For the skiing enthusiast, Zurich is certainly one destination to keep in mind when planning a European holiday. The snow-capped mountains, quaint trappings of the old country, and modern cuisine and hospitality make this Swiss city a top consideration for travelers. Once you’ve decided to go, next comes the task of finding a reasonably priced hotel. You’ll find there are many comfortable places to stay with contemporary amenities, all you need to do is make the right Zurich hotel reservations.
Where are the best hotels in Zurich? There are so many to choose from, but here are ten to research when you’re ready to visit.
Hotel Bristol Zurich – Within walking distance of Old Town, the Bristol offers breathtaking views of the Limmat River and easy access to the theater district.
Schweizerhof Zürich – Here you’re close to the railway station, great if you have Europass. The Schweizerhof also boasts one of the better hotel bars in town.
Zurich Marriott Hotel – A brand American visitors can trust, the Marriott offers contemporary comfort in the old world.
St. Gotthard – Situated on the famous Bahnhofstrasse, the Saint Gotthard Hotel right where the action is. Easy access to shopping, dining, and the ski resorts, at a great price.
Rex Swiss Quality Hotel – This lovely, hip hotel is not far from the university once home to Albert Einstein, and there’s no end to the possibilities for sight-seeing when you stay here.
If you are interested in price-comparison of Zurich hotels for your European vacation, be sure to thoroughly check all the major booking engines for discounts according to location and season. A relaxing trip can be yours if you know how to plan. Enjoy Zurich!
Posted in Italy on 18. Mar, 2010
When one first thinks of Italy, he or she might think of great food, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or perhaps even a boot. One of the lesser known, but best vacation spots is the Italian lake district in the north end of Italy, extending into Switzerland.
This district consists of Lakes Maggiore, Lugano, Como and Garda as the major lakes. Lakes Orta, Versa and Iseo are the minor lakes as well.
When someone visits the Lake District, they are immediately blown away by the landscape: snow-capped mountains, with deep, winding lakes cutting through. Hillsides are covered in banana, lemon and other fruit trees, while azaleas and wildflowers cover the hills in the summer and spring. It is hard to believe one can experience all of this, only an hour outside of Milan!
Each village is unique and has individual charm. Every day, at least one village hosts an outdoor market, complete with food, wine, clothing, knick-knacks and housewares.
If you are planning a trip to the lakes district, here are a few tips you should know:
- Be sure to keep your passport on you at all times. Switzerland isn’t part of the European Union, and you will be asked for it if you cross borders.
- Keep a charged battery, or pack a spare. Some of the views will be absolutely breathtaking, and you won’t want to miss them.
- Use public transportation as much as possible. It is difficult to drive in Italy (compared to driving in America) and it’s best to just let a local do the driving.
- Carry a little extra Euros with you. While most places take credit cards, smaller businesses and outdoor markets obviously do not.
- Tipping isn’t always necessary. While it is customary to tip 18-20% in America, this isn’t the case in Italy. No more than 5% is ever expected.
- Travel as light as possible, with clothes that can keep you both warm and cool, as well as plenty of socks.
Finally, if you are planning a trip to Italy, be sure to find a hotel that is convenient to the areas you would most like to visit. Milan, Bergamo, Brescia and Verona are the main points of access.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP…
Ah yes, the less-than-comforting sound of an alarm clock. There you were, in a perfectly blissful state of slumber, and that awful blaring of competing tones disrupts your bliss and you are forced to leave that safe, warm place and go out into the harsh world.
But, what if you could take that warm, peaceful feeling with you to work or school?
Yoga allows that to happen. By syncing your body and mind through different poses and meditation, you become more focused. For me, yoga gives a greater sense of purpose for all of the day’s tasks, so I don’t become overwhelmed or stressed, but take things one step at a time. Doing this doesn’t make getting out of bed difficult, but almost exciting to make the most of your day.
Travel & Leisure posted an article of the top 25 yoga studios around the world. Here are a few located in Europe:
- Hamsa Yoga Studio: Copenhagen, Denmark – Offering Vinyasa yoga, this studio also offers advanced back-bending and Thai massage. English classes available on request.
- Triygoga: London, England – With locations in Primrose Hill, Covent Garden and Soho, this studio also offers acupuncture, naturopathy and massage.
- Airyoga Munich: Munich, Germany – About a four-minute walk from Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this studio offers massages, facials and pedicure in addition to all major yoga styles. English classes available upon request.
- Rasa: Paris, France – This studio focuses primarily on Vinyasa yoga, but still offers classes in Mysore, Ashtanga and Yin. English classes available upon request.
- Airyoga Zurich: Zurich, Switzerland – Here, a variety of 10 different yoga traditions are taught in a convenient location in Bellevue Plaza. Almost all classes are taught in English.
Of course, there are many yoga studios around the world you can attend. Just try out a few sessions and see if it’s a good fit. Hopefully it will leave you rejuvenated and refreshed. With plenty of hotels in and around Copenhagen, London, Munich, Paris and Zurich, be sure to check out affordable hotels at Eurobookings.com.
If all else fails, perhaps a more soothing alarm clock could also do the trick. But trust me on the yoga thing.
Looking for an young, hip place to spend the evening in Switzerland? Look no further than the Zic-Zac Rock Garden, which is one of the hottest spots in the Zurich. Here, you can dance on the tables and jam to different types of music each night. The DJ changes out the music almost nightly, so there is always something new and fun to listen to.
The Rock Garden is located in the Zic-Zac Rock Hotel, which is seven short minutes from the train station, and a walking distance from the heart of Zurich’s vibrant nightlife district. If you have a long night partying in the Rock Garden, check in at the hotel. Each room carries an ecclectic, unique vibe that complements the friendly staff.
This Rock Garden is a great way to spend an evening partying in Zurich. Everyone who visits can experience their own unique escape. Visit, and find out why this hotel’s motto is “Be Yourself.”
