RSS Feed

Related Articles

Related Categories

Explore Switzerland your way, all year long

11th April 2011 Print

Luxurious, vibrant, beautiful and accessible, Switzerland is ideal for a short break.

With a city scene that offers culture, designer shopping and gastronomy plus a lively nightlife, and breathtaking natural beauty, Switzerland is a gem in the heart of Europe. Famous for its chocolate, lakes, luxury products, banks and neutrality, there is much to discover across this majestic mountainous country.

Explore Switzerland, Preferred Hotel Group’s latest offer, includes the perfect combination for a short Swiss break: spas, chocolates, VIP treatment, limousine transfers, and cultural activities – all for a very attractive Franc.

With a luxurious collection of unique members, travellers can choose from any of the six hand-picked hotels to enjoy this spectacular offer. From the cosmopolitan city of Zurich to the natural wonders of Zermatt, Lucerne and Lausanne, there are many reasons to Explore Switzerland.

In addition, Preferred Hotel Group has provided a wealth of information about each destination, including insider tips from members to help visitors make the most of their stay in Switzerland.

Book Explore Switzerland by visiting: phgoffers.com/switzerland

A Swiss adventure - mountains and lakes

Often referred to as the ‘Playground of Europe’, Switzerland is the perfect destination for the more adventurous tourist. From tranquil lakes and snow clad Alps to countryside and castles, the country is one of the most beautiful in the world.

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Zermatt – Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Discover the old-world charm and modern style of this elegant hotel. Exuding a refined noblesse and chic hospitality, this legendary luxury Swiss hotel boasts an idyllic Alpine feel. Located within a lush, private park with a view of the Matterhorn, it is nestled within the heart of the city just minutes from world renowned skiing and cosmopolitan nightlife.

Rates from CHF 475 for two per night (minimum two nights) including transfer from or to the station with horse carriage or electric taxi, access to the spa ‘Vita Borni’ and either a complimentary herbal wrap or Valais massage, bottle of champagne, breakfast, complimentary soft drinks from the mini bar and an in-room fruit plate. For more information on the hotel visit: preferredhotels.com/zermatterhof

‘Must do’....The Matterhorn Mountain – Ascend 3,100m by train to the Gornergrat which has stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Don’t miss the Matterhorn Museum located on the grounds of the hotel’s.

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, Lucerne – Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Step into the elegantly ornate lobby and feel the presence of royalty and literary legends. Wagner, Tolstoy and Ludwig II graced the resplendently regal halls of this 19th century historic hotel. Five generations of superb hoteliers have demonstrated their unparalleled commitment to providing an incomparable stay. Discover the hotel’s new spa and enjoy a massage while admiring the breathtaking panoramic view of the lake and Alps in the Wellness Suite before spending the evening in the new designer black and pink bar.

Rates from CHF 828 for two per night in a Junior Suite. Offer includes either a 1 hour treatment or massage per person, breakfast and a complimentary fruit basket. For more information on the hotel visit: preferredhotels.com/schweizerhof

What to do?... On the shores of Lake Lucerne and within sight of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps Lucerne is a mecca for nature enthusiasts. The Glacier Garden provides access to a subtropical palm beach that existed 20 million years ago and glaciers from the last ice age. By taking the cable car up Mount Titlis above its glacier, the more adventurous can enjoy a breathtaking 360° panoramic view at 3,020m.

Hotel Angleterre and Residence, Lausanne-Ouchy – Summit Hotels & Resorts
Superbly nestled on the banks of Lake Geneva, Hotel Angleterre & Residence prides itself on superior accommodation, tantalizing cuisine and an unparalleled level of service. Within the historic, rich walls of this luxury hotel, sleek lines and contemporary furnishing create an environment where modernity melds perfectly with tradition. This boutique hotel with 75 guestrooms offers magnificent views of the lake and mountains, yet just minutes from the charming downtown shopping district.

Rates from CHF 313 per night including complimentary entrance to the Cinq Mondes spa in nearby five-star sister hotel, breakfast and Swiss chocolate. For more information on the hotel visit: summithotels.com/angleterre

What to do?... With plenty of vineyards to discover, renting a bike to visit them is highly recommended.

City Delights

Switzerland’s biggest city, Zurich, has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Cosmopolitan, beautiful and cultural, it has numerous museums, cultural attractions and theatres that can be visited in the day. And by night, a vibrant gastronomy and party scene that sees Zurich’s young and wealthy mingling with both tourists and business visitors.

Storchen Zürich, Zurich – Summit Hotels & Resorts
From the regal black storks nesting in the eaves to the leisurely flow of riverboats just beyond the terrace cafe, Storchen Zürich is undeniably romantic. Situated in on the River Limmat and nestled in the head of Old Town Zurich, this dramatic boutique hotel is mere steps from the famous Bahnhofstrasse – one of the world's most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues.

Rates from CHF 549 for two people per night (minimum two nights) and includes breakfast, a ‘Zurich Card’ per person for free transport for 25 hours including transfer by tram or train to the airport and free admission to 30 museums. The room includes a daily fruit plate and mineral water and on arrival warmed mulled wine and sweet chestnuts. For more information on the hotel visit: summithotels.com/storchen

Where to go?.... Fraumünster Church with the world famous Chagall windows is a two minute walk from Storchen Zurich and is part of a guided walk through the old town which offers visitors with sights, stories and anecdotes of both the old and new Zurich. A stroll through the peaceful Rietberg Park by the nearby Rietberg Museum ends with Wesendonck Villa, where Richard Wagner resided for a few months.

ALDEN Hotel Splugenschloss, Zurich – Preferred Boutique
Once a luxury apartment house for wealthy turn-of-the-century merchants, the property retains the feel of an elegant private residence. This lovingly restored Zurich five-star hotel serves as a monument to refined hospitality, where guests can savour the heightened level of attention and impeccable service.

Rates from CHF 1000 for two people per night (minimum two nights) including breakfast, airport limousine transfer, a delicious 4-course dinner with wine, and a welcome drink as well as a Bogner set of amenities and Sprüngli chocolate in your room. There is also a ‘sweet surprise’ for guests from legendary Swiss Confiserie Sprüngli at Paradeplatz. For more information on the hotel visit: preferredboutique.com/alden

Where to go.... Nearby Café Schober is one of the oldest cafes in Zurich and the Jules Verne bar provides an amazing view. Take the train up nearby 871m Üetliberg mountain, which ends in a short hike easy enough for the family to undertake to the summit. From there visitors can catch a gondola lift back down again.

Hotel Ascot, Zurich – Summit Hotels & Resorts
An oasis of understated grandeur, Hotel Ascot is a timeless landmark amid the financial centre of Zurich. This downtown hotel offers graciously elegant and timeless guestrooms refurbished at the end of 2010, amplified by a warm, refined ambiance that exudes throughout. Hotel Ascot is accommodation of exceptional character from which visitors can enjoy stunning mountain landscapes and thriving urban culture.

Rates from CHF 375 for two per night including breakfast, a limousine transfer from airport or station, a one day pass for public transport and a 3-course dinner. . For more information on the hotel visit: summithotels.com/ascot

Where to go?... The hotel is only a few steps from the picturesque Lake Zurich on which visitors can use their free public transport pass to enjoy a short boat trip and a ride on the scenic cable cars. Close to the famous shopping area on Paradeplatz, guests are encouraged to take in the quiet inner courtyards, cafes and restaurants that only insiders and locals know. All of this is located alongside the bustling shopping street Bahnhofstrasse, where they can try the Veal Zurich Style for dinner.