A friend of mine was attacked in the car park of the Geneva Kempinski hotel last Thursday morning on his way to work. Two men attacked and robbed him. He was forced from his car, which he parks at Kempinski, and beaten and robbed of his laptop and other belongings. The other awful thing about this story is that he approached the Security guards from Kempinski Hotel after the attack and asked them to call the police for him - he was clearly distraught and his clothes were all ripped and torn.... yet the security guards REFUSED to help him and said he should call the police himself. He explained that the muggers were probably still in the carpark but again they refused to go and investigate. Afterwards, my friend was also told that the security cameras in the 3rd floor of this carpark under Kempinski "were broken" so they cannot get any footage of the attack. The whole event is distubing on so many levels.... Kempinski have said that the security in the carpark is nothing to do with them, as they separately let the space to a carparking company.... but if the carpark isn't safe, how is the hotel secure? And what the heck is wrong with the security guards for refusing to call the police and offer any assistance to a victim of a mugging which occured under their noses?? My friend works for a UN agency and the security department has said that he shouldn't use the Kempinski car park (he has a regular parking space he rents from them) as its not secure enough. So if anyone else uses Kempinski underground parking, please be aware that there is clearly a problem, and that the hotel are obviously more worried about their image and reputation with guests (don't want a police car pulling up outside to give the impression its not safe) than in showing common decency towards someone who got attacked on their premises. Shame on them.
A friend of mine was attacked in the car park of the Geneva Kempinski hotel last Thursday morning on his way to work. Two men attacked and robbed him. He was forced from his car, which he parks at Kempinski, and beaten and robbed of his laptop and other belongings. The other awful thing about this story is that he approached the Security guards from Kempinski Hotel after the attack and asked them to call the police for him - he was clearly distraught and his clothes were all ripped and torn.... yet the security guards REFUSED to help him and said he should call the police himself. He explained that the muggers were probably still in the carpark but again they refused to go and investigate. Afterwards, my friend was also told that the security cameras in the 3rd floor of this carpark under Kempinski "were broken" so they cannot get any footage of the attack. The whole event is distubing on so many levels.... Kempinski have said that the security in the carpark is nothing to do with them, as they separately let the space to a carparking company.... but if the carpark isn't safe, how is the hotel secure? And what the heck is wrong with the security guards for refusing to call the police and offer any assistance to a victim of a mugging which occured under their noses?? My friend works for a UN agency and the security department has said that he shouldn't use the Kempinski car park (he has a regular parking space he rents from them) as its not secure enough. So if anyone else uses Kempinski underground parking, please be aware that there is clearly a problem, and that the hotel are obviously more worried about their image and reputation with guests (don't want a police car pulling up outside to give the impression its not safe) than in showing common decency towards someone who got attacked on their premises. Shame on them.
Leanne RJan 28, 2013 @ 10:29
The Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva is of course aware of the incident which happened in the public carpark underneath the hotel last Thursday, 24th January 2013 and is equally concerned about the situation. While it is correct that the carpark is operated separately from the hotel, we can assure you that hotel management takes this issue very seriously and has been in contact with the carpark visitor directly and did indeed follow-up immediately after the incident. Security camera footage indicates that the guest was followed by the attackers into the garage from the street and local authorities are currently investigating to determine the identities of the men.
We can assure you that this is an isolated incident and the hotel and carpark operator are currently reviewing procedures to prevent such a situation in future.
The Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva is of course aware of the incident which happened in the public carpark underneath the hotel last Thursday, 24th January 2013 and is equally concerned about the situation. While it is correct that the carpark is operated separately from the hotel, we can assure you that hotel management takes this issue very seriously and has been in contact with the carpark visitor directly and did indeed follow-up immediately after the incident. Security camera footage indicates that the guest was followed by the attackers into the garage from the street and local authorities are currently investigating to determine the identities of the men.
We can assure you that this is an isolated incident and the hotel and carpark operator are currently reviewing procedures to prevent such a situation in future.
Kempinski Geneva, Jan 30, 2013 @ 14:58
Moral of the Story is that geneva shoudl be treated like any other city in Europe..with vigilence.
Unfortunate things happen, sorry for your friend Leanne, and I am sure the Kempinski is doing everything to help, which may include reviewing how their own security helps people.
That said, and just in case y'all dont know .... if (for example) you get into a fight outside a nightclub the security/doormen of the club is generally not allowed to intervene, since their responsibility stops where ther pavement begins and it becomes a civil case where they become liable if they injure someone... that said some common decency and civil responsibility might be nice, but these days even criminals have lawsuit happy lawyers....
I've always found the staff at the Kempinski to be helpful and polite... including security, and the concierge etc. Dont mar them with a tar brush because of one incident.
Hope your friend recovers soon and gets some recourse.
Moral of the Story is that geneva shoudl be treated like any other city in Europe..with vigilence.
Unfortunate things happen, sorry for your friend Leanne, and I am sure the Kempinski is doing everything to help, which may include reviewing how their own security helps people.
That said, and just in case y'all dont know .... if (for example) you get into a fight outside a nightclub the security/doormen of the club is generally not allowed to intervene, since their responsibility stops where ther pavement begins and it becomes a civil case where they become liable if they injure someone... that said some common decency and civil responsibility might be nice, but these days even criminals have lawsuit happy lawyers....
I've always found the staff at the Kempinski to be helpful and polite... including security, and the concierge etc. Dont mar them with a tar brush because of one incident.
Hope your friend recovers soon and gets some recourse.
Charlie, Jan 30, 2013 @ 16:49
What is the status of the 3rd floor camera's and does the seturity ensure they are working 24/7?
'Afterwards, my friend was also told that the security cameras in the 3rd floor of this carpark under Kempinski "were broken" so they cannot get any footage of the attack.'
What is the status of the 3rd floor camera's and does the seturity ensure they are working 24/7?
'Afterwards, my friend was also told that the security cameras in the 3rd floor of this carpark under Kempinski "were broken" so they cannot get any footage of the attack.'
Dave G, Jan 30, 2013 @ 18:23
sorry, typing too fast and not checking.
What is the status of the 3rd floor camera's and does the security company ensure they are working 24/7? Saying they were broken is not good excuss and can you verify how long they have been broken, someone shoudl be monitoring the cameras? Or are the just recording the car parks. If not, i would consider that the Car Park owners or 'Security company' woudl be held liable? Because that is not Security in my oppinion. What do others think?
sorry, typing too fast and not checking.
What is the status of the 3rd floor camera's and does the security company ensure they are working 24/7? Saying they were broken is not good excuss and can you verify how long they have been broken, someone shoudl be monitoring the cameras? Or are the just recording the car parks. If not, i would consider that the Car Park owners or 'Security company' woudl be held liable? Because that is not Security in my oppinion. What do others think?
Dave G, Jan 30, 2013 @ 18:27
The parking actually belongs to the State of Geneva. It has nothing to do with the Kempinski hotel as mentioned above.
The parking actually belongs to the State of Geneva. It has nothing to do with the Kempinski hotel as mentioned above.
Link: http://www.ge.ch/parkings/parkings/casino.html
Verbier, Jan 30, 2013 @ 19:41
vwvwvweberbier,
I never said was Kempinki responsibility, sorry im delexic :P
i then can imagine the interest in security, its like when you call the police and they show up 1.5hours later because the were in training, makes everyone feel safer that the cameras were not monitored or broken for the last year?
Ask for reimbursement and pay your medical bills, because the security was insuffient and negligent? I dont think so, the police dont care and the were training?
vwvwvweberbier,
I never said was Kempinki responsibility, sorry im delexic :P
i then can imagine the interest in security, its like when you call the police and they show up 1.5hours later because the were in training, makes everyone feel safer that the cameras were not monitored or broken for the last year?
Ask for reimbursement and pay your medical bills, because the security was insuffient and negligent? I dont think so, the police dont care and the were training?
Dave G, Jan 30, 2013 @ 22:58
I have been saying that for years. I only walk there if my Brazilian Filo is with me
the Kempinski car park is a very dangerous area for innocent stangers. It's full of rapacious british traders, lawless left-bank private bankers, bloodthirsty protestant lawyers and ravenous eastern models on 5" Louboutins. And even occasionally raving patrons of the infamous Clubhouse nearby gather on 5th underground for endless black masses with virgin waitresses...
no seriously.. 
I have been saying that for years. I only walk there if my Brazilian Filo is with me
the Kempinski car park is a very dangerous area for innocent stangers. It's full of rapacious british traders, lawless left-bank private bankers, bloodthirsty protestant lawyers and ravenous eastern models on 5" Louboutins. And even occasionally raving patrons of the infamous Clubhouse nearby gather on 5th underground for endless black masses with virgin waitresses...
no seriously..
swisskiss, Jan 30, 2013 @ 22:47
Well said Charlie. Geneva is as safe or un-safe as other European cities. From reading other threads, seems some folks still believe Geneva is some enclave of safety and good intentions, and are surprised when bad stuff happens here, and that when it does the police don't fall over themselves to help immediatly.
Well said Charlie. Geneva is as safe or un-safe as other European cities. From reading other threads, seems some folks still believe Geneva is some enclave of safety and good intentions, and are surprised when bad stuff happens here, and that when it does the police don't fall over themselves to help immediatly.
Nir Ofek, Jan 31, 2013 @ 09:48
We should not forget that the Kempinski replied to this thread immediately and advised exactly what action had been taken so far which is reassuring
We should not forget that the Kempinski replied to this thread immediately and advised exactly what action had been taken so far which is reassuring
Paul E, Jan 31, 2013 @ 09:57
vwvwvweberbier,
I never said was Kempinki responsibility, sorry im delexic :P
i then can imagine the interest in security, its like when you call the police and they show up 1.5hours later because the were in training, makes everyone feel safer that the cameras were not monitored or broken for the last year?
Ask for reimbursement and pay your medical bills, because the security was insuffient and negligent? I dont think so, the police dont care and the were training?
Jan 30, 13 22:58
Dyslexicia rules ko!!!
or dyslexia even.... (face palming myself)
We should not forget that the Kempinski replied to this thread immediately and advised exactly what action had been taken so far which is reassuring
Jan 31, 13 09:57
Though I agree to that, have more the idea it's just the "damage control" standard message - which all hotels always post on forums/review websites - but in the meantime nothing happens.... Though I would love to be proven wrong here!!!!! Let's see if there is a follow up and if any improvements where made as they said.
Though I agree to that, have more the idea it's just the "damage control" standard message - which all hotels always post on forums/review websites - but in the meantime nothing happens.... Though I would love to be proven wrong here!!!!! Let's see if there is a follow up and if any improvements where made as they said.
martin, Jan 31, 2013 @ 11:15
Keep in mind that the hotel is only an "interested party" in this situation as they do not own or control the parking that happens to be underneath the hotel. I think that they have been more than forthcoming as of course any situation like this tends to be mixed up a bit (as in the title of this thread) and can reflect badly on them.
If anyone wants to follow up, it should be with the Geneva parking authorites who own and manage the car park.
Keep in mind that the hotel is only an "interested party" in this situation as they do not own or control the parking that happens to be underneath the hotel. I think that they have been more than forthcoming as of course any situation like this tends to be mixed up a bit (as in the title of this thread) and can reflect badly on them.
If anyone wants to follow up, it should be with the Geneva parking authorites who own and manage the car park.
Verbier, Jan 31, 2013 @ 12:11
Leanne:
I'm just curious. Did your friend report this to the police? What was their reaction?
Nir
Leanne:
I'm just curious. Did your friend report this to the police? What was their reaction?
Nir
Nir Ofek, Jan 31, 2013 @ 15:39
Nir, yes my friend did report it to the police and he said they were really responsive and helpful. Which was actually a bit of a surprise.... But they took the whole thing really seriously and are working on catching who did the attack. My friend got a good look at one attacker but not the second who had his face covered. I do think the Kempinski reply here is a bit of damage limitation, but lets hope it dos actually lead to them making some changes and at least getting their security guards to not ignore a badly attacked person. My friend met with the GM of Kempinski after the attack to discuss his concerns and the GM was concerned by what happened and said he'd review things. Bottom line is I still think people should avoid parking there until we know security is improved and cameras work.
Nir, yes my friend did report it to the police and he said they were really responsive and helpful. Which was actually a bit of a surprise.... But they took the whole thing really seriously and are working on catching who did the attack. My friend got a good look at one attacker but not the second who had his face covered. I do think the Kempinski reply here is a bit of damage limitation, but lets hope it dos actually lead to them making some changes and at least getting their security guards to not ignore a badly attacked person. My friend met with the GM of Kempinski after the attack to discuss his concerns and the GM was concerned by what happened and said he'd review things. Bottom line is I still think people should avoid parking there until we know security is improved and cameras work.
Leanne R, Feb 14, 2013 @ 11:40
