Founded in 1914, the École Hôtelière de Genève (EHG) is one of the very first hotel schools in the world. A prestigious, non-profit, 100% Swiss institution, it is ideally located on the shores of Lake Geneva, in the heart of diplomatic Geneva, just a stone’s throw from the Palais des Nations.
<strong> The history of </strong> the École Hôtelière de Genève
Over a century of excellence
A global benchmark in hotel training
For over a century, EHG has set the global benchmark in hotel training, offering an internationally recognized diploma. In 2026, it will celebrate 30 years as a École Supérieure, an important milestone in its development.
Each year, the EHG welcomes 250 to 300 students, spread over two intake periods and all three years of training, guaranteeing a human-scale environment and personalized support. Its approach combines academic rigor and practical excellence, with a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and innovation at the heart of its strategy. Its values – Professionalism, Respect, Innovation, Sustainability and Excellence – inspire the daily training and life of the school.
Recognized as one of the top 10 hotel schools in the world, EHG prepares tomorrow’s leaders in the hotel, restaurant, luxury and events industries and beyond, thanks to a forward-looking teaching approach and close partnerships with leading hotels and restaurants. Our vision is clear: to be the benchmark French-speaking resource center for the hospitality industry.
History of the Hotel Management School Geneva
1817
Our beginnings
In the 18th century, the mansion housing our school and restaurant was a country manor house forming part of the estate then known as “Le Petit Morillon”. In 1817, it welcomed Rodolphe Toepffer, considered the inventor of the comic strip. In 1839, he published “Les amours de Monsieur Vieux-Bois”.
1914
Birth of Auberge du Vieux Bois
Founded in Neuchâtel in 1914 by Gastrosuisse (21,000 members), the École des cafetiers-restaurateurs is the official training institute for the hotel and catering industry in French-speaking Switzerland.
1934
Foundation
On Saturday August 18, 1934, the manor house (later the École Hôtelière) became a restaurant under the name “Auberge du Vieux Bois”.
1951
Moving to Geneva
In 1951, the school moved to 12 avenue de la Paix in Geneva, in the mansion that once housed Rodolphe Töpffer.
1996
EHG becomes a recognized graduate school
In 1996, the school became the “École Hôtelière de Genève”, École Supérieure. The first and second teaching pavilions complete the facilities, which combine the beauty and tradition of a historic building with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
2014
school renovations and conversions
In 2014, the history of the Ecole Hôtelière continues, under the aegis of Gastrosuisse, undertakes a major program of renovations and transformations to the school.
2017
school renovations and conversions
In early 2017, the terrace and garden of the Vieux-Bois restaurant were completely redesigned and renovated. The completely transformed and renovated Pavilion 1 houses the EHG reception and administration. A new restaurant and bar, L’Entre’Actes, has also been opened. The Alumni Internship Office and a new parking lot have also been created.
2024
110th anniversary
To mark its 110th anniversary, the École Hôtelière de Genève launched three post-graduate programs and also inaugurated its first Hotel Discovery Week, aimed at young people aged 15 to 19.
2026
30 years of École Supérieure
EHG proudly celebrates 30 years as a École Supérieure.
