LEFT MARRIOTT Atlantis by Giardino, Zurich Switzerland, Design Hotels [Master Thread]
Sep 11, 2016, 4:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LHR and ZRH
Programs: BA GGL, SQ PPS, HH Diamond, SPG LTP/100, Marriott Platinum, Mucci des Lois Constitutionelles
Posts: 1,007
LEFT MARRIOTT Atlantis by Giardino, Zurich Switzerland, Design Hotels [Master Thread]
This is the master thread on the Atlantis by Giardino, Zurich, a Member of Design Hotels.
On welcoming Design Hotels to the SPG programme, this is what Starwood Lurker IV had to say:
The Atlantis by Giardino is an SPG Category 7 property. Its websites are here and here.
On welcoming Design Hotels to the SPG programme, this is what Starwood Lurker IV had to say:
For those not familiar with Design Hotels, it is a curated selection of individual hotels that offer cultural authenticity and thought-provoking design and architecture. You can find more information at spg.com/designhotels later today when the SPG Design Hotels website goes live.
Last edited by d'Yquem; Sep 11, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Sep 11, 2016, 5:10 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LHR and ZRH
Programs: BA GGL, SQ PPS, HH Diamond, SPG LTP/100, Marriott Platinum, Mucci des Lois Constitutionelles
Posts: 1,007
We checked into this hotel this evening, for just over a week.
First impressions are extremely positive. We were met at the front door by a bellboy who addressed me by name and was helpful with the luggage (which arrived in our room before we did, nicely set up on a stool). We walked past a magnificent sculpture of a lion in the entrance lobby. The check-in experience was faultless.
There was no formal SPG Plat recognition, but I understand that is not part of the Design Hotels deal with SPG. However, the hotel did find us the best room within the category we booked.
The front desk chap escorted us to our room and showed us around, explaining the amenities and on the way told me a bit of the history of the hotel. Over ten years ago it had some association with Sheraton (not quite clear if managed by, or just a sales channel similar to the relationship between Design Hotels and SPG). At that stage it had over 200 rooms. Now it has under 90 rooms, and has had a small (or perhaps bigger!) fortune spent on refurbishment.
Our room (Luxury - the room below the junior suite in terms of hierarchy) is two old 'Sheraton' rooms combined into one. It is truly luxurious, but in an understated way, in some ways quite similar in design to the Prince de Galles. The bathroom is oversized, with two sinks, a huge bath, a walk-in shower and a toilet with its own shower. There is light grey marble finishings in the bathroom. There is a small (but adequate) living room with an alcove through to a small (but adequate) bedroom. Overall, I think we'll be very happy here for the week.
I'll post some pictures and describe more aspects of it later in the trip. Got a couple of hours work to do first...
First impressions are extremely positive. We were met at the front door by a bellboy who addressed me by name and was helpful with the luggage (which arrived in our room before we did, nicely set up on a stool). We walked past a magnificent sculpture of a lion in the entrance lobby. The check-in experience was faultless.
There was no formal SPG Plat recognition, but I understand that is not part of the Design Hotels deal with SPG. However, the hotel did find us the best room within the category we booked.
The front desk chap escorted us to our room and showed us around, explaining the amenities and on the way told me a bit of the history of the hotel. Over ten years ago it had some association with Sheraton (not quite clear if managed by, or just a sales channel similar to the relationship between Design Hotels and SPG). At that stage it had over 200 rooms. Now it has under 90 rooms, and has had a small (or perhaps bigger!) fortune spent on refurbishment.
Our room (Luxury - the room below the junior suite in terms of hierarchy) is two old 'Sheraton' rooms combined into one. It is truly luxurious, but in an understated way, in some ways quite similar in design to the Prince de Galles. The bathroom is oversized, with two sinks, a huge bath, a walk-in shower and a toilet with its own shower. There is light grey marble finishings in the bathroom. There is a small (but adequate) living room with an alcove through to a small (but adequate) bedroom. Overall, I think we'll be very happy here for the week.
I'll post some pictures and describe more aspects of it later in the trip. Got a couple of hours work to do first...
Sep 11, 2016, 10:48 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 932
The front desk chap escorted us to our room and showed us around, explaining the amenities and on the way told me a bit of the history of the hotel. Over ten years ago it had some association with Sheraton (not quite clear if managed by, or just a sales channel similar to the relationship between Design Hotels and SPG). At that stage it had over 200 rooms. Now it has under 90 rooms, and has had a small (or perhaps bigger!) fortune spent on refurbishment.
http://www.nzz.ch/zuerich/das-hotel-...sch-1.17532587
The hotel opened in November 1970 as the Atlantis Hotel. It joined Sheraton in October 1977 as the Atlantis Sheraton Hotel. It was briefly known as the ArabellaSheraton Atlantis Hotel, before closing in 2004.
It had 161 rooms in the main building and 63 in the adjacent "Guesthouse" wing, which is now an independent hotel: http://www.theguestshouse.ch/
The Atlantis sat empty, except for occasional use as refugee accommodations, until it was sold in 2012 to new owners who gutted and rebuilt it.
Last edited by James Luckard; Sep 11, 2016 at 11:00 pm
Sep 15, 2016, 8:25 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Toronto
Programs: AC SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,101
We stayed here for a night on Sunday (same day as d'Yquem!) for a day stopover en route home and LOVED it. So happy we spent the extra 10,000 over the Sheraton downtown.
1) They have a free shuttle hourly to get downtown and pick you up if you need it, 8am - 8pm
2) Minibar is free, about 10 non-alcoholic drinks and 3 snacks (chips, nuts, fruit) every day
3) Fruit and dried nuts and teas in the spa are very nice and the spa facility is immaculately clean and beautiful. It's co-ed which my wife and I like and it's amongst the best of any SPG hotel (reminds me of St. Regis Singapore's)
4) Outdoor pool area is gorgeous. 3 fun water features which my son enjoyed (bubbles and large jets) and plentiful chairs and towels given the size of the hotel.
5) Food is really spectacular quality but expensive. 47 CHF for a large tuna tartare but it was large and very good. Breakfast was amongst the best I've had in any of 100+ hotels - generous portions of mango, house-made jams, 6 loose-leaf tea options, eggs, pancakes, waffles, and french toast cooked to order. Vegan pancake and waffle options. Not included in SPG points redemptions though, but worth the price.
6) Great access to nature - mountain bike rentals and the mountain trail is just behind the hotel, so you can walk it to the nearby city (we went to the carnival) or hike up the small mountain.
I can't wait to come back for a longer stay...
1) They have a free shuttle hourly to get downtown and pick you up if you need it, 8am - 8pm
2) Minibar is free, about 10 non-alcoholic drinks and 3 snacks (chips, nuts, fruit) every day
3) Fruit and dried nuts and teas in the spa are very nice and the spa facility is immaculately clean and beautiful. It's co-ed which my wife and I like and it's amongst the best of any SPG hotel (reminds me of St. Regis Singapore's)
4) Outdoor pool area is gorgeous. 3 fun water features which my son enjoyed (bubbles and large jets) and plentiful chairs and towels given the size of the hotel.
5) Food is really spectacular quality but expensive. 47 CHF for a large tuna tartare but it was large and very good. Breakfast was amongst the best I've had in any of 100+ hotels - generous portions of mango, house-made jams, 6 loose-leaf tea options, eggs, pancakes, waffles, and french toast cooked to order. Vegan pancake and waffle options. Not included in SPG points redemptions though, but worth the price.
6) Great access to nature - mountain bike rentals and the mountain trail is just behind the hotel, so you can walk it to the nearby city (we went to the carnival) or hike up the small mountain.
I can't wait to come back for a longer stay...
Sep 16, 2016, 8:10 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LHR and ZRH
Programs: BA GGL, SQ PPS, HH Diamond, SPG LTP/100, Marriott Platinum, Mucci des Lois Constitutionelles
Posts: 1,007
We stayed here for a night on Sunday (same day as d'Yquem!) for a day stopover en route home and LOVED it. So happy we spent the extra 10,000 over the Sheraton downtown.
1) They have a free shuttle hourly to get downtown and pick you up if you need it, 8am - 8pm
2) Minibar is free, about 10 non-alcoholic drinks and 3 snacks (chips, nuts, fruit) every day
3) Fruit and dried nuts and teas in the spa are very nice and the spa facility is immaculately clean and beautiful. It's co-ed which my wife and I like and it's amongst the best of any SPG hotel (reminds me of St. Regis Singapore's)
4) Outdoor pool area is gorgeous. 3 fun water features which my son enjoyed (bubbles and large jets) and plentiful chairs and towels given the size of the hotel.
5) Food is really spectacular quality but expensive. 47 CHF for a large tuna tartare but it was large and very good. Breakfast was amongst the best I've had in any of 100+ hotels - generous portions of mango, house-made jams, 6 loose-leaf tea options, eggs, pancakes, waffles, and french toast cooked to order. Vegan pancake and waffle options. Not included in SPG points redemptions though, but worth the price.
6) Great access to nature - mountain bike rentals and the mountain trail is just behind the hotel, so you can walk it to the nearby city (we went to the carnival) or hike up the small mountain.
I can't wait to come back for a longer stay...
1) They have a free shuttle hourly to get downtown and pick you up if you need it, 8am - 8pm
2) Minibar is free, about 10 non-alcoholic drinks and 3 snacks (chips, nuts, fruit) every day
3) Fruit and dried nuts and teas in the spa are very nice and the spa facility is immaculately clean and beautiful. It's co-ed which my wife and I like and it's amongst the best of any SPG hotel (reminds me of St. Regis Singapore's)
4) Outdoor pool area is gorgeous. 3 fun water features which my son enjoyed (bubbles and large jets) and plentiful chairs and towels given the size of the hotel.
5) Food is really spectacular quality but expensive. 47 CHF for a large tuna tartare but it was large and very good. Breakfast was amongst the best I've had in any of 100+ hotels - generous portions of mango, house-made jams, 6 loose-leaf tea options, eggs, pancakes, waffles, and french toast cooked to order. Vegan pancake and waffle options. Not included in SPG points redemptions though, but worth the price.
6) Great access to nature - mountain bike rentals and the mountain trail is just behind the hotel, so you can walk it to the nearby city (we went to the carnival) or hike up the small mountain.
I can't wait to come back for a longer stay...
Sep 16, 2016, 2:59 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Here there everywhere
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, BA Silver, Aegean Gold, Aeroplan 25k, AA EXP
Posts: 2,827
Sep 18, 2016, 7:57 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LHR and ZRH
Programs: BA GGL, SQ PPS, HH Diamond, SPG LTP/100, Marriott Platinum, Mucci des Lois Constitutionelles
Posts: 1,007
Today is the last day of our one-week stay.
There are some fantastic elements, and it wasn't by any means a bad stay. However, in my opinion, it does not justify an SPG Cat 7 designation due to some teething issues (being open only 9 months). Since first drafting this posting, I spoke to one of the managers who made me feel much better that the issues I raised are being taken seriously and addressed. Kudos.
Design and decor:
The decor and design of the hotel are amazing. Nothing bad to say. Our room (Luxury category) is extremely well designed and has a huge luxurious bathroom. The overall ambience of the hotel is great. We loved the pool and spa area - as nice as any we've seen in Europe. One request would be an extra chair in the living room, as when a room service trolley is delivered, it would be nice if both of us could sit whilst we eat our meal!
Noise and smoke pollution:
On occasions, we could hear our neighbours from above (footsteps during the evening for three of our our seven nights) and next door (blaring TV for the first night; guests speaking loudly in Arabic on the second and third nights; wedding guests for the final nights). We had a smell of cigarette smoke in our room intermittently - not sure where it came from, but not the balcony. It is possible a guest was smoking in their room against hotel policies.
Internet access:
The hotel wifi was very poor. For the last three days, my wife and I could get all five bars connecting to the access point (from all our devices) but there was massive packet loss (>90%) between the access point and the next hop on a traceroute. I explained this to the staff, and asked them to reboot the access point. They told me on multiple occasions that doing so would bring down the entire network. Instead, they advised me to reset my cookies and connect again and then gave me a new username and password (all irrelevant as all they needed to do is reset the access point). We had ok wifi in the bathroom (demonstrating it was a problem with a specific access point). We reverted to tethering via our mobile phones. On the last time I complained, a manager came up to the room, offered us another room (which we declined as it was our last night and we didn't want to pack twice) in the hopes the access point covering that room was better and referred to the hotel being "over-wired" (whatever that means).
Service:
Some departments (such as Guest Services, the bellboys and the spa staff) were great (H/T to Nicole from Guest Services, in particular). Others (room service, cleaning, operator) need improvement. Often, they simply don't pick up the phone (particularly in the evening or at night - so much for 24 hour service!). An operator is being hired from October which the hotel management say will resolve this issue.
Orders of room service have been wrong in some way. The staff have this annoying habit of ringing the doorbell with the food trolley, then leaving the trolley outside and disappearing, leaving the guests to drag the heavy trolley inside and over rugs (not easy given the flimsy wheels).
Food quality and allergies:
Overall the food was good (albeit very expensive even by Zurich standards). However, on occasions, they were incapable of dealing with allergies properly, with my wife's dessert one meal containing extra kiwi, despite it being documented very very clearly that she is allergic. On other occasions (with my shellfish allergies) they were very much on-the-ball, but the inconsistency is extremely concerning...
Costs:
The extras are expensive, even by Zurich standards. If you decide to have inclusive breakfast delivered to your room (available at every St. Regis for a small tray charge), they charge for each item. I would recommend they align to St. Regis and Prince de Galles policy on this, rather than charging around CHF 60 for two bowls of cornflakes, some bread and jam, a coffee and an orange juice). From memory, average meal cost per person was about CHF 70-80.
Conclusion:
The hotel is good right now. With better service, it could be superb. Kudos to the management for taking the time today to hear my feedback. It made me feel more confident to stay again.
There are some fantastic elements, and it wasn't by any means a bad stay. However, in my opinion, it does not justify an SPG Cat 7 designation due to some teething issues (being open only 9 months). Since first drafting this posting, I spoke to one of the managers who made me feel much better that the issues I raised are being taken seriously and addressed. Kudos.
Design and decor:
The decor and design of the hotel are amazing. Nothing bad to say. Our room (Luxury category) is extremely well designed and has a huge luxurious bathroom. The overall ambience of the hotel is great. We loved the pool and spa area - as nice as any we've seen in Europe. One request would be an extra chair in the living room, as when a room service trolley is delivered, it would be nice if both of us could sit whilst we eat our meal!
Noise and smoke pollution:
On occasions, we could hear our neighbours from above (footsteps during the evening for three of our our seven nights) and next door (blaring TV for the first night; guests speaking loudly in Arabic on the second and third nights; wedding guests for the final nights). We had a smell of cigarette smoke in our room intermittently - not sure where it came from, but not the balcony. It is possible a guest was smoking in their room against hotel policies.
Internet access:
The hotel wifi was very poor. For the last three days, my wife and I could get all five bars connecting to the access point (from all our devices) but there was massive packet loss (>90%) between the access point and the next hop on a traceroute. I explained this to the staff, and asked them to reboot the access point. They told me on multiple occasions that doing so would bring down the entire network. Instead, they advised me to reset my cookies and connect again and then gave me a new username and password (all irrelevant as all they needed to do is reset the access point). We had ok wifi in the bathroom (demonstrating it was a problem with a specific access point). We reverted to tethering via our mobile phones. On the last time I complained, a manager came up to the room, offered us another room (which we declined as it was our last night and we didn't want to pack twice) in the hopes the access point covering that room was better and referred to the hotel being "over-wired" (whatever that means).
Service:
Some departments (such as Guest Services, the bellboys and the spa staff) were great (H/T to Nicole from Guest Services, in particular). Others (room service, cleaning, operator) need improvement. Often, they simply don't pick up the phone (particularly in the evening or at night - so much for 24 hour service!). An operator is being hired from October which the hotel management say will resolve this issue.
Orders of room service have been wrong in some way. The staff have this annoying habit of ringing the doorbell with the food trolley, then leaving the trolley outside and disappearing, leaving the guests to drag the heavy trolley inside and over rugs (not easy given the flimsy wheels).
Food quality and allergies:
Overall the food was good (albeit very expensive even by Zurich standards). However, on occasions, they were incapable of dealing with allergies properly, with my wife's dessert one meal containing extra kiwi, despite it being documented very very clearly that she is allergic. On other occasions (with my shellfish allergies) they were very much on-the-ball, but the inconsistency is extremely concerning...
Costs:
The extras are expensive, even by Zurich standards. If you decide to have inclusive breakfast delivered to your room (available at every St. Regis for a small tray charge), they charge for each item. I would recommend they align to St. Regis and Prince de Galles policy on this, rather than charging around CHF 60 for two bowls of cornflakes, some bread and jam, a coffee and an orange juice). From memory, average meal cost per person was about CHF 70-80.
Conclusion:
The hotel is good right now. With better service, it could be superb. Kudos to the management for taking the time today to hear my feedback. It made me feel more confident to stay again.
Feb 11, 2017, 11:35 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LHR and ZRH
Programs: BA GGL, SQ PPS, HH Diamond, SPG LTP/100, Marriott Platinum, Mucci des Lois Constitutionelles
Posts: 1,007
I must have stayed in this hotel over a dozen times now. They've addressed all the issues I mentioned. It's superb now. I find it difficult to see why they were downgraded from Cat 7 to Cat 6...
May 25, 2017, 2:59 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LHR and ZRH
Programs: BA GGL, SQ PPS, HH Diamond, SPG LTP/100, Marriott Platinum, Mucci des Lois Constitutionelles
Posts: 1,007
May 28, 2017, 2:07 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LHR and ZRH
Programs: BA GGL, SQ PPS, HH Diamond, SPG LTP/100, Marriott Platinum, Mucci des Lois Constitutionelles
Posts: 1,007
In terms of ADR? Higher published pricing than any other SPG and Marriott. Not anywhere near as much as the Widder, Baur au Lac or Dolder Grand.
Sep 27, 2017, 5:45 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta Diamond, WOH Globalist, Marriott LT Titanium, MSC Dia, Nespresso Club, ZTL Queen in Italy
Posts: 304
Any recent Plat stays here? Any "chance" of getting an upgrade? I know it's a Design Hotel, and they're special... 
Breakfast is still comp'd here for Plats, right?
Breakfast is still comp'd here for Plats, right?
Jan 1, 2018, 2:15 pm
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Any update on the wifi speed issues here? Any other details I should know?
I am booked here with my mother for 2 nights in 2 SPG award Cosy rooms on our way back from Italy in Oct 2018.
This will be only my second Design Hotels stay, following immediately after the La Bandita Townhouse in Pienza (and St Regis Florence) while we're in Tuscany. It will be interesting to judge these very well regarded Design Hotels against such a lofty St Regis Florence service and luxury standard. But both the LBT and ABG properties also sound amazing. I can't wait.
Any suggestions for best things to do in town with my mother? I know we'll be dining at Ecco. Thanks!
I am booked here with my mother for 2 nights in 2 SPG award Cosy rooms on our way back from Italy in Oct 2018.
This will be only my second Design Hotels stay, following immediately after the La Bandita Townhouse in Pienza (and St Regis Florence) while we're in Tuscany. It will be interesting to judge these very well regarded Design Hotels against such a lofty St Regis Florence service and luxury standard. But both the LBT and ABG properties also sound amazing. I can't wait.
Any suggestions for best things to do in town with my mother? I know we'll be dining at Ecco. Thanks!