Twenty-four hours in Zurich

Advantages: A lake, a river, a mountain, beautiful old buildings....
Disadvantages: Expensive

...My first experience of the city of Zurich was the central railway station, or Hauptbahnhof, and it did not endear me to it. I arrived on a train from the airport at an underground platform and was to meet my son and his partner somewhere on the station, but I didn't know where. I decided to follow the signs for those who wanted to catch a bus or a tram, but ended up in a street to one side. Going back inside the station, I was surprised how crowded it was; it was just after 5pm, but apparently it's always packed with people. I headed for the main entrance past an open market. I thought I'd better ring my son to see where they were waiting, but there was a man playing an accordion and I didn't think I would be able to hear. Making my way just outside the entrance, I quickly made the phone call and just managed to hear my son telling me...

denella 16.09.2009 (18.09.2009) · Read review
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Review of Zurich (Switzerland)

Focus on Zurich

Advantages: Good information; many colour illustrations
Disadvantages: One inaccuracy found; maps could be improved

...Having planned a short trip to Zurich, I scanned the shelves of my small local library for guide books and found just one on Switzerland. I decided to see if Amazon had any specifically for Zurich and again found only one: Cityspots Zurich. It hadn't yet been rated but seemed worth ordering. The book is divided into five main sections, Introducing Zurich, Making the Most of Zurich, The City of Zurich, Out of Town and Practical Information. There is an index at the end, but maps are interspersed at appropriate places. Plenty of colour illustrations give a feel for the place even if some of them are quite small. I didn't read much of the introduction, although I was interested to find out that the Dada movement had originated in Zurich. The section also gives a brief history of the city, an overview of its lifestyle and culture...

denella 11.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Zurich (CitySpots) - Thomas Cook Publishing

Boating in Zurich

Advantages: Picturesque, relaxing
Disadvantages: None for me

...My recent visit to Zurich was so brief that I had to choose between a boat trip on Lake Zurich (Zurichsee) and a train ride up the Uetliberg mountain. My son and his partner had, before my arrival, made a trip to Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus, so they insisted I make the choice. Although I have always been a lover of land rather than a lover of water, I picked the trip on the lake. It may have had something to do with the heat and the idea that the air might be fresher on the water, but I certainly didn't regret my decision. Lake Zurich extends thirty-nine kilometres from the city of Zurich, which is at its northernmost point. From there it is drained by the River Limmat. The lake covers an area of about eighty-eight square kilometres. Its waters are surprisingly clean and are purified before being used in the city's water system...

denella 06.10.2009 (09.10.2009) · Read review
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Review of Lake Zurich

The best wurst in Zurich?

Advantages: Good atmosphere, reasonable prices
Disadvantages: Crowded, noisy

...Francs to Vacherin glace ? meringue, ice cream, cream, raspberries and raspberry sauce ? for 11.80 Swiss Francs. Ice cream is 3.50 Swiss Francs a scoop. We still had next morning's breakfast buffet at Helmhaus Hotel in mind, so we decided to stop after the main course and ask for the bill. In Switzerland, the service charge is automatically added, and our total came to 70.50 Swiss Francs or 47 Euros. We paid in Swiss Francs in cash. At roughly £14 a head, we felt that it was good value for a large west European city, and that is perhaps partly why the Zeughauskeller is so popular. The service was efficient, and as I said we had no trouble making ourselves understood in English. The waitresses were not over friendly ? they were probably too busy ? but one kindly pointed out that my raincoat and shoulder bag were trailing on the floor. She...

denella 02.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Zeughauskeller, Zurich

You say Zurich and I say Zürich. Lets call the HauptBahnhof!

Advantages: Compact friendly city
Disadvantages: None

...Just give me three good reasons to go to Zürich. No litter, no graffiti, no children. ?Nuff said? I hope not! Zürich is a place that greatly rewards you for a little research either by getting a guide to the city before you go or, the method I chose, repeated visits to the city where you build up your own feel for the place. I was living relatively nearby in Böblingen, Baden-Würtemburg in the Southwest of Germany about two hours by car. I believe it is better to discover places for yourself rather than following the well-trodden path. So, in a sense I am ruining that opportunity for you. But if you don?t have the option to travel there often then this may be of help to some for you first or only visit so you don?t miss the must see sights. If you don?t speak German not to worry neither do the people in Zürich. A little...

bigdoug 27.07.2000 · Read review
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Review of Zurich (Switzerland)

"Design" Hotel Greulich, Zurich

Advantages: Style, Rooms, Staff
Disadvantages: Not in the nicest part of town

...and headed into town for brunch. It looked typical continental breakfast fair, some muesli, cereal, croissants, cheese and cooked meats. The Staff: All members of staff that we had contact with were polite, friendly and attentive. Environment: Be warned, one of the main roads to the town centre is full of "Gentlemens Clubs" and there were a few undesirable types hanging around too. This can be easily avoided by taking another route into town, or driving/taking a taxi. In any case, Switzerland is a very safe country and although it pays to be wary, you're unlikely to have any trouble. In general, Zurich is a nice, cosmopolitan city with plenty to see. Price: We paid the internet price for a normal room of 285 CHF per night (around £170 with todays exchange rate). The normal internet price for a Junior Suite is 360...

psirac 29.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Hotel Greulich, Zurich

Peace and quiet in central Zurich

Advantages: Location, breakfast, comfort, cleanliness
Disadvantages: Small; a little pricey

...Helmhaus Swiss Q Hotel is one of the hotels in Zurich offered by Expedia in their flight plus hotel deals, and this is how we discovered it. Whilst not the cheapest option, its central location meant we could save both time and money travelling to and from the city. What's more, breakfast is included in the price. Reviews on Tripadvisor were very favourable, and a look at the hotel's website further encouraged us to make it our choice. We did not regret this. My son and his partner booked a double room for three nights, and I booked a single for one night only. I cannot comment on how easy it is to book the hotel directly, as our reservations were made through Expedia. We booked in June for a stay in late August. All three of us travelled with hand luggage only, and in about fifteen minutes we were easily able to walk from Zurich...

denella 30.08.2009 · Read review
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Review of Helmhaus Swiss Q Hotel, Zurich

Zurich....or Zu reich?? An Alternative View....

Advantages: Exciting City, Great Food, Close to Slopes
Disadvantages: Um....

...World Wars resulted in Zurich playing host to a glamorous array of expatriate dissidents, including Lenin, who plotted the Russian Revolution from there. James Joyce penned Ulysees in a little garret behind the University, and died there in 1941. The Dada movement originated in the city, finding its spiritual home in the now infamous Cabaret Voltaire, opened in 1916. In many respects, Zurich is Switzerland's unofficial capital. Some imagine the capital to be Geneva, with its UN and WHO credentials, and general reputation as a repository for all things sane and neutral. The real capital, of course, is Bern, a quaint, medieval town that houses the Swiss Parliament and boasts a rather unsettling and decidedly un-PC bear-pit at its centre. But Zurich has an unrivalled position at the country's cultural, intellectual and financial heart...

snowbunni 14.11.2005 · Read review
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Review of Zurich in general

The Crown Of Switzerland

Advantages: Londoners perspective: beautiful, clean, orderly and different
Disadvantages: Londoners perspective: Expensive (yes even for me!)and a little small and quiet

...I have been to Geneva three times now because I have a friend who lives there. Otherwise I?m not sure it would have crossed my mind to visit. It?s certainly not one of those places on everyone?s must see list. Geneva is in Switzerland but is actually surrounded by France. It is a very unique city - a mix of European and British / American influences with people of all different nationalities settled there. And although the primary language is French most speak at least Basic English. Transport Getting to Geneva could not be simpler. Most budget airlines fly there, for example Easyjet have around three flights a day from London Gatwick. The flight only takes an hour and a half and as long as you don?t travel during the peak skiing season prices are really cheap (for example £10!). The airport is not far from the city centre...

Tricia24 11.11.2003 · Read review
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Review of Geneva (Switzerland)

Zurich connect - woeful service

Advantages: good insurance package, clear information, reasonable cost (but not renewal quotes)
Disadvantages: poor customer service

...I've been with Zurich, Eagle Star then Zurich again for both home insurance and car insurance since the mid 1990s. I claimed on my car insurance in 1997 when my car was written off after someone tried to steal it.. The service was excellent and the cheque arrived swiftly. I had a similar positive experience when I claimed on my home insurance for a leaking water tank (ceiling replastered and room redecorated) in 2003. To say that they have gone downhill would be an understatement. The last couple of years renewal quotes have been high and only came down when presented with alternative prices from price comparison websites. I find the fact that insurance companies seem to put all their efforts into attracting new customers whilst taking existing customers for granted highly objectionable but stuck with Zurich because of their past...

TraceyC123 19.08.2009 · Read review
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Review of Zurich Insurance Company