Burgenstock Waldhotel 4801
Lovely room with a view which is mostly blocked by timbers
Burgenstock Waldhotel 4801
Arrived via the Burgenstock catamaran shuttle from Lucerne train station around noon. Went to the main Burgenstock check-in desk, and was redirected to the WaldHotel, where they do their own check-in. Took a short van ride to the WaldHotel.Had to wait a bit for other guests, since there was only one person at the reception check-in. Clearly there were staff shortages going on. Check-in was fairly quick, but all the information could have been obtained in advance. At the main Burgenstock check-in, it is much more efficient. Clearly, they Burgenstock does not share prior guest information with the WaldHotel (i.e. guest preferences, etc.). If you want a amazing stay, be sure to have somebody to record your preferences for mini-bar, type pillows, sheets vs. duvet, etc. The most annoying thing about all European hotels is the use of duvets, even when it's summer hot outside. Always request a sheet instead.Got my room key 4512 and went up, expecting luggage to follow (it did not). Upon arrival on the fifth floor, I opened my room and was surprised to find a very unpleasant odor (smelled like dog pee or something equally awful). I opened the terrace door hoping it would go away, which it did not.Went back down to the lobby and had to wait for the staff to be free (helping other guests). I mentioned the bad odor, and he accompanied me back up to the room to investigate. He agreed it smelled bad.Back down in the lobby, he called housekeeping, who suggested that they put in a Dyson air cleaner, which should help with the odor. I looked in confusion to him, and said that was not acceptable. For 700 CHF per night, must I listen to a loud air cleaner ? This is the best resort complex in Switzerland (and Europe), and I was not about to compromise my stay for something wrong on their behalf.When he suggested another room, I said that he needed to go to the room and smell it first. He left for a few minutes, and when he returned, said it had the same bad smell (5th floor). He offered a reason for the smell that it might be from renovations, or something to do with some glue or something.He then called the manager, who suggested a upgrade to floor 8.The room on the 8th floor (4801) was perfect. I accepted, but took up my own luggage, since the first request to have luggage delivered was not carried out (even after several cash tips to do so). A first for the Burgenstock complex.As I took photos for my review, I noticed many things, not consistent with the typical Burgenstock experience.- No fruit. - No welcome letter. - No flowers. - No bottle of champagne/wine/etc.I went to dinner and returned by 8 pm, and there had been no evening turn-down service by that time (usually they coordinate while you're having dinner). Since I had been traveling with no sleep from the evening overnight flight before, I turned in, and turned on the occupied (do not disturb) indicator.The next morning I found that housekeeping left a note on the door (they stopped by for turndown after 9 pm).While the room was quite wonderful, it's clear that my guest preferences (I've been to the Burgenstock complex more than 10 times) did not transfer to the WaldHotel. The view from this room was blocked by lots of architectural timbers on the exterior. It is too bad that they have to block the view, so the building looks eco green. I assume this was a mistake by the designers, who rarely stay in the buildings they design.When I inquired about using the Burgenstock Spa, which overlooks Lake Lucerne, they said that the newer policy rates were 250 CHF (up from 100 CHF a few months prior when I was at the Burgenstock Palace). Clearly with more people traveling, they need to limit the spa to Burgenstock hotel guests. Fair enough. The WaldHotel offers its own pool and spa.On the more positive review note, the dinner and breakfast experience were wonderful. Back to the great Burgenstock standards. The staff was nice and very attentive. Food choices for lunch and dinner were a bit limited, but as a vegetarian, I appreciate the healthy options. The food was really good.Summary: Do not book 4512 or any room on 5th floor. Hold the WaldHotel accountable for their expensive rates, and make sure they give you a great experience (without product or service shorting). They strive for perfection, make sure they give it to you.
Room is well kept and wonderful.
Access door near library to hallway. Card to gain access.
Spectacular room view is blocked by timbers
Useful desk with good power access including USB
Tea and Coffee
Free non-alcoholic drinks in mini bar
Wonderful bathroom with non shading window
Different bathing products from Burgenstock and Palace
Minibar and Tea Coffee Station with other items for purchase
Minibar
I keep seeing this annoying nickle-and-diming strategy with world-class hotels. Don't provide anything that is a la carte. Several items are available for purchase, which can be obtained from the Burgenstock store at a fraction of the price. It's really low class to offer these options. I recommend that the resort drops these add on purchase options.A classy resort would not offer these items, either include them for the expensive room price, or eliminate them.
Breakfast scrambled eggs
Breakfast tower
Dinner non-alcohol drink which was amazing
Chocolate gelato for dessert
Lounge
Verbena Menu
Verbena Restaurant
The Verbena Restaurant has a bar, lounge, outdoor and indoor dining.While the menu is limited in selections, it offers some of the best healthy food in Switzerland with a world class chef.I particularly like the non-alcohol drink options.
Verbena Bar and Restaurant
Library
Lounge
Funicular up to the Burgenstock from lake level.
Access to Burgenstock
To get to the Burgenstock, you have the following options:-Fly your private jet into Zurich-Fly your private jet into Buochs airport, which only is open from Monday through Saturday (also the location of Pilatus aircraft manufacturing). The Buochs Airport (ICAO code LSZC Mil: LSMU) is a regional airport in the town of Buochs in the Canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-Drive-Train into Lucerne station, then walk 5 minutes to the boat dock to get the Burgenstock catamaran shuttle (recommended).-Boat via the Burgenstock catamaran shuttle (recommended).-Taxi or private car. Expect 100 chf from Lucerne to the Burgenstock. Early morning 30-45 minutes. But later in the day plan on one hour with traffic.Helicopter Notes: I've flow in from Zermatt via Air Zermatt and Locarno via Swiss Helicopters. If you're lucky, you'll land at the helipad, but more likely you'll land in the cow pasture with pickup. You will need to coordinate in advance and complete a helicopter approval pdf (see post regarding helicopter arrival).
Airport Buoches AG Info
Burgenstock shuttle from Lucerne train station to the resort across the lake
Getting to the Burgenstock via hotel catamaran shuttle
Hike on the mountain at the Burgenstock
Felsenweg Bürgenstock and Hammetschwand Lift
One of my favorite and most scentic trails is the Felsenweg next to the Burgenstock. If you're luckly, you'll see the amazing miracle lights which I've experienced twice in the fall, when the clouds are lifting and the Sun displays a myriad of beautiful colors.
Felsenweg Bürgenstock and Hammetschwand Lift
Ferrari or Maserati are now available to experience at the Burgenstock for about $900 per day or included with a suite reservation
BI COLLECTION FERRARI DRIVING EXPERIENCE
From the website: Two of Switzerland’s most exclusive collections collaborate in this suite, spa, and supercar experience. Reserve a suite at the Bürgenstock or Palace Hotel and we give you keys for a Ferrari or Maserati, to drive for 300 km through scenic roads and Alpine passes. Your Bürgenstock Suite has soaring views over Lake Lucerne and includes unlimited access to one of the world’s most acclaimed experiential spas. Then there’s the thrill of driving the sleek, high-performance car. A stay to take your breath away.
Alpine Spa Private Suite and the keys to a Super Car, courtesy of BI Collection
Hike on the mountain at the Burgenstock
Felsenweg Bürgenstock and Hammetschwand Lift
One of my favorite and most scentic trails is the Felsenweg next to the Burgenstock. If you're luckly, you'll see the amazing miracle lights which I've experienced twice in the fall, when the clouds are lifting and the Sun displays a myriad of beautiful colors.
Felsenweg Bürgenstock and Hammetschwand Lift
Lucerne
Views are amazing from the Burgenstock and local hikes
SWISS ALPS BY HELICOPTER: Tour the Matterhorn (via Air Zermatt)
Epic aerial footage of the top of the Matterhorn by helicopter. See the stunning views you can only get from Air Zermatt. If you ever visit the charming Swiss village of Zermatt, Switzerland, I recommend staying at the Riffelalp Resort (high above the village mid-way up the Gornergrat) and taking a helicopter tour of the Swiss alps. I have even chartered Air Zermatt to fly me directly to the Burgenstock Resort high above Lucerne, Switzerland.
YouTube VideoCruisingReview YouTube Channel
Air Zermatt Charter Service and Helicopter Tours
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.Buoches Airport Website
Burgenstock Landing Permission Form in PDF Format as of 19 September 2021Air Zermatt Sightseeing and Helicopter Charter around Zermatt and Resort or Airport Transfer to the Burgenstock Resort
Contact Air Zermatt
Email: Air Zermatt
TEL: +1 608-238-6001 Email: greg@cruisingreview.com
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CONTACT TEL: 608-238-6001 Email: greg@cruisingreview.com
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