Switzerland Luxury Hotels
Jun 21, 2018, 11:18 am
#136
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: La Jolla, California
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, SWA CP
Posts: 1,123
I found Baur au Lac a little stuffy. It is the sort of place that makes you feel like you need to put on a tux to use the loo in the lobby. Something like the Savoy in London, but they just look at you crossly rather than throw you out for the sin of wearing jeans. I prefer to be a little closer to the action with less stuffiness. My last stay was at the Widder in Old Town. I quite enjoyed it.
Jun 22, 2018, 7:19 am
#137
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
I found Baur au Lac a little stuffy. It is the sort of place that makes you feel like you need to put on a tux to use the loo in the lobby. Something like the Savoy in London, but they just look at you crossly rather than throw you out for the sin of wearing jeans. I prefer to be a little closer to the action with less stuffiness. My last stay was at the Widder in Old Town. I quite enjoyed it.
The only hotel in London that still strictly stick to their dress code tradition is the Ritz. I guess you must have loathe that place.
Just for the sake of experience, I actually went there to have lunch and the service and food were actually quite good.
Jun 22, 2018, 7:54 am
#138
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,768
I've been to Alpina Gstaad. I much, much prefer Zermatt. There is much more to do and better views. Gstaad is a place you live. Zermatt is a place you visit. I haven't heard of Mont Cervin. My stays in Zermatt have been at the Omnia, which I very much recommend. There is a famous hotel way up the mountain that is on my list: I think it is Riffelalp. But it is really up there. I'm not sure how you party in Zermatt and stay at Riffelalp.
I found Baur au Lac a little stuffy. It is the sort of place that makes you feel like you need to put on a tux to use the loo in the lobby. Something like the Savoy in London, but they just look at you crossly rather than throw you out for the sin of wearing jeans. I prefer to be a little closer to the action with less stuffiness. My last stay was at the Widder in Old Town. I quite enjoyed it.
We chose Baur Au Lac because the rate is fantastic, the rooms and location look great, and BESVISOR got us a guaranteed upgrade to Jr. Suite. Widder was $300 CHF more.
Last edited by CanuckFlyHigh; Jun 22, 2018 at 8:16 am
Jun 30, 2018, 6:42 pm
#139
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
I finally got around to posting my review of Hotel President Wilson:
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...on-geneva-2736
A little surprised at the lack of love for this hotel in this forum. There are only 22 suites and I would consider all of them luxury- even the bottom level Junior Lakeview Suite we stayed in.
Our room was not lavish but it was very nice. And the staff at the hotel was excellent. (I believe they have at least 3 Clef d'Or Concierges)
Although we didn't dine there, there is an acclaimed Michelin star restaurant on site.
Here are some details on the Suites (they all have panoramic Lake Views- and the top suites have typical luxury amenities including large dining rooms, private lifts, private terraces, butlers, chefs etc)
We noticed that the prices vary dramatically.
12 700 Square Foot Junior Léman Suites (some with private elevators)
2 1076 SF Executive Léman Suites with 2 master baths
4 1400 SF Crown Suites
2 1884 SF President Wilson Suites
2 5500 SF Royal Penthouse Suite
That are really a small number of suites, and I wonder if some disappointment resulted when Platinum members failed to be upgraded.
The rooms have also been renovated in the last few years, so maybe there were reports when the rooms needed refreshing?
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...on-geneva-2736
A little surprised at the lack of love for this hotel in this forum. There are only 22 suites and I would consider all of them luxury- even the bottom level Junior Lakeview Suite we stayed in.
Our room was not lavish but it was very nice. And the staff at the hotel was excellent. (I believe they have at least 3 Clef d'Or Concierges)
Although we didn't dine there, there is an acclaimed Michelin star restaurant on site.
Here are some details on the Suites (they all have panoramic Lake Views- and the top suites have typical luxury amenities including large dining rooms, private lifts, private terraces, butlers, chefs etc)
We noticed that the prices vary dramatically.
12 700 Square Foot Junior Léman Suites (some with private elevators)
2 1076 SF Executive Léman Suites with 2 master baths
4 1400 SF Crown Suites
2 1884 SF President Wilson Suites
2 5500 SF Royal Penthouse Suite
That are really a small number of suites, and I wonder if some disappointment resulted when Platinum members failed to be upgraded.
The rooms have also been renovated in the last few years, so maybe there were reports when the rooms needed refreshing?
Last edited by damon88; Jul 1, 2018 at 10:20 am
Jul 1, 2018, 3:35 am
#140
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
Thank you, we decided on Zermatt. However we are sticking with Mont Cervin as it looks nicer than Omnia. I will write it up after. Riffalap closes for the season 3 days before we get there, unfortunately.
I love when someone thinks you need to dress a certain way to be in a public place. Obviously there are exceptions, but the lobby of a hotel I am paying for is not one. I will counter their glare with a nice big smile in my jeans, tshirt and boat shoes. We still travel with only a carryon backpack each (Nomatic Bag - highly recommended!) - so I have no room for my tux.
We chose Baur Au Lac because the rate is fantastic, the rooms and location look great, and BESVISOR got us a guaranteed upgrade to Jr. Suite. Widder was $300 CHF more.
I love when someone thinks you need to dress a certain way to be in a public place. Obviously there are exceptions, but the lobby of a hotel I am paying for is not one. I will counter their glare with a nice big smile in my jeans, tshirt and boat shoes. We still travel with only a carryon backpack each (Nomatic Bag - highly recommended!) - so I have no room for my tux.
We chose Baur Au Lac because the rate is fantastic, the rooms and location look great, and BESVISOR got us a guaranteed upgrade to Jr. Suite. Widder was $300 CHF more.
Jul 1, 2018, 7:08 am
#141
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,519
Are the prices for President Wilson really correct? Can´t imagine everyone Pays around 11.000 €/ 13.000 $ for this Junior Suite. In this case even I would prefer to stay at an Ibis. I found a rate at
August for 2.695 CHF, which is also a price I wouldn´t pay, even if I know Switzerland lost every ground contact regarding prices over the last years.
August for 2.695 CHF, which is also a price I wouldn´t pay, even if I know Switzerland lost every ground contact regarding prices over the last years.
Jul 1, 2018, 7:15 am
#142
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
Are the prices for President Wilson really correct? Can´t imagine everyone Pays around 11.000 €/ 13.000 $ for this Junior Suite. In this case even I would prefer to stay at an Ibis. I found a rate at
August for 2.695 CHF, which is also a price I wouldn´t pay, even if I know Switzerland lost every ground contact regarding prices over the last years.
August for 2.695 CHF, which is also a price I wouldn´t pay, even if I know Switzerland lost every ground contact regarding prices over the last years.
Jul 1, 2018, 7:16 am
#143
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
rates seem from
3500 crown - adjacent deluxe lake room # 42 lakefront
6500 president
wonder where virtuoso/FHR one-category upgrades stop
8th floor
380m2 1BR royal (+ 3 royal jr suite behind)
800m2 2BR imperial
1680m2 12BR combined full floor
discoverstarwoodsuites.com/en/property/1274
some starwood websites removed floorplans >
3500 crown - adjacent deluxe lake room # 42 lakefront
6500 president
wonder where virtuoso/FHR one-category upgrades stop
8th floor
380m2 1BR royal (+ 3 royal jr suite behind)
800m2 2BR imperial
1680m2 12BR combined full floor
discoverstarwoodsuites.com/en/property/1274
some starwood websites removed floorplans >
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jul 1, 2018 at 7:44 am
Jul 1, 2018, 8:09 am
#144
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
Understanding cost of workforce in Switzerland makes rates more reasonable. Swiss Hotels chose quality over reasonable rates and have chosen not to lower standards, but raise prices to keep up with the market, which was the right decision. The results certainly speak for themselves, if you look at Geneva and Zurich hotels, and certainly much beloved favorites here like Park Hotel Vitznau, which I enjoy greatly. Mountainside retreats, such as Gstaad, Zermatt have inflated rates due to certain feeder markets....... you might guess who I am taking about. Always bad news when guests willing to pay anything for suites, irrespective of actual quality.
Jul 1, 2018, 10:14 am
#145
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
Jul 1, 2018, 10:17 am
#146
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
Are the prices for President Wilson really correct? Can´t imagine everyone Pays around 11.000 €/ 13.000 $ for this Junior Suite. In this case even I would prefer to stay at an Ibis. I found a rate at
August for 2.695 CHF, which is also a price I wouldn´t pay, even if I know Switzerland lost every ground contact regarding prices over the last years.
August for 2.695 CHF, which is also a price I wouldn´t pay, even if I know Switzerland lost every ground contact regarding prices over the last years.
For anyone seeking to enjoy a crowd free Switzerland I highly recommend shoulder season- although many top hotels and restaurants close. There were only a few other couples (no Americans) with us on the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt. We had 2 FC cars to ourselves.
Last edited by damon88; Jul 1, 2018 at 10:31 am
I know about workcosts etc but the have without doubt a price problem especially since the CHF rate is no longer fixed.
Jul 19, 2018, 11:25 pm
#148
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
We returned to Park Hotel Vitznau a few days ago for a 3 night stay in order to meet the wedding planners. I should have known better than to visit a European hotel in peak-Summer; I have always avoided it for these very reasons, so PHV is not alone in is misdemeanours. It will not alter our plans for getting married here, but it really does highlight the difference of staying in some properties during full occupancy. Perhaps had we not come last May during a quiet period we would not have the same expectations, but we did. Gone is the serenity, the slick service, the thought-through welcome and empty spa and pool. Thankfully it has not been replaced by the Insta-crowds of Villa Honegg, so could be worse, yet the endless waiting around for orders, the inability to get a table or seat near the pool begins to irritate after enough time. So definitely go, but get the most out of it and avoid July and August.
Jul 19, 2018, 11:29 pm
#149
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Some pictures from the Chedi Andermatt, which was actually a lot better than I thought it would be - although seeing how crowded Park Hotel Vitznau was likely prepared us for what was to come.
However, one image really needs highlighting, as Mr. Gathy truly has some explaining to do:
Yes, that is the toilet. Yes, that is the toilet with the door closed. No, I do not know how that is not banned by the United Nations.
Jul 20, 2018, 12:17 am
#150
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
Some pictures from the Chedi Andermatt, which was actually a lot better than I thought it would be - although seeing how crowded Park Hotel Vitznau was likely prepared us for what was to come.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132880...57697582000211
However, one image really needs highlighting, as Mr. Gathy truly has some explaining to do:
Yes, that is the toilet. Yes, that is the toilet with the door closed. No, I do not know how that is not banned by the United Nations.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132880...57697582000211
However, one image really needs highlighting, as Mr. Gathy truly has some explaining to do:
Yes, that is the toilet. Yes, that is the toilet with the door closed. No, I do not know how that is not banned by the United Nations.
How was the service?