Brasserie Schiller/Goethe Bar Zurich, Switzerland

During our stay in Zurich we went also a bit of exploring along the lake.

When we were hungry we were looking for a restaurant or bar and found the Brasserie Schiller/Goethe Bar. It's opposite the Opera House and was extremely busy at least outside with every seat being taken. The customers were a mix of locals and tourists, old and very young. Brasserie Schiller made a good impression, so we decided to go inside.

The bar is to the left, the restaurant to the right.

The Goethe bar was understated and elegant, held in dark colors.

We found the bar empty and took a table at the window. There were two members of staff and soon we received the menu. My better half had made up his mind quickly and choose the Wiener Schnitzel (the real deal made with veal), while I wasn't that hungry and couldn't decide for a while what I wanted. I was torn between being a bit daring or eating something safe.

I decided to go for daring and had the Riesling Soup. We both ordered Rhubarb Schorle.

Our Schorle was getting attention from a family, who entered a bit later. The drinks were interesting, not too sour, not too bitter.

The soup was served with baguette and whole-wheat bread. It was creamy, light and the wine flavor was still there. I liked the balance of the dish.

The Wiener Schnitzel was large, relatively thick, but melt in the mouth as it should be. It came with cranberries and potatoes.

Our bill was 70 CHF (ca. 57.20 Euro or ca. 79.25 USD) excluding tip.

The staff was prompt and friendly.

We had a good time and would return when in Zurich.

©2014

Radisson BLU Zurich Airport, Switzerland

After our stay at the Park Hyatt Zurich (see review) we spent a night at the Radisson BLU Zurich Airport.

The hotel is directly connected to the airport. The way was very well signed out and the hotel is easy to find.

The hotel has a large atrium with a huge wine tower near the elevators. On the same level were the reception, the Angel's Wine Bar & Restaurant and Filini's.

There is also a small business center at one corner of the lobby.

On the Mezzanine Level were meeting rooms and the fitness center.

Check in was quick and friendly.

Our Business Class Room, which included free WIFI, breakfast, all non-alcoholic drinks and snacks from the mini bar, was located on the higher floor. The internet was fast. The mini bar was stocked with juices, water, soft drinks, different types of nuts and beer. The savings were great, because the prices started from 6 CHF (ca. 4.95 Euro or ca. 6.80 USD) and since we took the juices and nuts, we would have paid at least 20 CHF (ca. 126.40 Euro / ca. 22.65 USD).

We had views over the runway, which we enjoyed.

The room was medium sized, modern and design driven. The colors were mostly red, blue, black and grey.

There was a chair and coffee table, a writing desk, a collage about Switzerland (I liked especially Kaethi, the cow), a large TV, Nespresso machine, a wardrobe, 24 hour room service and a choice of magazines, including the Nespresso Magazine.

To my surprise the channel selection was the same as at the Park Hyatt. A good thing, because it gave access to regional and British channels as well as CNN, Bloomberg and much more.

The furniture was stylish and comfortable at the same time.

The bathroom was medium sized with a shower/bathtub combination, a sink and toilet.

The amenities were a mix of Anne Semonine (bath salts and soap) and That Works! (Shower gel, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner).

Unfortunately the bath tub wasn't that comfortable. It was a bit too short and too narrow.

I also managed to flood the bath room floor when using the hand held shower. There is no rainfall shower. I've learned a lesson here. When we stay again, I'm going to make sure the shower head is adjusted to my height and won't remove it from its cradle. That should avoid spillage and flooding.

That said the water pressure was always good and the temperature stable.

Earlier I mentioned the wine tower. There is something special about it. When a guest requests a wine bottle a "Wine Angel" (During our night two ladies dressed in lace) will collect it for you - no matter at what height.

The Wine Angels have been trained at Circe de Soleil and perform three shows a day (19.00 hours, 21.00 hours and 23.00 hours). We recommend to come a bit earlier if you want to see it, because it's only a short performance and lasts about two minutes. It was interesting, though, and the ladies are attractive.

We didn't have dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants. This time around we wanted to try the food court at the airport, because there was an Asian section.

We had requested a wakeup call and we received one automated and one personal call within a minute or so from each other.

Breakfast was at Filini's.

A Vespa with gourmet food was parked beside the entrance of the restaurant. It was a nice touch and gave an indication that Filini's is an Italian restaurant.

Filini's was busy. A lot of the customers were regulars, because the staff knew them and their preferences already. The majority of guests were business men.

The dining room was light filled and overlooked the airport. The staff was attentive and fast.

There breakfast was served buffet style and there was also an egg station, where a chef made eggs to order.

The buffet was large and offered a wide variety, for example two types of sausages, fried rice, cold cuts, fruits, fruit salad, yogurt, cheese and much more.

It was tasty too. He liked the chocolate milk very much, while my favorite was the marble cake.

Check out approached too fast. It was done fast and with a smile. The only amount to pay was the city tax.

We have enjoyed our stay very much, including the views, the comfort and contemporary design of the room and the overall hotel.

We are going to stay here again before a flight.




©2014

Park Hyatt Zurich, Switzerland

When we learned that Hyatt was devaluating their loyalty program Gold Passport we decided to burn our points at the Park Hyatt Zurich for two nights, where we wanted to stay for a longer time, and the hotel was one of the properties which had been devalued since, from 22.000 points a night to 30.000 points a night needed.

We arrived at Zurich Airport with Swiss, which was a great experience. We had more leg room, comfortable seats, a Mediterranean Quiche and chocolate, which was delicious, and in flight entertainment (Mr. Bean and other child friendly programs).

We took the train to Zurich Main Train Station and paid ca. 44 CHF (ca. 36.15 Euro or ca. 50.20 USD) for two 1st class return tickets. From there we had the choice of public transport or taxi. We were looking for a more comfortable and hassle free way, so we took a taxi. It should cost under 20 CHF (ca. 16.45 Euro or ca. 22.82 USD). The journey took around 10 minutes.

At the hotel we were welcomed by the door man and accompanied to reception.

Check in was done quickly, and we were brought to the room by the receptionist. He explained the room features. Our suitcase arrived shortly afterwards.

Our room was large and filled with natural day light. The color scheme was gold, brown and beige.

There was a large king sized bed, a chair with ottoman, coffee table and a writing desk with two chairs.

The headboard was interesting, a canvas with a print of some kind of fruit, maybe olives.

The large flat screen TV provided international channels like Bloomberg, CNN and CNBC, some regional and to our surprise UK channels.

Internet access was free, fast and reliable. We also received a fruit plate, which we liked, because it included an apple, a pear, grapes and a plum.

There were different magazines as well, including the Hyatt and one from the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, based in Zurich.

Another unusual feature was the "grass". It was part artwork and also part of the night light.

Our room overlooked an apartment building and we could spot the Sheraton Neues Schloss to one corner.

There was also a cupboard and wardrobe, Nespresso Coffee Machine with complimentary capsules and a minibar.

Having a sweet tooth we took the Gottfrieder praline filled wafer. It was very good and cost 7 CHF (ca. 5.80 Euro or 8 USD).

The rest of the mini bar was more or less what one would expect and started from 8 CHF (ca. 6.60 Euro or 9.10 USD).

Free water was also every day provided.

The bath room was large and had a shutter, which could be opened to the room. The bath tub and shower were set up like a Japanese wet room. There was also a large sink, a plant, a TV in the mirror - the remote control didn't work too well, for example going down channels was not possible - and toilet, which could be sealed off with a door. The amenities were by Laura Tonatto. We love the products, knowing them already from our stays at the Park Hyatt Milan. This one was slightly different than the one in Milan and even bath salt and mouth wash was included.

We used the 24 hour room service for our breakfasts and dinners. One time we had the healthy breakfast, the other time a la carte.

The healthy breakfast included Green Tea, a smoothie, a juice of our choice, scrambled eggs with sundried tomatoes, radishes and peppers with guacamole, cream cheese, plain yogurt, jams and fruit bread rolls. One of us has a raisin allergy. Checking with room service confirmed the rolls were made with them, but the Hyatt was flexible in this and one set of the breakfast came with other rolls.

Both breakfasts were excellent. We loved the high quality, tastiness and how appetizing and colorful the meals looked.

Cost for the healthy breakfast was for two 95 CHF (ca. 78 Euro or ca. 107.75 USD) including tip, the a la carte was 110 CHF (ca. 95.40 Euro or ca. 130.45 USD).

Having informed ourselves before the travel we knew that there was a specific cuisine available, developed by a nutritionist, either at The Lounge or through in room dining. Besides The Lounge there are also the fine dining restaurant Parkhuus, Onyx Bar and Cafe Z. The cuisine is divided into three groups Beauty, Brain or Mood food.

Items were available individual or as two or three course meals. We had always a three course and it was not only healthy, but also very tasty and allowed us to eat things we hadn't tried before like Perch Pike or Canadian Bison. Whenever possible the ingredients are sourced locally, so the pike and trout for example came from Lake Zurich.

Our favorites were the veal carpaccio, the trout and vegetable lasagne (this dish has a twist), the bison steak and of course the not so sweet desserts, Lingonberry Cheesecake with grape salad and chocolate mousse with blueberry ice cream.

We paid including drinks and tip between 155 CHF and 165 CHF (ca. 127.25 Euro and ca. 135.45 Euro or ca. 175.80 USD and ca. 187.15 USD)

The hotel also has a spa, the hotel is very good located, just a few blocks from the lake and the Bahnhofstrasse or Old Town.

The Park Hyatt is also famous for their Art Concept. The hotel has a large collection of modern art pieces. They call it classic modern. Some of the artists on display are Sol LeWitt, Heinz Mack and many others.

All the staff encountered was very friendly, but also efficient and knowledgeable. It was nice to have contact with the same people, for example room service was mostly delivered by the same person and the gentleman, who checked us in, took one of our calls and was also there at check out.

Even if the overnight rate is steep, we believe strongly it would be worth paying for.

The comfort of the room is great, the food outstanding and the employees do everything possible to make your stay a memorable one. Should we be in Zurich and not looking for a different experience, we are going to stay again.

©2014