Jumeirah Group is set to expand its presence in Europe after acquiring historic Swiss hotel Le Richemond – the brand’s first property in the destination. 

Le Richemond opened on the banks of Lake Geneva in the city’s business district in 1875 and  features 87 rooms and 22 suites, with views across Lac Léman and Mont Blanc.

The art deco property, which was part of Rocco Forte Hotels between 2004 and 2011 and also spent time under The Dorchester Collection, has been closed since July 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Jumeirah Group said the property would undergo extensive renovations to “reposition and elevate” the hotel’s guest experience, including the introduction of the brand’s signature wellness and fitness concepts and new destination dining concepts.  

Renovations will commence “as soon as possible” and are expected to be completed in 2025.  

Jumeirah said the acquisition forms part of the group’s strategy to build its brand profile in gateway destinations cross the world and signals an “increased appetite” for investment in key cities that support “the diversification of its portfolio”. 

Jumeirah Group chief executive Katerina Giannouka 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.”

She added: “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.”

Jumeirah’s new property in Geneva is its fifth in Europe, joining The Carlton Tower Jumeirah and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London; Capri Palace Jumeirah in Italy; and Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa in Majorca, Spain. 

Jumeirah Group, which originated in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, has a portfolio of 26 hotels and resorts across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.