Switzerland Luxury Hotels
Aug 19, 2020, 4:46 am
#301
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 361
If you have no reason to be specifically in Lugano, that sounds like a wise decision. There are other options relatively close by (Lake Como, Ascona...). If I go back to Lugano proper, I may try Villa Castagnola.
Aug 19, 2020, 7:20 am
#302
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
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Agree. I stood 2005 in front of the nice looking hotel and said myself one day I will stay there. But it´s the same with other hotels I always wanted to try. With the years better options come up.
Aug 20, 2020, 9:32 am
#303
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: A3 Gold, AA Platinum, Marriott & Discovery Platinum, IGH Diamond
Posts: 888
Any first-hand experience with 7132? Tempted, but also concerned by all the "design" references on their website.
In my experience hotels that rely on excessive use of the d-word are rarely real luxury.
Regards,
El Puerco Volante
In my experience hotels that rely on excessive use of the d-word are rarely real luxury.
Regards,
El Puerco Volante
Aug 20, 2020, 9:34 am
#304
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: A3 Gold, AA Platinum, Marriott & Discovery Platinum, IGH Diamond
Posts: 888
Regards,
El Puerco Volante
Aug 25, 2020, 12:30 pm
#305
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: Virtuoso, Marriott Stars/Luminous, Hilton Impresario, IHG Luxury & Lifestyle, Hyatt Prive etc
Posts: 2,003
We stayed a couple of years ago in their Penthouse suite - good value given the helicopter transfers are included (subject to weather). Dining was very good - much better than expected. Spa was nice but maybe not the best we have been to as it was quite busy (this may be better with Covid restrictions). I would not stay in the 'Architect's House' - rooms are tiny and definitely not luxury.
Sep 3, 2020, 8:44 am
#306
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: A3 Gold, AA Platinum, Marriott & Discovery Platinum, IGH Diamond
Posts: 888
Decided to spend next days with my family between Dolder, 7132, PHV and Burgenstock.
All hotels have easy access via helicopter, so will be using that to avoid long transfers.
Will provide an update once back!
Regards,
El Puerco Volante
All hotels have easy access via helicopter, so will be using that to avoid long transfers.
Will provide an update once back!
Regards,
El Puerco Volante
Sep 3, 2020, 4:25 pm
#307
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
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The long transfers are my biggest concern in Switzerland, the infinite widths of Switzerland make traveling around a challenge. Especially between Bürgenstock and PHV the helicopter seems to be the only reasonable option. Is the helicopter able to do the trip from Zurich to Lake Lucerne in once or is there a refueling stop?
Sep 4, 2020, 12:07 am
#308
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 361
Buergenstock I found to be a slightly bizarre place. The hard product is excellent: >500 million of investment over 7 years, and it shows. The location is fantastic, on a high ridge with a wonderful view over Lake Lucerne. Also there a nice activities, such as taking the cable car and then a boat over to Lucerne. In terms of room, can recommend the Spa Suite. It has a sauna and a massage table, which we did not use. But the real benefit is views in two directions (lake/mountains) and a terrace.
The soft product left a lot to be desired when I stayed though (only once, for this reason). Somehow, they decided to combine the reception/front desk/valet as well as breakfast between the Buergenstock Hotel and the neighboring four-star Palace Hotel. Not sure if this can be/has been changed. but the result was anything but a luxurious experience. Also, the hotel was overrun with day trippers. As a result, we had difficulty booking a restaurant on some evenings. Quality of the food varied - the arabic restaurant was very good.
The spa was a zoo full of guests constantly taking videos using selfie sticks. Not sure how they control capacity, day passes for the spa are >300 CHF, but that does not seem to deter people.
In any case, I would be really curious whether things have improved.
Sep 4, 2020, 2:23 am
#309
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: A3 Gold, AA Platinum, Marriott & Discovery Platinum, IGH Diamond
Posts: 888
The long transfers are my biggest concern in Switzerland, the infinite widths of Switzerland make traveling around a challenge. Especially between Bürgenstock and PHV the helicopter seems to be the only reasonable option. Is the helicopter able to do the trip from Zurich to Lake Lucerne in once or is there a refueling stop?
Regards,
El Puerco Volante
Sep 4, 2020, 2:25 am
#310
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: A3 Gold, AA Platinum, Marriott & Discovery Platinum, IGH Diamond
Posts: 888
Sounds like a nice trip! I have no experience with 7132, but know the 3 others.
Buergenstock I found to be a slightly bizarre place. The hard product is excellent: >500 million of investment over 7 years, and it shows. The location is fantastic, on a high ridge with a wonderful view over Lake Lucerne. Also there a nice activities, such as taking the cable car and then a boat over to Lucerne. In terms of room, can recommend the Spa Suite. It has a sauna and a massage table, which we did not use. But the real benefit is views in two directions (lake/mountains) and a terrace.
The soft product left a lot to be desired when I stayed though (only once, for this reason). Somehow, they decided to combine the reception/front desk/valet as well as breakfast between the Buergenstock Hotel and the neighboring four-star Palace Hotel. Not sure if this can be/has been changed. but the result was anything but a luxurious experience. Also, the hotel was overrun with day trippers. As a result, we had difficulty booking a restaurant on some evenings. Quality of the food varied - the arabic restaurant was very good.
The spa was a zoo full of guests constantly taking videos using selfie sticks. Not sure how they control capacity, day passes for the spa are >300 CHF, but that does not seem to deter people.
In any case, I would be really curious whether things have improved.
Buergenstock I found to be a slightly bizarre place. The hard product is excellent: >500 million of investment over 7 years, and it shows. The location is fantastic, on a high ridge with a wonderful view over Lake Lucerne. Also there a nice activities, such as taking the cable car and then a boat over to Lucerne. In terms of room, can recommend the Spa Suite. It has a sauna and a massage table, which we did not use. But the real benefit is views in two directions (lake/mountains) and a terrace.
The soft product left a lot to be desired when I stayed though (only once, for this reason). Somehow, they decided to combine the reception/front desk/valet as well as breakfast between the Buergenstock Hotel and the neighboring four-star Palace Hotel. Not sure if this can be/has been changed. but the result was anything but a luxurious experience. Also, the hotel was overrun with day trippers. As a result, we had difficulty booking a restaurant on some evenings. Quality of the food varied - the arabic restaurant was very good.
The spa was a zoo full of guests constantly taking videos using selfie sticks. Not sure how they control capacity, day passes for the spa are >300 CHF, but that does not seem to deter people.
In any case, I would be really curious whether things have improved.
Regards,
El Puerco Volante
Sep 4, 2020, 3:11 am
#311
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
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Of course you spare time with a Heli but it´s not really that relevant for most, especially on holiday. I guess we agree that main reason for the flight is the experience.
Sep 4, 2020, 4:52 am
#312
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 361
The infinite widths of Switzerland - that gave me a good laugh! But appreciate the drive between Zurich and Vals may feel long, 7132 has been offering packages including the helicopter transfer for a reason.
Actually, between PHV and Burgenstock a boat transfer may be a nice option, given both hotels have their docks, and it should not take too long.
Actually, between PHV and Burgenstock a boat transfer may be a nice option, given both hotels have their docks, and it should not take too long.
Sep 4, 2020, 6:51 am
#313
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: A3 Gold, AA Platinum, Marriott & Discovery Platinum, IGH Diamond
Posts: 888
Sep 4, 2020, 6:52 am
#314
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: A3 Gold, AA Platinum, Marriott & Discovery Platinum, IGH Diamond
Posts: 888
The infinite widths of Switzerland - that gave me a good laugh! But appreciate the drive between Zurich and Vals may feel long, 7132 has been offering packages including the helicopter transfer for a reason.
Actually, between PHV and Burgenstock a boat transfer may be a nice option, given both hotels have their docks, and it should not take too long.
Actually, between PHV and Burgenstock a boat transfer may be a nice option, given both hotels have their docks, and it should not take too long.
Thanks & regards,
El Puerco Volante
Sep 4, 2020, 8:14 am
#315
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
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Btw I would be interested were they land the Heli in Vitznau. On hotel property I can´t really see a proper place.The idea with the boat sounds indeed very good, especially if you already had the birds-view.