TEL: +1 608-238-6001 Email: greg@cruisingreview.com
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View of the Burgenstock Hotel |
Burgenstock Palace Hotel 2222 This was the sixth stay I've had at the Burgenstock resort complex. On this trip, I was traveling solo (like most of the visits I've had here). For the solo traveler, the resort is excellent experience.There's a reason why I continue to visit the Burgenstock, because of the incredible warm, relaxing, and appealing experience. It is simply the best.The iconic world-class Burgenstock complex offers the best spa and resort in Europe. It will leave you feeling completely refreshed and even more excited to return again. It is this feeling that brings a loyal following to the Burgenstock.Overall, this is my favorite resort in the world. The staff and service are world-class (they love working there). The location is amazing. The hiking and fresh alpine aire will rejunvinate you. The experience is quite simply the best in the world. There is so much to explore around the resort, and the area of Lucerne. It is probably one of my favorites in Switzerland.Food quality, presentation, and variety is off-the-charts amazing. Burgenstock information via PDF search |
Helicopter Transfer is available to and from the resort. You can take a private jet to the local airstrip (closed on Sundays from noise ordinances) at Bouchs LSZC. |
Helicopter Transfer To and From Resort If you're interested in chartering a helicopter (1-4 pax) from the Burgenstock Resort to Zurich airport (ZRH), the fee as of 19 Sep 2021 is around 2,500 CHF. About 30 minute or less flight.If you are interested in a transfer from Zermatt via Air Zermatt, expect a cost of around 4,500 CHF (up to 4 pax depending on amount of luggage) to the Burgenstock resort direct. See .pdf landing permission form below. Request a quick spin around the Matterhorn enroute. Expect a 30-45 minutes flight with amazing service and great pilots.https://airportbuochs.ch Burgenstock Landing Permission Form in PDF Format as of 19 September 2021 |
Burgenstock Funicular connecting the lakeside dock to the mountaintop resort |
Cards given at check-in |
Check In The check in is pretty normal.Of course all of the information they need, can easily be obtained prior to arrival, and most they already have on hand:-passport (can easily get in advance)-credit card for deposit (typically paid in advance except for room charges)-street address (given at time of booking)-sign forms-request Covid QR code to put green dot on your room key, otherwise they scan at each restaurant (if you do not have QR code for Swiss Covid Certificate, then you may not eat in any of the restaurants, or go to the Spa-brief introduction to the resort including map-given shuttle schedule-given room key-given shuttle card (pass)-tenders any questions
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Pricing for the Palace Hotel The costs to stay here are as follows... in Swiss Francs (CHF)Rental E Bike: 80 CHF (for a day - no other options)Sharz Dinner (for 3): 363 CHFRoom 2222:Basic: 627.00 CHFTourism Tax: 8.00Lucerne Hotel Tax: 2.20Spices Lunch (for 1): 59.00Alpine Spa Access (not included with Palance Hotel room): 100 CHFOak Grill Dinner (for 2): 156.50Total Stay For 3 Nights: 3,119.60
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Pandemic Pricing I chose to stay in the Palace Hotel to try something new, and as a reaction to the huge increase in pricing for the Burgenstock Hotel (more than 40 percent compared to previous year).The standard Burgenstock Resort room was as high as $1,600 compared to $900-$1,000 a year prior. Keep in mind that is the lowest category room at the Burgenstock Hotel. If you want a better view, more space, or upper level, expect to pay lots more. That's a pretty stiff pandemic raise in pricing. You do get a few extra's, like a bottle of wine/champagne (I don't drink), and a $100 spa treatment credit (for something in the spa which is going to be over $200). Not worth the huge surcharge.
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How to Book I book through Hotels.com (not sponsored) so I can get United points for my stay, since I get no discount or benefits from booking from other booking engines, or the resort directly. I have tried in the past to book directly from the resort, and found that it may cost more, and is definitely more hassle.The resort web booking engine is lousy. If you're trying to book multiple rooms, forget it (it's useless, like most Swiss websites in terms of functionality).
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Palace Hotel Room 2222 This is the standard room which ranges in price (seasonal) from around $700-$1000 per night. Spa access is not included. This is the lowest cost option for the Burgenstock complex (I have not priced nor stayed at the WaldHotel).Room configuration is either a double bed, or two singles.Bathroom is enclosed, with not view windows (like at the Burgenstock Hotel). This room had a view of the back green mountains and pastures, with the melodic sound of cowbells in the distance. Lakeviews are additional categories and price.
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Mini Bar Snack Bar Optional One of my big issues with high-end resorts is when they don't include everything presented at the in-suite minibar. When you charge for other items (candy bars, Gummy bears, and other trivial items), it looks cheap. I can't figure out why they do it, but it takes away from the amazing experience. Either include it, or simply don't have it. If you need to offer trival items for a price, then have a resort store (Bugenstock has one with a great variety of items).Better yet, explore the local town store and buy at a huge discount, while supporting the local economy.
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Towels For a single occupant, the towel supply is perfect. If you are traveling with one of more women, or more than two in a room or suite, then you will be short.Most resorts know ahead of time for the booking the number of occupants, so it's a simple checklist item.
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Bathroom The lotions and bottled liquids are wonderful, and the best quality.
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Room Layout The basic room at the Palace is well thought out and deliveries a very comfortable and efficient stay. The bathroom is fully enclosed, and works perfectly.
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Example of a QR Code for Swiss Covid Certificate (Switzerland September 2021) |
Our Experience with the Swiss Covid Certificate It was with great anxiety that we started our vacation in Switzerland arriving on Monday 13 September 2021, which is when the Swiss Covid Certificate was required in resorts, restaurants, and other venues. While I emailed in advance the resorts for advice, replies were slow to come back, so we got a free rapid Covid test when we landed in Geneva at Terminal 2 (free).Much to my dismay, since the USA does not have a QR code for our vaccines, our manually, paper authenticated vaccine cards were not accepted in Switzerland. Only QR code vaccine documentation was allowed.To get into restaurants (and other indoor venues such as museums), your Swiss Covid Certificate QR code is scanned and authenticated (verified valid). In Zermatt, we were not allowed to sit inside on multiple occasions. Before we departed Zermatt, we visited the local doctors office to pay 80 CHF each, to get a rapid test, which is valid for two days. A PCR test (around 140 CHF each and results not available for a day) was good for 3 days.When at the Burgenstock, we got tested at the on-site WaldHotel for 100 CHF each (rapid test), which was also good for our travel (flight) home on Swiss. We had to show the email pdf document (they would not scan the QR code at the airport).This information is valid for September 2021. Of course it may change. Example of a QR Code for Swiss Covid CertificateAll you need to know about the Swiss Covid Certificate |
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Burgenstock Hybrid Catamaran Shuttle |
Burgenstock Hybrid Catamaran Shuttle The transfer from the Lucerne train station (and lake boat departure point) is easy and fast. Expect a wonderful 30 minute boat ride on a comfortable and stable state-of-the-art yacht to the base of the Burgenstock Resort funicular. Burgenstock Shuttle Schedule
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Burgenstock Spa View |
Breakfast Buffet no longer exists since Covid - instead you get a tower of goodies and made-to-order selections |
Breakfast Buffet Since Covid (pandemic), the Burgenstock no longer offers a self-serve breakfast buffet.They now bring you a small tower of delicious goodies, and made to order entrees.
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Breakfast Buffet |
Breakfast Buffet The breakfast at the Burgenstock is a culinary journey.
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Sharq Restaurant |
Med cuisine.
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Cabrio Open Air Cablecar up to the Stanserhorn For an afternoon adventure, I rented a E-bike from the Burgenstock (80 CHF per day - no other pricing options available) and biked to Stans to catch the multiple transport up to the Stanserhorn. The first stage is a funicular to the base of the mountain where you transfer to the cablecar. The highlight is the open top cablecar. With wonderful vistas (during nice weather), the view from the outside is amazing. The trek via cable car was about 20 minutes. At the top is the Stanserhorn with a restaurant and bar. Lots of hiking is available, and even candlelight dinner options.From the website: Get carried away by the romantic atmosphere in the revolving restaurant Rondorama and enjoy a delicious Candlelight Dinner with the charming service of our staff. Doors open at 6.00 pm. You are free to join us earlier in the afternoon for a walk or aperitif on Mt Stanserhorn. Arrival time is up to the individual - as soon as you’re ready at your table, we’ll start spoiling you with our service.Mountain rides every half hour until 10.00 pm. Last descent at 11 pm. Every Friday and Saturday from May 28th until November 13th, 2021 + Saturday 20th and Saturday 27th of November 2021. CHF 105.00 per person including the mountain ride and 4-course-dinner. Seasonal Cards and shareholder tickets are valid.The bike ride took around 45 minutes, and was easy with the electric assist on the bike. Always get a helmet and a bike lock. I used Google maps to navigate. The ride back was about an hour, due to the twists and turns back up the mountain to the Burgenstock. Visit the Stanserhorn website:
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Sunset at the Burgenstock in July 2021 |
Spices dinner |
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More Detailed Reviews As I slowly consolidate my business activites and focus more on travel, these reviews will get more detailed. Expect more content and delivery for reviews in future travels.My off-travel activities include inventing, developing machines for the renewable energy industry, and now developing FileMaker databases, including apps for building websites (this was done on a FileMaker app) and Social Media posts on Instagram.I love to combine my talents of database organization with travels to inform and entertain those who wish to travel abroad. Instagram for Pepe.G6
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Spa infinity pool |
Sharq dinner |
Spices lunch |
Spa Pool Indoors |
Outside pool near the Oak Grill |
Outdoor Pool and Alpine Spa Alpine SpaDaily from 9.00 am – 8.00 pmTreatmentsDaily from 9.00 am – 7.00 pmFOR YOUR COMFORTCLOTHINGWhen visiting us you will be welcomed with our Alpine Spa bathrobe, a spa bag, bath towel and flip flops.Designed for everyone. We always prioritize accessibility in our lounge. Burgenstock Resort |
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Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) covered wooden footbridge spanning the river Reuss diagonally in the city of Lucerne in central Switzerland |
Public bathrooms at the Burgenstock always perfectly clean and functional |
Working authentic paddlewheelers on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland |
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View from Palace Room 2222 at the Burgenstock |
View from Room 2222 at the Palace Hotel |
Burgenstock Lounge overlooking Lake Lucerne |
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