Luxury Hotels - I've never been in a luxury hotel, but...

I'll be going to Zurich in early November and would like to book a room in one.

I am a novice traveler. So far I have stayed in 3* hotels and was satisfied. However, I'd like to go to a high-end hotel just to see what it's like. What would you recommend?

Please be aware that my budget is smallish, so the smaller the price the better. If you know of some coupons or something like that, that would be great.

Thanks a lot.

If you have a limited budget but want to try a luxury hotel, I would make sure you spend your money in the right hotel (Not sure if zürich has something good at all but others will answer that) and that you spend enough time there and have enough money to use facilities (restaurants, spa etc) so that you really get the experience. Just sleeping 5 star is not really always very different I mean).

Staying in a luxury hotel won't necessarily get you much of an experience. The best rooms, suites, etc are usually reserved for people who are paying big bucks for them, or the members of the hotel's frequent stay program.

You can easily drop $400+ a night, and get a room slightly bigger than Harry Potter's closet.

Hotel reward nights can be some of the better deals out there. Often you can get free stays for expensive properties, for stays made at cheap US properties. Otherwise, cheap and Zurich don't go together. :)

I'll be going to Zurich in early November and would like to book a room in one.

I am a novice traveler. So far I have stayed in 3* hotels and was satisfied. However, I'd like to go to a high-end hotel just to see what it's like. What would you recommend?

Please be aware that my budget is smallish, so the smaller the price the better. If you know of some coupons or something like that, that would be great.

Thanks a lot.

Zurich is a tough place for real luxury on a relative budget.

The Dolder Grand is the premier resort, and though many of us here will nitpick about service and the like, it is definitely a 5-star property by any normal definition. I recall rates starting at ~600CHF, going up to 1000CHF for a junior suite.

The Baur au Lac, down by the water, is going to be in the similar price-range, as is the Widder.

The Park Hyatt generally goes for around 450CHF, but I wouldn't consider it to be as uniquely luxurious as the other three hotels mentioned, and if I were on a modest budget I would prefer to try to stretch my dollar (franc) to have a really great and unique experience. I think you'll find the Park Hyatt to be more of an upgraded business hotel than a true five-star
property and destination unto itself.


Musken gives good advice. Stay for more than one night, and book yourself a room category that you'll feel comfortable in (in many European luxury hotels, the entry room category can be little more than a closet). A place with great F&B/pool/spa/other facilities will obviously enhance your experience as well. Zurich is tough. Do you plan on being in the USA or Southeast Asia anytime soon? Rates in those regions are broadly and generally lower.

Thanks a lot for the prompt answers, guys!

Zurich is a tough place for real luxury on a relative budget.


I realize that. I'd be happy to stay in other cities nearby Zurich like Basel or Luzerne if I can find something cheaper. But I guess Switzerland in general is very expensive?

Zurich is a tough place for real luxury on a relative budget.

Amen to that - really bad choice of locations to start looking for 5* budget :confused:

The Park Hyatt generally goes for around 450CHF

As a European Hyatt Diamond trying to get his 25 stays in, I wish... more like CHF850 (which is >$1000) :eek:

As others have said, getting a luxury hotel in Zurich at a decent price is pretty much impossible, and Switzerland in general is pretty expensive.

Not sure whether you´re really looking for a true 5*, over-the-top experience (think top 10 hotels in the country) or whether a solid 4.5*+ hotel would be sufficient (e.g. Montreux Palace in Switzerland). I often find those hotels (think Fairmont, top Intercontinental/Hyatt hotels) to provide much better value for the money I spend, the marginal benefit of spending twice or triple at some point is minimal.

Ah, another dream crushed. :D

I guess I'll have to wait until I go somewhere else where prices are lower.

By the way, I see that all these luxury hotels have pools, saunas and stuff like that. Is that included in the price, or you pay separately for that?

Ah, another dream crushed. :D

I guess I'll have to wait until I go somewhere else where prices are lower.

By the way, I see that all these luxury hotels have pools, saunas and stuff like that. Is that included in the price, or you pay separately for that?

Pool and gym are usually included while spa access usually costs extra, though as always you´ll find exceptions to both statements.

Zurich is a tough place for real luxury on a relative budget.

The Dolder Grand is the premier resort, and though many of us here will nitpick about service and the like, it is definitely a 5-star property by any normal definition. I recall rates starting at ~600CHF, going up to 1000CHF for a junior suite.

The Baur au Lac, down by the water, is going to be in the similar price-range, as is the Widder.

The Park Hyatt generally goes for around 450CHF, but I wouldn't consider it to be as uniquely luxurious as the other three hotels mentioned, and if I were on a modest budget I would prefer to try to stretch my dollar (franc) to have a really great and unique experience. I think you'll find the Park Hyatt to be

more of an upgraded business hotel than a true five-star
property and destination unto itself.

Musken gives good advice. Stay for more than one night, and book yourself a room category that you'll feel comfortable in (in many European luxury hotels,
the entry room category can be little more than a closet). A place with great
F&B/pool/spa/other facilities will obviously enhance your experience as well. Zurich is tough. Do you plan on being in the USA or Southeast Asia anytime soon? Rates in those regions are broadly and generally lower.


^

Perhaps you can try Interlaken:
Beau Rivage or pricier Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

There are also Beau Rivage in other Swiss towns like Luzerne

The Park Hyatt generally goes for around 450CHF, but I wouldn't consider it to be as uniquely luxurious as the other three hotels mentioned, and if I were on a modest budget I would prefer to try to stretch my dollar (franc) to have a really great and unique experience. I think you'll find the Park Hyatt to be more of an upgraded business hotel than a true five-star
property and destination unto itself.


If you want to consider the Park Hyatt, the Hyatt visa comes with 2 free nights anywhere in the world (with $75 annual fee):

https://www.mychasecreditcards.com/hyatt

Though, I'm given to understand that are other Hyatt hotels that are closer to 5* luxury, so you might want to save this offer for one of those.

could redeem 1 night at PH zurich since there

then 1 night at PH paris

PH moscow is the only other one of similar value

Wild Wanderer, what is your location, and other upcoming destinations?

My experience with Luxury hotels pales compared to some here, but for a best "bang for the buck experience" to try one out for the first time, for around or below $500/night, check out:

* Hualalai Four Seasons in Hawaii
* Intercontinental Thalasso in Bora Bora (over-water bungalow)
* Elysian Hotel in Chicago
* Calistoga Ranch (Spa suite)

At all of these properties I felt the value exceeded the price. Resort properties I think tend to give better value for the dollar than in-city locations. Obviously the price of going all the way to Tahiti adds to the price!

Also avoid places where the currency is extremely strong relative to the Dollar, everything will seem overpriced and low value (Switzerland may be the absolute WORST at the moment for currency valuation).

Right now United States (which has some amazing properties) is perhaps the best value. It used to be different and even Japan was a bargain at one point, but no longer does the dollar go far overseas. Avoid UK as well, $500/night doesn't get anything that will wow you.

Places with individual bungalow-style rooms also tend to feel like you're getting more "wow" for your dollar, versus a high-rise.

could redeem 1 night at PH zurich since there

then 1 night at PH paris

PH moscow is the only other one of similar value

Wild Wanderer, what is your location, and other upcoming destinations?

I despise the Park Hyatt in Paris. I enjoyed the Park Hyatt's in Seoul and Saigon as well. The one in Tokyo is supposed to be nice as well, but I prefer the Peninsula there.

Thanks a lot guys! I feel really small surrounded by you. :D I am just a student who loves traveling and happens to be able to afford a trip here and there. Anyway, I don't think I'll be able to afford something luxurious in Zurich. The prices are huge. I'll do it on another trip...


Wild Wanderer, what is your location, and other upcoming destinations?

I'm from Europe. I am planning 2 or 3 trips for next year, with the destinations being Istanbul (Turkey) and Duesseldorf (Germany).

Thanks a lot guys! I feel really small surrounded by you. :D I am just a student who loves traveling and happens to be able to afford a trip here and there. Anyway, I don't think I'll be able to afford something luxurious in Zurich. The prices are huge. I'll do it on another trip...
I'm from Europe. I am planning 2 or 3 trips for next year, with thedestinations being Istanbul (Turkey) and Duesseldorf (Germany).

I agree with everyone else that Zurich would be about the last place I would pay for 5*+ experience on a budget (London and Moscow would tie for #2). However, the Four Seasons in Istanbul would be an interesting experience (former prison!).

If I were you I would try the Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

http://www.pupp.cz/

You really get a feeling of early 20th century elegance there. Rooms should start around EUR160-200. By no means is it up to the precision of a Kempenski or Four Seasons, but they do know how to treat guests. Plus, if you are interested in spas, Karlovy Vary (formerly Karlsbad) is one of the most spectacular spa towns in Europe.

The two four seasons in istanbul would both be great, but cheapest room is around 500 euro per night which might not fit a student's budget. However, i do nit think that students, unless someone else pay, would normally spend money on lux hotels anyway. I stayed in youth hostels when i was at the university, then got used to business hotels when i started working. Lux hotels (the real ones) first time when i was at honeymoon when i was thirty, first aman when i got my first big bonus at around 32-33 etc. Worth while dreaming and reading about such hotels in the meantime, have drinks or a meal there, see the lobby etc.

If I were you I would try the Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

http://www.pupp.cz/

You really get a feeling of early 20th century elegance there. Rooms should start around EUR160-200. By no means is it up to the precision of a Kempenski or Four Seasons, but they do know how to treat guests. Plus, if you are interested in spas, Karlovy Vary (formerly Karlsbad) is one of the most spectacular spa towns in Europe.


Thanks for the suggestion. I won't be going to the Chech Republic anytime soon, but when I do, I'll check that one out. Judging by the photos, it's amazing.

The two four seasons in istanbul would both be great, but cheapest room is around 500 euro per night which might not fit a student's budget. However, i do nit think that students, unless someone else pay, would normally spend money on lux hotels anyway. I stayed in youth hostels when i was at the university, then got used to business hotels when i started working. Lux hotels (the real ones) first time when i was at honeymoon when i was thirty, first aman when i got my first big bonus at around 32-33 etc. Worth while dreaming and reading about such hotels in the meantime, have drinks or a meal there, see the lobby etc.

Uh, I can't wait that long. :D

I just have to go to a luxury hotel, even if it's for one night. I always thought that Hilton is a luxury hotel, but you guys aren't mentioning it at all. I just checked the rates at the Four Seasons Istanbul and the prices for a superior room are 340EUR per night, which is reasonable (for a hotel of that range), I guess.

I found a Hilton in Basel and I found a way to get a 250EUR per night rate, but then I read the reviews at TripAdvisor... It seems that the hotel actually sucks.

Uh, I can't wait that long. :D

I just have to go to a luxury hotel, even if it's for one night. I always thought that Hilton is a luxury hotel, but you guys aren't mentioning it at all. I just checked the rates at the Four Seasons Istanbul and the prices for a superior room are 340EUR per night, which is reasonable (for a hotel of that range), I guess.

I found a Hilton in Basel and I found a way to get a 250EUR per night rate, but then I read the reviews at TripAdvisor... It seems that the hotel actually sucks.

Well, to put it simply, for 90% of the population Hilton/Sheraton/Intercontinental is "luxury", and then there are hotels like Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, various boutique hotels, Aman Resorts etc.
Most members in this forum have a very narrow definition of "luxury".

Depending on location etc. Hilton/Sheraton/Westin/Intercontinental hotels are solid 3.5*-4* business hotels (though many companies will put their employees is much less fancy hotels like Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, Crowne Plaza etc or even Staybridge, Motel 6 etc.)

Each of the big chains also have some 5* resort hotels (think resorts on Bora Bora, Hawaii etc.) where those business travellers like to spend their hard earnt points.

If you´re interested in getting a feeling for luxury hotels in various locations, browse the Virtuoso catalogue (http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/virtuoso/bestofthebest2011/#/2) (not 100% of the hotels are 5*, but the vast majority of the properties are even considered "luxury" in this forum ;))

Many will be very expensive, but others can be quite reasonably priced, e.g. Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg (arguably one of the top hotels in Hamburg) can be as cheap as $250/night incl. breakfast, dinner, welcome gift and upgrade (booked through Virtuoso).
Some Ritz Carlton hotels can be had for $200/night, I´ve just booked a Four Seasons hotel for $160/night...I guess you get the idea: luxury hotels aren´t cheap, but some can be somewhat affordable if you do some research.

I'll be going to Zurich in early November and would like to book a room in one.

I am a novice traveler. So far I have stayed in 3* hotels and was satisfied. However, I'd like to go to a high-end hotel just to see what it's like. What would you recommend?

To try somewhere other than Switzerland. Even low-end hotels are expensive in Switzerland, even more so with the current poor exchange rate with just about every other currency.

Neil

I realize that. I'd be happy to stay in other cities nearby Zurich like Basel or Luzerne if I can find something cheaper. But I guess Switzerland in general is very expensive?

Outrageously so.

But you might get a "more Swiss" experience by staying in a smaller family-run hotel, in any case, and it'll be cheaper.

Neil

Well, to put it simply, for 90% of the population Hilton/Sheraton/Intercontinental is "luxury", and then there are hotels like Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, various boutique hotels, Aman Resorts etc.
Most members in this forum have a very narrow definition of "luxury".


Now I get it. I think Hilton will be amazing for me, having in mind that I never visited a 5* hotel. After that, I might go to a FT-style luxury hotel.


If you´re interested in getting a feeling for luxury hotels in various locations, browse the Virtuoso catalogue (http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/virtuoso/bestofthebest2011/#/2) (not 100% of the hotels are 5*, but the vast majority of the properties are even considered "luxury" in this forum ;))


:D This is... I am speechless.

Outrageously so.

But you might get a "more Swiss" experience by staying in a smaller family-run hotel, in any case, and it'll be cheaper.

Neil

Thanks Neil. That's probably what I'm going to do. :)

Another site that may be interesting: Fellow FTer and Virtuoso TA Marshking put together a site listing all the big brand hotels (Hilton/Starwood/Intercontinental etc.) associated with the Virtuoso network: link (http://www.tophertravel.com/flyertalk)

You basically book through a Virtuoso travel agent, pay the same/similar rate as published on the hotel´s website and get free breakfast, one-category upgrade, early check-in/late check-out, and another amenity like comp. lunch/dinner/spa treatment once during stay.

The value proposition can be fantastic - especially for short stays.

Another thing you may want to consider is taking a friend along and split the cost (or let them pay whatever share they find reasonable / would be usually willing to pay; even if it´s only $50-$70 they pay, it´s better than nothing).

Another site that may be interesting: Fellow FTer and Virtuoso TA Marshking put together a site listing all the big brand hotels (Hilton/Starwood/Intercontinental etc.) associated with the Virtuoso network: link (http://www.tophertravel.com/flyertalk)

Thanks, Jasper2009. Sadly my webpage pales in comparison to the Virtuoso e-magazine and its slick design and photos. :)


The value proposition can be fantastic - especially for short stays.

Bingo. The vast majority of the time, programs such as Virtuoso, Signature, AmEx FHR, Ensemble, etc. provide the best deals on short stays.

Here's why -- these programs typically offer:

Potential upgrade
Daily breakfast
One-time amenity


Although there is a wide spectrum of what perks a hotel will offer, the one-time amenity can often be worth around $75 - $150 USD. Because the amenity is provided once per stay, shorter stays end up providing a better value. There are, of course, exceptions. A property (the Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco comes to mind) may offer the amenity for each night, and there may be times when a 2nd/3rd/4th Night Free promotion would make an extended stay the best value.

One of my favorite options for Europe is the Four Seasons in Budapest. Regular rates start around 260 EUR for a 1-night stay. Four Seasons Preferred Partner agencies are able to add these perks to the 260 EUR rate:

Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
Lunch for two once during stay (up to USD85, excluding gratuity and alcohol)

Good points from MarshKing.^

Thinking about the issue of staying in a Hlton or the like as a 'splurge' experience, I would recommend Priceline to get the room. I've stayed in Zurich at the Marriott, Intercontinental and some airport proprty for about $100/night. For that I had a very good value for a 4* property.

Another thought is, instead of splurging on a 5* property in Switzerland, try either German or Austria. My experience is that Vienna 5* hotels, while not cheap, are about 1/3-1/2 that of the Swiss properties; similar to places like Munich. You will be getting true 5* level service.

Uh, I can't wait that long. :D



I did not mean that you would have to wait, rather that it might be a good idea to take a step by step approach, as also suggested by others: Some good 4 star hotels or 5 star but not truly luxury (like Amans and FS etc.) might give you a great feeling to start with. In addition I think it is a good idea to visit the top hotels when you travel, even if you do not sleep there, to have drinks or a meal just to get the feeling without ruining your student budget completely. Also I have met students at at least two FS hotels who have been working (internships) for a while. While I do not say that working there is the same as being a guest, this might also be something to consider while saving up for the future. ;-) (and maybe intern get som special rates as well)

I'd recommend Bali, Phuket, Koh Samui, Maldives etc. You get a whole villa with a pool thrown in and great service versus a poky room in Europe with snooty service if they know you are out of your league.

basically all my discretionary income goes to luxury travel…

I'm from Europe...Istanbul...Duesseldorf

FS bosphorus and capella dusseldorf

you could just do day spa at dolder zurich - €250 mon > thurs

check out the sticky at top of forum

agree with Ozchinois that best idea would be planning trip to european/asian resort

dolder and FS bosphorus are seen as top urban resorts