know where we end up. Busy week ahead, with travel to YVR and then LAX, so might not have a chance to write again for a few days. Thanks again, and have a great week.

Cheers.

CT

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