Hotel Carmen

If you come in search of a certain operatic heroine, the Hotel Carmen will likely disappoint. There’s nothing dramatic or tragic about this solid, basic two-star spot housed in a gray residential building in the university district. You may not compelled to linger in your room, but the clean, basic accommodations—at some of the lowest rates in Geneva—will have Cheapos sleeping soundly.

The Carmen offers 40 well-lit guestrooms furnished in what we’d call “Salvation Army chic.” Think mismatched items like synthetic sofas with faux-marble tables circa 1980. The free Wi-Fi is a nice bonus, but you won’t see many more perks that that. The rooms have a television but lack air conditioning, so request a fan in advance if you’re anticipating a hot night.

Those who opt for slightly pricier private rooms will find adequate bathrooms with clean showers encased in the frosted plastic doors ubiquitous in European apartments. The warm-colored tiles seem new (although the cleaning staff, who didn’t speak English or French, could not confirm this).

The Carmen is officially run by a family, but in reality it’s ruled by no-nonsense cleaning ladies who make sure the simple rooms and shared bathrooms are kept clean throughout the day. You won’t write home about this place (there isn’t any complimentary stationery anyway) but you’ll definitely get a good, and affordable, night’s sleep here.

The breakfast is available for an additional charge, but we advise skipping it in favor of mingling with neighborhood students in one of the nearby bakeries. Note that reception hours are limited, so you might be left to your own devices after 10 p.m.