Smoke could be seen wafting up from the rafters of the famous five-star Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues, which first opened in 1834 and is considered an important landmark.

Firefighters used cranes to battle flames on the roof, with large numbers of emergency vehicles parked below, sirens wailing and lights flashing.

The alarm was sounded around 9:30 pm (2030 GMT), the RTS public broadcaster reported, adding that the luxury establishment had to be evacuated.

The fire started in the attic, taking hold in a library on the sixth floor, near one of the hotel’s restaurants, it said, citing the Geneva fire and rescue service.

The cause of the blaze was unknown, and it was quickly brought under control, according to RTS.

But firefighters were still working to ensure there was no chance of sparks setting off another blaze, it said.

Efforts had also been made to avoid water damage to the swanky hotel, it added.

No one was injured, Swiss newspaper 20 Minutes said, citing hotel director Pedro Nora.

Guests were being accommodated in neighbouring hotels, he said, stressing that “they are safe”.

The Hotel des Bergues has hosted a number of high-profile events, including the inaugural meeting of the League of Nations in 1920.

It is also where the Christie’s auction house hosts its luxury jewels sales.