Last month, I faced the all-too-familiar struggle of finding a hotel room for my family of five during a short break in Geneva. We had a couple of nights to fill between our time in the French Alps and Paris, and Geneva seemed like the perfect spot for a quick city break. However, finding a room that could accommodate all of us was tricky, and our usual fallback of Hilton’s connecting rooms didn’t quite fit the bill. That’s when the Meininger Hotel Geneve Centre Charmilles came to the rescue, offering rooms specifically designed for larger families or groups of up to six. Here’s how our stay went.
Booking: Direct Discounts Can Help
I booked directly with Meininger, although you can book via booking.com or Hostelworld. We got a 15% discount as a family with children under 12, and also had the flexibility of choosing the Flex option. It cost only slightly more than the Fix option but came with much more peace of mind. The Fix is non-refundable, but with the Flex, no credit card is needed to secure the booking unless you’re arriving after 6 p.m., and even then, you only need to guarantee the first night.
This flexibility was key for us, given how unpredictable family travel can be!
Arrival
We arrived at the hotel and, despite it being busy, the check-in process was smooth. We only had to wait about five minutes, during which we soaked in the relaxed vibe of the reception area. It’s a lively space shared with a bar, seating area, and snacks available. Although I was eager to book breakfast for the following morning, the staff didn’t seem particularly keen to take payment for it right away, which, as it turns out, was a blessing in disguise!
Room: Spacious Enough for a Family (or More!)
We booked a 5-bed room, but were allocated a 6-bed room. It had two bunk beds and two singles, making it perfect for our needs. The layout is versatile, suitable for both families and larger groups. The room itself was clean, with modern amenities like individual charging points by each bed, a bathroom with a separate toilet, and large windows that brought in plenty of natural light.
The only downside? The room was ventilated by a fan coil, which didn’t provide much temperature control. I could imagine this being an issue on hotter days, as the windows don’t open fully either.
That said, the soundproofing was excellent. It was quiet, and the automatic blinds adjusting to daylight hours was a nice touch.
Social Spaces: Fun for All Ages
The hotel really caters to families and groups with its range of social spaces. There’s a cosy kitchen area where guests can prepare their own meals—great for budget-conscious families—and a small games room with a babyfoot table and a quirky circular ping-pong table (perfect for some fun photos but not ideal for long rallies!). There’s also a paid pool table. These little touches make it feel like more than just a place to sleep—it’s a spot where everyone can relax and enjoy some downtime together.
Breakfast: Not Quite Worth It
On our first morning, we opted to try the hotel breakfast, but it was a bit of a letdown. At CHF 16.50 per adult (with kids half-price), we expected more than an average continental spread. It wasn’t especially fresh, and there was nothing that really stood out. While it’s convenient, especially if you want to fill up before a day of exploring, nearby cafes and supermarkets offer better value and tastier options.
We learned our lesson and went to the supermarket the next day, which worked out perfectly.
Exploring Geneva: Easy and Accessible
One of the best perks of staying in Geneva is the free public transport card provided by the hotel. This covers your travel across the city, including to and from the airport, making getting around hassle-free. The hotel itself is in a quiet neighborhood but well-connected by bus and tram to the heart of Geneva and the lake.
There’s also a handy shopping center across the street with a supermarket and a Burger King, ideal for grabbing quick meals. If you have younger kids, you’ll appreciate the nearby playground just a block away, perfect for burning off some energy before heading out to explore this beautiful, albeit expensive, city.
Final Thoughts: Ideal for Large Families, with a Few Caveats
Overall, the Meininger Hotel in Geneva is a solid option for larger families or groups looking for affordable accommodation in this pricey city. The rooms are spacious, and the communal areas offer a lot of added value, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Just keep in mind that the breakfast might not be worth the extra charge, and you might want to double-check the room’s ventilation in the warmer months. But for the price and flexibility, it’s hard to beat—particularly if you’re after a family-friendly, convenient base in Geneva.
