Hi,

Just had a weekend stay at this property, using up my remaining Cat.4 certificate and paying for the 2nd night.

Location: As other posters have reported, this place is really in the middle of nowhere. I might be being dramatic, but this was the impression I had. Around the area are some green fields, small forest, a factory, office buildings, petrol station and some houses (of course the Aquabasilea). It is about 15 mins walking to the train station and another 5 mins to the tram station. [It is the 2nd last stop of Line14]. A 24 hours ticket is approximately 10CHF (depends on which one you get). I was told that the bus (2x per hour in the weekends) from the hotel to Pratteln is not complimentary - so not sure on this point based on comments from previous poster.

Check-in: Arrived rather late, close to midnight, but rather mediocre check-in experience. Strangely the paperwork was prepared, but not complete. I had to fill in my own ID info, phone info and MR#. No recognition as an Elite member. Took another 15 mins to get the keycard encrypted, but after failing to work for the elevator, had to return to the reception, and it took another 15 mins to get the encryption machine to work. In total took more than 1/2 hour from arrival to room without any apologies from the receptionist.

Room: As other posters reported, no upgrades, just a standard room provided with a view towards the roof of the Aquabasilea.

Shower/Toilet: Bathroom is on the smaller side, but functional. Water pressure was ok. Typical CY bathroom amenities.

Internet: On the arrival, I requested for this, and was first quoted some price, but when asked if it was complimentary for Gold, was given a 24 hour voucher. 2nd night I requested this, and was given a generic voucher valid for 2 hours (normally valid only in the lobby), but was able to use this in the room (4th floor). Speed and strength was ok (better compared to the one at the Renaissance Zurich Tower)

Breakfast: For the 2nd night, rate included breakfast. This was quite a good spread. Made to order eggs available. There is Processco available that wants to have the famous champagne/Processco breakfast. I believe for continental breakfast it cost 18 CHF, and American, 24 CHF. On Sundays breakfast is until 2pm! [only other property with such a long Sunday brunch is @ CY Dusseldorf Hafen]

Staff: In general, friendly. But I still feel that they are missing that customer service attitude. Worst are the housekeeping. I noticed that they did not really clean the place properly, could see fingerprints still in the bathroom. They removed all used towels from the 1st night, but did not replace any of them. Called down to the reception, and they brought up 2 towels, and 3 floor mats/towels Did not bother to call down to get the correct towels. The next morning (Sunday), housekeeping came knocking at the door at 8am! So remember to hand the DND sign the next time at this property (last experience with such a situation was in Turkey).

Generic: Will I return to this property, most probably not. Main reason is the value, if not for a BRG, I would have had to fork out 170CHF with breakfast. I also find the staff to be less customer friendly and no real benefit as a MR Elite.

Cheers!