I have to go to a conference in Geneva for a week in mid-July and have to plan it on a fairly short notice. I am thinking of bringing my family alone. I have discretion where to book a place to stay. Does anyone have recommendations? I will be at the Graduate Institute, which is located at Rue de Lausanne 132, near the WTO. Are there VRBO properties that you would recommend?

Doesn't anyone have some recommendations? How about in terms of things to do in and around Geneva?

Any suggestions on what else to see around Geneva? Anyone? Buehler?

Hi RainyDay09,

I'm always based in Montreux for my visits to Lake Geneva, but all of my favorite activies will still be easy to get to from Geneva because of the great transport around the lake. Here are links to my favorite things to do (w/photos):

Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Lavaux
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Promenade Fleuri
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Morges
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rges_Vaud.html

Gruyeres
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html

Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Gstaad
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Depending on exactly when you arrive, you may hit the internationally famous Montreux Jazz Fest, which runs 1-16 July. You may want to go and see the atmosphere and hear some jazz .. . or you may want to avoid that end of the lake entirely.

Have fun!

s

Thank you swandav2000. This is perfect. I will check out Trip Advisor in general, since Fodorites tend to favor other European destinations.

It looks like we are going to miss the festival.

Geneva, here I come. I decided not to take the family with me, because of the conference. My college friends live in Neuchatel, so I might see them while I am there.

Take a cruise to Yvoire, have lunch [the special] at the Hotel Restaurant du Port.

Thanks, RonZ, will do!

If anyone needs a list of possible accommodations in Geneva, I have a pdf document of hotels and other housing options from the Graduate institute. Post your email and I will send it to you.

Lac Leman has excellent water for swimming at the Jetee. Bring a lock.

OK, last question: should I get a DK Eyewitness Guide to Switzerland (2010) or the trusty gold Fodors' Switzerland (2009) Guide?

I have been thru Geneva 5 times, but only the airport then on to stay with friends in Vevey and Montreux. I don't think which guidebook much matters for Geneva (which I found pretty darn sterile and boring). DO be sure to make time and take the train out to Morges, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux which are FABULOUSLY beautiful towns along Lac Leman. If you can get away early Saturday morning, go to the open air Farmers Market in Vevey. Depending exactly when 'mid July' you arrive they may have begun the Marche Folklorique at the Sat. market, which means the wine makers will also be serving in addition to all the fruits, vegetables, bakeries, flowers, etc.

That wasn't quite right above, I have been into the Old Town of Geneva one time for sight-seeing with my friend. She worked in the city for 10 years and isn't a fan, but wanted me to see a bit of it.

Thanks, suze. I am definitely planning to get out of Geneva, once the conference is over. I am hoping to get to Vevey, Montreux, and other destinations. I decided to get Fodor's Switzerland guide, my first Fodor's publication.

Here is a great place to start planning a trip to Switzerland: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...itzerland.html.

Evian Les Bains cute cheaper than Geneva for me

Olympic Museum Chillon.ch cite

Gstaad if time

Eurocheapo.com nice for budget hotels and city tips for me

When there last did carrentals.com and stayed in outer areas

Nice and way cheaper than the city proper

have not been there in the last few years though.

Happy Travels!

qwovadis, thank you for your recommendations! Why do you write like this, if I may ask?

I just got my gold Fodor's Switzerland guide and was surprised to see that suze and Palenque were quoted in the Word of Mouth sections. I thought Palenque was banned from Fodors' forums.

Why were you surprised to see me quoted? I'm quoted in 10 or more different guidebooks.

I just never used a Fodor's book and I didn't realize they quote forums verbatim. It is not a dig, it just surprised me to run into names I recognize.