Have you been to Marriott's in Switzerland or Austria? We have tour booked in June. Would appreciate input.

[Quilter]

We've booked a Rick Steves' tour in June. With our Marriott points I'm adding extra spots to visit before and after the tour. Redemption rates are terrible!!!!

The tour starts in Salzburg. Before the tour we're stopping in Vienna for 5 nights. Imperial Riding School. The tour ends in Chamonix. I've booked 2 nights at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux. Then on to Lucerne for 5 nights at the Renaissance Lucerne Hotel.

There's a 3 night gap after the Lucerne hotel and our flight home. We're booked on a flight out of Munich (United miles) but I can now see same price for a flight out of Zurich. We were going to visit Zurich on a day trip while in Lucerne but we could move over to Zurich for those 3 nights if it's a better choice than traveling up to Munich.

If someone knows the areas well I would appreciate the feedback.

 

[Ken555]

Zurich is nice to visit, and you can go on a day trip to Luzern, which is even better. I stayed at the Courtyard in Zurich, which was perfectly fine - the Courtyards in Europe are actually quite nice, especially compared with those in North America.

ETA now I see you're going to Luzern… never mind! Stay in Zurich!

 

[GregT]

Hello Suzzanne, wow you are going to have a lovely time. Yes, coincidentally, I've spent alot of time in Europe the last two years, and have some familiarity with the places you have mentioned.

From a Marriott perspective, I have stayed in the Marriott by the train station Zurich and in the Courtyard in Geneva, close to the airport. We did visit the Imperial Riding School last September and it was magnificent -- that being said, 5 days is alot in Vienna and we were happy with two, as there are other interesting places to consider.

However, most importantly, if the tour ends in Chamonix, I really hope you find a way to visit Annecy. It is a special place on the planet, and I'd never heard of it before my son's (French) teacher recommended it to us. I really can't overemphasize this, Annecy is a Top 5 travel spot for me in my life.

Another Top 5 is Zermatt - harder to get to -- but worth spending 6 hours on a (beautiful) train trip if you can get 2 days in Zermatt. The Matterhorn is spectacular, the town is charming and the hiking and views are amazing. But it will be VRBO for sure.

We also stayed in Spiesz, which is a beautiful town on an important train junction, but the town itself is no more remarkable than ever other breathtakingly beautiful Swiss town that you will visit, but it is well suited to visit Interlaken, which is a great destination as well -- but more for it's proximity to the surroundings (the Jungfrau, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and great shopping and dining in Interlaken). There will likely be a Marriott in Interlaken, but I never checked.

I'm happy to discuss any or all of these, I have beautiful, sentimental pictures from all. Jack and I spent 5 weeks traveling through Europe in 2023, and another 3 weeks in 2024. Jonell and I spent 2 weeks during 2023 as well -- an amazingly beautiful country.

Others can overrule me, but I would limit the time in Geneva and Zurich (and maybe Lucerne?) in favor of Annecy, Interlaken and Zermatt. I vote for my three because they are small / walkable and surrounded by vistas that are not to be believed. Annecy and Zermatt are small, and Interlaken is smallish.

If it matters, we also spent time in Salzburg and Vienna and I would manage my time in those towns judiciously. Rick Steves will hit the highpoints for Salzburg so you won't need additional time -- but we did love both cities.

Thank you for letting me visit memory lane!

Best,

Greg

 

[Dean]

We've booked a Rick Steves' tour in June. With our Marriott points I'm adding extra spots to visit before and after the tour. Redemption rates are terrible!!!!

The tour starts in Salzburg. Before the tour we're stopping in Vienna for 5 nights. Imperial Riding School. The tour ends in Chamonix. I've booked 2 nights at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux. Then on to Lucerne for 5 nights at the Renaissance Lucerne Hotel.

There's a 3 night gap after the Lucerne hotel and our flight home. We're booked on a flight out of Munich (United miles) but I can now see same price for a flight out of Zurich. We were going to visit Zurich on a day trip while in Lucerne but we could move over to Zurich for those 3 nights if it's a better choice than traveling up to Munich.

If someone knows the areas well I would appreciate the feedback.

Just came back from Europe with 2 nights in Munich, 2 nights in Salzburg and a day in Vienna (was there 2 years ago as well). Salzburg is very compact and shouldn't be an issue. While we didn't stay at a Marriott, across the street was a Sheraton Grande by Maribell Gardens. It seemed quite nice and is similarly rated to the Hyperion we stayed at across the street. In Salzburg if you're in the shopping area (near the chain bridge), there's a burger bar called BURGERISTA. It was quite nice, quick, easy and reasonably priced. For Vienna, I surprised my wife with the performance for the Spanish Riding School, she was ecstatic.

 

[Cornell]

I spent 10 days in Switzerland in 2020. Moved all around during this trip.
Stayed primarily in Marriott / Bonvoy branded hotels.

• in Zurich, I stayed in Zurich Renaissance Tower. It was good. If I recall there was a club for elite members which I took advantage of.
• In Geneva I stayed at the Hotel President Wilson. Very nice hotel.
• In both Bern and Sion, we stayed in a Moxy. Relatively inexpensive hotels but served the purpose as we were only in each town for one night only. Just needed a place to sleep.

I was in Sion as I used that as a starting point for the Glacier Express. Breathtaking train trip if you like that kind of thing. The other great train trip is the Bernina Express.

One thing about Switzerland is that it's pretty small with really good public transport. So it's very easy to do day trips from Zurich. I personally think Zurich is a great "home base" for a few days. The main train station alone is worth seeing.

The obvious downside is -- WOW it's crazy expensive.

I loved Switzerland and would go back in a heartbeat. Very safe. Everything is well run and efficient. Even more cool is that there are 4 languages in a small country. As you move from region to region on the trains you'll hear the language of the announcements change.

Then there is Swiss German which is not an official language but is spoken in many parts of Switzerland. Gruetzi!

 

[LeslieDet]

Just FYI - in Vienna, the Imperial Riding School property is outside of the "ring" but fairly close to Belvedere Palace. So, if you are planning on doing a lot of sightseeing in the tourist spots within the "ring", you might want to check out the public transportation system with trams and metro and the 24+ hr tickets available. You must buy tickets online in advance for designated time entrance to both the Belvedere Palace and the Schonbrunn Palace. I highly recommend both. Enjoy.

 

[elaine]

Zurich Renaissance Tower.

Also like this one a lot (many years ago). Excellent Elite lounge. We stayed at Wyndham in Salzburg. It was fine, modern bldg. Easy walk to train station.

 

[Ken555]

Last time I was in Salzburg, many years ago, I stayed at the Goldener Hirsch. It was fabulous, and all enjoyed.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/szglc-hotel-goldener-hirsch-a-luxury-collection-hotel-salzburg/overview/

 

[Quilter]

Hello Suzzanne, wow you are going to have a lovely time. Yes, coincidentally, I've spent alot of time in Europe the last two years, and have some familiarity with the places you have mentioned.

From a Marriott perspective, I have stayed in the Marriott by the train station Zurich and in the Courtyard in Geneva, close to the airport. We did visit the Imperial Riding School last September and it was magnificent -- that being said, 5 days is alot in Vienna and we were happy with two, as there are other interesting places to consider.

However, most importantly, if the tour ends in Chamonix, I really hope you find a way to visit Annecy. It is a special place on the planet, and I'd never heard of it before my son's (French) teacher recommended it to us. I really can't overemphasize this, Annecy is a Top 5 travel spot for me in my life.

Another Top 5 is Zermatt - harder to get to -- but worth spending 6 hours on a (beautiful) train trip if you can get 2 days in Zermatt. The Matterhorn is spectacular, the town is charming and the hiking and views are amazing. But it will be VRBO for sure.

We also stayed in Spiesz, which is a beautiful town on an important train junction, but the town itself is no more remarkable than ever other breathtakingly beautiful Swiss town that you will visit, but it is well suited to visit Interlaken, which is a great destination as well -- but more for it's proximity to the surroundings (the Jungfrau, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and great shopping and dining in Interlaken). There will likely be a Marriott in Interlaken, but I never checked.

I'm happy to discuss any or all of these, I have beautiful, sentimental pictures from all. Jack and I spent 5 weeks traveling through Europe in 2023, and another 3 weeks in 2024. Jonell and I spent 2 weeks during 2023 as well -- an amazingly beautiful country.

Others can overrule me, but I would limit the time in Geneva and Zurich (and maybe Lucerne?) in favor of Annecy, Interlaken and Zermatt. I vote for my three because they are small / walkable and surrounded by vistas that are not to be believed. Annecy and Zermatt are small, and Interlaken is smallish.

If it matters, we also spent time in Salzburg and Vienna and I would manage my time in those towns judiciously. Rick Steves will hit the highpoints for Salzburg so you won't need additional time -- but we did love both cities.

Thank you for letting me visit memory lane!

Best,

Greg

Hello Greg,

Thank you for taking the time with details.

We've looked into another RS My Way for the fall that goes through France. Annecy is on that itinerary. I'd appreciate it if you'd glance over that tour and give me your thoughts about that tour for early October. I've read it can be rainy in October. What time of year did you go to France?https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/france/my-way-france

 

[GregT]

Hello Greg,

Thank you for taking the time with details.

We've looked into another RS My Way for the fall that goes through France. Annecy is on that itinerary. I'd appreciate it if you'd glance over that tour and give me your thoughts about that tour for early October. I've read it can be rainy in October. What time of year did you go to France?https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/france/my-way-france

Hello Suzzanne, that trip looks fantastic -- many great destinations on that itinerary!

We were there in mid-September and the weather was perfect for us -- sunny, no rain, sometimes windy, but it worked well for us. I think that will be a great trip -- please send pictures!

Best,

Greg

 

[dgf15215]

We've booked a Rick Steves' tour in June. With our Marriott points I'm adding extra spots to visit before and after the tour. Redemption rates are terrible!!!!

The tour starts in Salzburg. Before the tour we're stopping in Vienna for 5 nights. Imperial Riding School. The tour ends in Chamonix. I've booked 2 nights at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux. Then on to Lucerne for 5 nights at the Renaissance Lucerne Hotel.

There's a 3 night gap after the Lucerne hotel and our flight home. We're booked on a flight out of Munich (United miles) but I can now see same price for a flight out of Zurich. We were going to visit Zurich on a day trip while in Lucerne but we could move over to Zurich for those 3 nights if it's a better choice than traveling up to Munich.

If someone knows the areas well I would appreciate the feedback.

My wife and I stayed at the Marriott a short walk from the train station for five nights while touring and spending time with a niece who lives there. I can't say enough about the property, I can't say I recall one of those terrific views but it's a big place and the accommodations were excellent. A tram runs very close to the Marriott which takes you down to the train station and beyond, a phone app does a great job getting us directions on how to get around pretty easily. We did take a day trip to Basel for a short tour of a few art museums (I think I recall there are more than forty in Basel which is how "Art Basel" around the world started - we go to Art Basel Miami every few years). The train back and forth to Basel is a great trip in itself. One of the first things I learned after arriving was to have small Swiss change - you'll need it at their spotless public restrooms where they separate everyone into those who need only to stand or those needing to sit. It costs more to sit. Have a great time.

 

[Quilter]

My wife and I stayed at the Marriott a short walk from the train station for five nights while touring and spending time with a niece who lives there. I can't say enough about the property, I can't say I recall one of those terrific views but it's a big place and the accommodations were excellent. A tram runs very close to the Marriott which takes you down to the train station and beyond, a phone app does a great job getting us directions on how to get around pretty easily. We did take a day trip to Basel for a short tour of a few art museums (I think I recall there are more than forty in Basel which is how "Art Basel" around the world started - we go to Art Basel Miami every few years). The train back and forth to Basel is a great trip in itself. One of the first things I learned after arriving was to have small Swiss change - you'll need it at their spotless public restrooms where they separate everyone into those who need only to stand or those needing to sit. It costs more to sit. Have a great time.

What Marriott are you referring to? We have 3 reserved. Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux. Renaissance Lucerne Hotel, and Imperial Riding School in Vienna. I looked at the location of Basel and it seems Lucerne is closest. Are you referring to the Renaissance Lucerne Hotel?

 

[normab]

We stayed at the Renaissance in Lucerne last year. Great hotel, great location. Highly recommend.

 

[dgf15215]

What Marriott are you referring to? We have 3 reserved. Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux. Renaissance Lucerne Hotel, and Imperial Riding School in Vienna. I looked at the location of Basel and it seems Lucerne is closest. Are you referring to the Renaissance Lucerne Hotel?

I'm sorry I wasn't clearer. I was referring to the Zurich Marriott Hotel. It is a terrific property, easy to get everywhere from, and we had access to a lounge that seemed to be open most of the day and night. Drinks and snacks were available, especially around set times when many seemed to be eating a light dinner. My niece would meet us there after work for a drink, and we'd go on from there. Life in Switzerland is very expensive, people are paid very well in return. And know that most everything is closed on Sundays except for some museums and some of the stands at the railroad building.

 

[Quilter]

Just FYI - in Vienna, the Imperial Riding School property is outside of the "ring" but fairly close to Belvedere Palace. So, if you are planning on doing a lot of sightseeing in the tourist spots within the "ring", you might want to check out the public transportation system with trams and metro and the 24+ hr tickets available. You must buy tickets online in advance for designated time entrance to both the Belvedere Palace and the Schonbrunn Palace. I highly recommend both. Enjoy.

Did you stay at the Imperial Riding School? Do they have a lounge for evening snacks? Is breakfast offered as an elite benefit?

 

[Luanne]

I'm sorry I wasn't clearer. I was referring to the Zurich Marriott Hotel. It is a terrific property, easy to get everywhere from, and we had access to a lounge that seemed to be open most of the day and night. Drinks and snacks were available, especially around set times when many seemed to be eating a light dinner. My niece would meet us there after work for a drink, and we'd go on from there. Life in Switzerland is very expensive, people are paid very well in return. And know that most everything is closed on Sundays except for some museums and some of the stands at the railroad building.

I have stayed in that Marriott twice. First time was when I accompanied my husband on a business trip and his company paid for the room. It was great for us as a base.

I then stayed there with my daughter a couple of years ago. Not as thrilled this time. It was still a great hotel, and they had a nice breakfast buffet, but it's a Marriott and very much an American hotel catering to American business people. If we go back I would prefer to stay in a smaller hotel in the Old Town area.

 

[LeslieDet]

Did you stay at the Imperial Riding School? Do they have a lounge for evening snacks? Is breakfast offered as an elite benefit?

No, I was going to but opted instead to stay at the Hotel Imperial. I was reading the Rick Steve's pocket Vienna, and decided I preferred to stay within the "ring". I've read good things about the Riding School property, it was redone and reopened sometime 2024. It was just outside of my preferred walking zone. BTW - the Hotel Imperial was amazing.