Hotel Cornavin is the favoured accommodation of Professor Calculus whenever he stays in Geneva. It was while staying at this hotel that Calculus was under the observation of the Bordurian secret service, who would eventually kidnap him in The Calculus Affair. Both Tintin and Captain Haddock visit this hotel trying in vain to warn Calculus that he is in danger. Haddock is purposely tripped by one of the Bordurian agents to slow their progress.