Hotel check: Courtyard Marriott Zurich

Published: 20/05/2008 - Filed under: Archive » 2008 » June 2008 » Tried & Tested » Tried & Tested » Tried & Tested » Hotels » Tried & Tested » Hotels » Switzerland »

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WHAT’S IT LIKE? Travellers who have experienced Marriott’s Courtyard brand in the UK will be pleasantly surprised by the European version, which is firmly in the top ranks of the four-star category. Indeed, last summer the group sold its 11 UK properties and has begun an aggressive expansion of new-build Courtyards which will feature the brand’s new European prototype, launched 18 months ago (properties at Gatwick, Belfast and Aberdeen are under construction). Opened in 2006, the Zurich hotel is not a new-generation Courtyard but is nonetheless up to the brand’s high European standards. Located on the outskirts of the city centre, the six-storey new-build has a welcoming reception area with colourful furnishings and friendly staff. Next to the desk is a Grab ‘n’ Go shop – Courtyard does not provide stocked minibars in-room, so anything from ice cream and wine to sandwiches and hot drinks can be purchased here and put on the bill. (Tea and coffee is free all morning.)

WHERE IS IT? Around 3km north-west of the city centre and a short walk to Oerlikon station. From here, it is a ten-minute journey by train or tram to both the airport and the city centre.

HOW MANY ROOMS? 152 rooms on six floors, including 22 Superior rooms, 31 Twin rooms and two Suites.

ROOM FACILITIES All rooms are equipped with a large workdesk, flatscreen TV, wired and wifi internet access (CHF24/£12 for 24 hours), tea and coffee-making facilities, safe, fridge, iron and ironing board, electronic external blinds, telephone, air conditioning and a bath/shower. The décor is modern with touches of red, blue and gold in the bedroom, and grey and white marble in the bathroom. The views aren’t spectacular, but the double-glazed windows can be opened if you want some fresh air. Superior rooms are on the top floor, and come with amenities including free bottles of wine and mineral water, Bulgari toiletries (instead of Courtyard’s own brand), free wifi and breakfast.

RESTAURANT AND BARS A relaxing 160-seat restaurant/bar – called Max – is located on the ground floor, and has an outside terrace with 72 seats for summer. A breakfast buffet is served here (6.30-10.30am), and meals from an international menu, which changes frequently (lunch weekly and dinner bi-weekly) are available throughout the day until 10pm. From Tuesday to Thursday there is a happy hour from 5pm to 7pm and free bar snacks.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There is one conference room (divisible into four sections) with capacity for 320 delegates, one meeting room (divisible into two), one boardroom for up to 16 people, a refreshment area offering snacks and drinks all day and a break-out room, which is also divisible into two. All meeting rooms have wired and wireless internet, natural daylight and soundproofing. A small business lounge on the ground floor has two computers, one laptop, and printing facilities (up to 20 copies per day free).

LEISURE FACILITIES There is a small gym on the first floor and guests can also use a fitness centre across the road.

VERDICT With friendly staff and functional design, the Courtyard offers comfort, efficiency and value for money.

PRICES Internet rates for a midweek stay in June started from CHF666.50 (£332) for a Superior King room.

CONTACT Max Bill-Platz 19, CH-8050 Zurich; tel +41 445 640 401; courtyardzurich.com.

Report by Jenny Southan