Switzerland Luxury Hotels
Mar 18, 2021, 12:42 am
#361
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
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It's indeed a nice hotel, but it's not out of this world. Some suites are even unacceptable in my eyes and hard product shows some failures. Also I'm one of the persons who finds it rather sterile.
Mar 18, 2021, 6:22 am
#362
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
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I would agree that PHV's 47 rooms can be a game of dice roll. I've hit and I've missed before 
A lake view jr suite or suite is a must and even if you get an ugly room, the hotel grounds and pool/spa really makes up for it.
Getting a suite you really like (aesthetically) is a bonus here. Which seems odd to say/think.
I think the rates here are very reasonable as well.
But I love going to PHV as my EU entry or exit hub.
A lake view jr suite or suite is a must and even if you get an ugly room, the hotel grounds and pool/spa really makes up for it.
Getting a suite you really like (aesthetically) is a bonus here. Which seems odd to say/think.
I think the rates here are very reasonable as well.
But I love going to PHV as my EU entry or exit hub.
Mar 18, 2021, 8:39 am
#363
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: UAL 1P, Bonvoy Plat, Delta Silver Med, AA Gold
Posts: 154
Thanks for the quick reply. What do you all think of the Burgenstock property that opened in 2017? It sure looks gorgeous on the website. Price is about the same as PHV too. At 1400 CHF a night, (price for a lake view junior suite in late Sept) I would be very disappointed if I wound up with a "miss" room at PHV. Gives me pause for thought.
Mar 18, 2021, 1:15 pm
#365
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
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Thanks for the quick reply. What do you all think of the Burgenstock property that opened in 2017? It sure looks gorgeous on the website. Price is about the same as PHV too. At 1400 CHF a night, (price for a lake view junior suite in late Sept) I would be very disappointed if I wound up with a "miss" room at PHV. Gives me pause for thought.
Mar 18, 2021, 1:18 pm
#366
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Everyone who is able to answer thiis question and does a bet on it will get rich. No one can say how long this mess will stay.
Staying at home or breaking the law. Switzerland doesn´t allow to "test out".
Staying at home or breaking the law. Switzerland doesn´t allow to "test out".
Jul 11, 2021, 2:37 pm
#367
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Join Date: Mar 2006
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I have again a first world problem. I will travel from Milano back to Germany (Ruhrgebiet) and have a maximum of 2 nights left. I´m not to keen to drive it in once and I also see "the chance" to try something new. At the moment this are my thoughts:
Option 1: Bürgenstock Resort: It´s perfectly on the way and I find the setting interesting. Nevertheless I see the mixed reviews and I fear it´s full of posers and dayguests. Nevertheless it seems most things you find are from the Palace or Waldhotel, Bürgenstock Hotel is not the place the bloggers stay. I would only stay 1 night as I think you got it after it. As the Bay Suite is the same as the Double room (only view) I would go with the "cheapest".
Option 2: Dolder Grand: Not directly on the way but only a minor detour. Not in the city but good SPA and views. Would ask for suite in the old building as they seem to be bigger. Would most likely stay 2 nights. The Restaurant is closed what´s a down for me.
Option 3: Baur au Lac. Love the location and their 2 star is open but no SPA. It lacks a little the relaxing factor for me.
Any thoughts?
Option 1: Bürgenstock Resort: It´s perfectly on the way and I find the setting interesting. Nevertheless I see the mixed reviews and I fear it´s full of posers and dayguests. Nevertheless it seems most things you find are from the Palace or Waldhotel, Bürgenstock Hotel is not the place the bloggers stay. I would only stay 1 night as I think you got it after it. As the Bay Suite is the same as the Double room (only view) I would go with the "cheapest".
Option 2: Dolder Grand: Not directly on the way but only a minor detour. Not in the city but good SPA and views. Would ask for suite in the old building as they seem to be bigger. Would most likely stay 2 nights. The Restaurant is closed what´s a down for me.
Option 3: Baur au Lac. Love the location and their 2 star is open but no SPA. It lacks a little the relaxing factor for me.
Any thoughts?
Jul 12, 2021, 12:26 am
#368
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 361
I have again a first world problem. I will travel from Milano back to Germany (Ruhrgebiet) and have a maximum of 2 nights left. I´m not to keen to drive it in once and I also see "the chance" to try something new. At the moment this are my thoughts:
Option 1: Bürgenstock Resort: It´s perfectly on the way and I find the setting interesting. Nevertheless I see the mixed reviews and I fear it´s full of posers and dayguests. Nevertheless it seems most things you find are from the Palace or Waldhotel, Bürgenstock Hotel is not the place the bloggers stay. I would only stay 1 night as I think you got it after it. As the Bay Suite is the same as the Double room (only view) I would go with the "cheapest".
Option 2: Dolder Grand: Not directly on the way but only a minor detour. Not in the city but good SPA and views. Would ask for suite in the old building as they seem to be bigger. Would most likely stay 2 nights. The Restaurant is closed what´s a down for me.
Option 3: Baur au Lac. Love the location and their 2 star is open but no SPA. It lacks a little the relaxing factor for me.
Any thoughts?
Option 1: Bürgenstock Resort: It´s perfectly on the way and I find the setting interesting. Nevertheless I see the mixed reviews and I fear it´s full of posers and dayguests. Nevertheless it seems most things you find are from the Palace or Waldhotel, Bürgenstock Hotel is not the place the bloggers stay. I would only stay 1 night as I think you got it after it. As the Bay Suite is the same as the Double room (only view) I would go with the "cheapest".
Option 2: Dolder Grand: Not directly on the way but only a minor detour. Not in the city but good SPA and views. Would ask for suite in the old building as they seem to be bigger. Would most likely stay 2 nights. The Restaurant is closed what´s a down for me.
Option 3: Baur au Lac. Love the location and their 2 star is open but no SPA. It lacks a little the relaxing factor for me.
Any thoughts?
Regarding your Option 1, the Buergenstock Hotel and the Palace Hotel have a combined check-in/concierge/breakfast/spa, so you will not escape the bloggers and day guests. From my perspective a major design flaw. If you decide to go nevertheless, make sure to book a room with a good lake view - this is really the only reason to stay.
Same as most city hotels, Dolder and Baur au Lac have suffered during the pandemic. I am not sure what service levels are like these days.
Does it have to be Switzerland, by the way? I also enjoyed Brenner's Park in Baden-Baden. Yes, it's getting mixed reviews, too, but dinner on the terrace facing the park is quite nice, and it may work for a stop over.
Jul 12, 2021, 12:56 am
#369
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Dubai
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Accor Diamond, BA Gold, QR Plat
Posts: 355
I have again a first world problem. I will travel from Milano back to Germany (Ruhrgebiet) and have a maximum of 2 nights left. I´m not to keen to drive it in once and I also see "the chance" to try something new. At the moment this are my thoughts:
Option 1: Bürgenstock Resort: It´s perfectly on the way and I find the setting interesting. Nevertheless I see the mixed reviews and I fear it´s full of posers and dayguests. Nevertheless it seems most things you find are from the Palace or Waldhotel, Bürgenstock Hotel is not the place the bloggers stay. I would only stay 1 night as I think you got it after it. As the Bay Suite is the same as the Double room (only view) I would go with the "cheapest".
Option 2: Dolder Grand: Not directly on the way but only a minor detour. Not in the city but good SPA and views. Would ask for suite in the old building as they seem to be bigger. Would most likely stay 2 nights. The Restaurant is closed what´s a down for me.
Option 3: Baur au Lac. Love the location and their 2 star is open but no SPA. It lacks a little the relaxing factor for me.
Any thoughts?
Option 1: Bürgenstock Resort: It´s perfectly on the way and I find the setting interesting. Nevertheless I see the mixed reviews and I fear it´s full of posers and dayguests. Nevertheless it seems most things you find are from the Palace or Waldhotel, Bürgenstock Hotel is not the place the bloggers stay. I would only stay 1 night as I think you got it after it. As the Bay Suite is the same as the Double room (only view) I would go with the "cheapest".
Option 2: Dolder Grand: Not directly on the way but only a minor detour. Not in the city but good SPA and views. Would ask for suite in the old building as they seem to be bigger. Would most likely stay 2 nights. The Restaurant is closed what´s a down for me.
Option 3: Baur au Lac. Love the location and their 2 star is open but no SPA. It lacks a little the relaxing factor for me.
Any thoughts?
If SPA is important to you, then probably Dolder Grand would be the better choice.
Other than that, you also have the Chedi Andermatt and Kempinski Engelberg on your way if you would rather spend that time in nature than the city. I have no experience with the Kempinski as it’s brand-new (opened last month), but just an idea.
Jul 12, 2021, 3:47 am
#370
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
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I have stayed twice in the Park Hyatt Zurich since the pandemic started and found that the level of service has stayed very high - they have an amazing team. The property looks a bit bland from the outside, but you get a different feeling when actually staying in the hotel. They offer massages AFAIK, but there is no Spa. Great location.
If SPA is important to you, then probably Dolder Grand would be the better choice.
Other than that, you also have the Chedi Andermatt and Kempinski Engelberg on your way if you would rather spend that time in nature than the city. I have no experience with the Kempinski as it’s brand-new (opened last month), but just an idea.
If SPA is important to you, then probably Dolder Grand would be the better choice.
Other than that, you also have the Chedi Andermatt and Kempinski Engelberg on your way if you would rather spend that time in nature than the city. I have no experience with the Kempinski as it’s brand-new (opened last month), but just an idea.
At the moment I monitor the weather closely. It seems to rain all the time, there is flood at some lakes. I had such conditions in 2005 and it wasn´t a pleasure. So perhaps I wait and if it´s like this better skip Switzerland.
Last edited by RichardInSF; Jul 12, 2021 at 5:18 am Reason: Consecutive posts by same member
Jul 12, 2021, 1:04 pm
#371
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Programs: Too many...and an Amanjunkie
Posts: 1,667
I have again a first world problem. I will travel from Milano back to Germany (Ruhrgebiet) and have a maximum of 2 nights left. I´m not to keen to drive it in once and I also see "the chance" to try something new. At the moment this are my thoughts:
Option 1: Bürgenstock Resort: It´s perfectly on the way and I find the setting interesting. Nevertheless I see the mixed reviews and I fear it´s full of posers and dayguests. Nevertheless it seems most things you find are from the Palace or Waldhotel, Bürgenstock Hotel is not the place the bloggers stay. I would only stay 1 night as I think you got it after it. As the Bay Suite is the same as the Double room (only view) I would go with the "cheapest".
Option 2: Dolder Grand: Not directly on the way but only a minor detour. Not in the city but good SPA and views. Would ask for suite in the old building as they seem to be bigger. Would most likely stay 2 nights. The Restaurant is closed what´s a down for me.
Option 3: Baur au Lac. Love the location and their 2 star is open but no SPA. It lacks a little the relaxing factor for me.
Any thoughts?
Option 1: Bürgenstock Resort: It´s perfectly on the way and I find the setting interesting. Nevertheless I see the mixed reviews and I fear it´s full of posers and dayguests. Nevertheless it seems most things you find are from the Palace or Waldhotel, Bürgenstock Hotel is not the place the bloggers stay. I would only stay 1 night as I think you got it after it. As the Bay Suite is the same as the Double room (only view) I would go with the "cheapest".
Option 2: Dolder Grand: Not directly on the way but only a minor detour. Not in the city but good SPA and views. Would ask for suite in the old building as they seem to be bigger. Would most likely stay 2 nights. The Restaurant is closed what´s a down for me.
Option 3: Baur au Lac. Love the location and their 2 star is open but no SPA. It lacks a little the relaxing factor for me.
Any thoughts?
Jul 12, 2021, 1:33 pm
#372
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
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Depending on the days of travel I would do option no. 4 and take a longer detour and go to Forestis in South Tyrol. Tower or even Penthouse Suite with halfboard plan for one night. Stunning views, great food, SPA and nice service throughout. Stylish with solid Tyrolean substance.
Sout Tyrol is for another trip
Jul 12, 2021, 2:50 pm
#373
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 812
Its a situation where the owners have spared no expense but want to maintain 100% control of the property. They live and work in the building, and though I am sure they would like to make a profit I get the sense that its more important for them to be able entertain hedge fund investors and others important to their family businesses. The owners are missing out on significant increase in profits by not working with a strong chain. They don’t have dynamic pricing for instance, and the employees they attract and retain have little hope of moving up, so the good ones leave and the less ambitious ones stay. Its a fabulous hotel and the comparisons I am making are with hotels like the Four Seasons Geneva or FS Florence. A large chain is not always the solution in these cases. We visited the Arlberg Lech hotel and were blown away by the service, but the owners are very hands on, unlike PHV.
Jul 12, 2021, 7:48 pm
#374
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,732
They are currently in the process of updating several of the suites. Some of the staff are excellent and some are lacking, but not for effort.
Its a situation where the owners have spared no expense but want to maintain 100% control of the property. They live and work in the building, and though I am sure they would like to make a profit I get the sense that its more important for them to be able entertain hedge fund investors and others important to their family businesses. The owners are missing out on significant increase in profits by not working with a strong chain. They don’t have dynamic pricing for instance, and the employees they attract and retain have little hope of moving up, so the good ones leave and the less ambitious ones stay. Its a fabulous hotel and the comparisons I am making are with hotels like the Four Seasons Geneva or FS Florence. A large chain is not always the solution in these cases. We visited the Arlberg Lech hotel and were blown away by the service, but the owners are very hands on, unlike PHV.
Its a situation where the owners have spared no expense but want to maintain 100% control of the property. They live and work in the building, and though I am sure they would like to make a profit I get the sense that its more important for them to be able entertain hedge fund investors and others important to their family businesses. The owners are missing out on significant increase in profits by not working with a strong chain. They don’t have dynamic pricing for instance, and the employees they attract and retain have little hope of moving up, so the good ones leave and the less ambitious ones stay. Its a fabulous hotel and the comparisons I am making are with hotels like the Four Seasons Geneva or FS Florence. A large chain is not always the solution in these cases. We visited the Arlberg Lech hotel and were blown away by the service, but the owners are very hands on, unlike PHV.
Jul 12, 2021, 11:44 pm
#375
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 361
