Review: Park Hyatt Zurich, Switzerland

Review: Park Hyatt Zurich, Switzerland

NAME: Park Hyatt Zurich
LOCATION: Zurich, Switzerland
DATE: October 2022
REVIEW RATING:
BEN SAYS: The Park Hyatt Zurich is a perfectly nice business hotel with friendly service and nice rooms. However, the hotel lacks amenities, and at this price point I'd hope for a bit more.
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I recently spent a night at the 138-room Park Hyatt Zurich. I’m a big fan of the Park Hyatt brand, and it had been roughly a decade since I last stayed here. This hotel has exceptionally friendly staff, but otherwise I can’t help but feel like this might be one of the most remarkably unremarkable luxury hotels out there.

Like, there’s absolutely nothing that makes this hotel bad, there’s just not really anything (other than the friendly employees) that makes this place great. It’s just kind of an… uninteresting hotel?

You’ll often hear people refer to Zurich as a sterile banking city. And while many claim that this is a misconception, I think “sterile luxury hotel in a sterile banking city” perfectly sums up the Park Hyatt Zurich.

Booking the Park Hyatt Zurich

I recently had a quick overnight in Zurich. Typically I’d stay near the airport (I recently reviewed the Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport, which is awesome). However, in this case I decided to stay at the Park Hyatt Zurich.

Why? I had a Category 1-7 World of Hyatt free night award to use (earned through the Milestone Rewards program). It was expiring within a few weeks, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to use it.

For context, the Park Hyatt Zurich is a Category 7 World of Hyatt property, meaning that a standard room free night redemption costs 25,000-35,000 points. For the night I was staying, the hotel was at the standard award pricing, so my stay would have cost 30,000 points, though I was using a free night certificate. For what it’s worth, I value World of Hyatt points at 1.5 cents each.

As far as cash rates go, the hotel was charging ~$700 for the night I was staying. This seems to more or less be what all of Zurich’s top hotels are charging. If you’re going to book a cash stay here, I’d recommend doing so through the Hyatt Privé program. Hyatt Privé rates cost the same as standard flexible rates (not member rates, advance purchase rates, AAA rates, etc.), and include the following additional perks:

  • Daily full breakfast for two in the hotel’s restaurant
  • A $100 property credit per room per stay
  • A one category room upgrade confirmed within 24 hours of booking (room-to-room or suite-to-suite) — based on availability at the time of booking
  • Early check-in (as early as 9AM) and late check-out (as late as 4PM), subject to availability
  • A welcome gift and letter

Park Hyatt Zurich location

The Park Hyatt Zurich has a great location — it’s between Lake Zurich and the Old Town, so you can get most places you’ll probably want to go by foot. I lucked out with a beautiful, sunny afternoon on the day that I stayed, which I almost never seem to get in Zurich.

Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland

This is one major advantage of the Park Hyatt over the Dolder Grand, which is otherwise probably a better hotel, but doesn’t have as central of a location. While the Park Hyatt is well located, note that it doesn’t have much in the way of views.

The hotel has a pretty understated exterior and entrance, and it can be easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

Park Hyatt Zurich entrance

The one exception to the understated entrance is the hotel’s Rolls-Royce parked out front. I imagine you can book this for airport transfers, though it’s not a complimentary house car, or anything. Rather it just seemed to be parked in the same place for the entirety of my stay.

Park Hyatt Zurich entrance

If you’re coming from Zurich Airport (ZRH), it’s only about 20 minutes to the hotel, whether you’re coming by car or train.

Park Hyatt Zurich lobby & check-in

The lobby is probably physically the most interesting aspect of the Park Hyatt. The lobby spans a couple of floors, and has a large piece of art in the center, plus a large, colorful paining on the wall. This gives the property some personality, though otherwise I feel like the lobby feels just ever-so-slightly past its prime.

Park Hyatt Zurich lobby
Park Hyatt Zurich lobby
Park Hyatt Zurich lobby

The lobby has a bit of seating in the very back, in addition to the main part of the lobby lounge, which I’ll talk more about below.

Park Hyatt Zurich lobby seating

Reception is located inside the lobby and to the left. I have nothing but good things to say about the staff at this hotel, and that started at check-in. The associate checking me in was friendly and textbook professional — she thanked me for my Globalist status, explained no suite upgrades were available (which was true, I verified online), and gave a rundown of all of the hotel’s features.

Park Hyatt Zurich reception

The employee then walked me to the elevator, and wished me a pleasant stay. the hotel’s elevators are just down the hall from reception, in the direction of the main restaurant and bar.

Park Hyatt Zurich lobby
Park Hyatt Zurich elevators

Park Hyatt Zurich king room high floor

The Park Hyatt Zurich has six floors, and I was assigned room 623, located on the top floor (this was technically an upgrade, as it’s a king room on a high floor). The hallways in the hotel feel a bit more modern than the rest of the property, in my opinion.

Park Hyatt Zurich hallway
Park Hyatt Zurich hallway

Rooms at the Park Hyatt Zurich start at 36 square meters (~387 square feet), which is a pretty decent size for a standard room in a European city.

Park Hyatt Zurich room exterior

The room featured an entryway with the bathroom to the right.

Park Hyatt Zurich room entryway

The rest of the room was straight ahead, and consisted of a king size bed, a daybed, a comfortable chair with a dining table, and a wall-mounted TV.

Park Hyatt Zurich king room
Park Hyatt Zurich king room

The bed was quite comfortable, especially by European standards (which is to say that it wasn’t too hard).

Park Hyatt Zurich king room

While the room didn’t have a traditional desk, the dining table and chair did the trick for me, and I was happy with the versatility of the setup.

Park Hyatt Zurich king room sitting area

The bathroom was separated from the rest of the room by a couple of panels, which could be opened from either side.

Park Hyatt Zurich king room

The minibar console was near the bathroom, and consisted of a Nespresso coffee machine, tea, a kettle, and a variety of drinks and snacks for purchase.

Park Hyatt Zurich in-room coffee machine
Park Hyatt Zurich in-room minibar

There was also a pretty good size closet near the entrance.

Park Hyatt Zurich king room closet

Rather than having a window that could open, the room had a door that could open to get a little fresh air. Fortunately the room had air conditioning, so this isn’t your only option for cooling off, should it be warm.

Park Hyatt Zurich king room fresh air

Despite being on the top floor of the hotel, there wasn’t much in the way of views — rather my room looked at a building across the street.

Park Hyatt Zurich king room view

The bathroom was quite nice, especially the shower compound. When you entered the bathroom, the sink was straight ahead, the toilet was to the right, and then there was a shower and tub area to the left.

Park Hyatt Zurich king room bathroom
Park Hyatt Zurich king room toilet
Park Hyatt Zurich king room shower
Park Hyatt Zurich king room bathtub

Toiletries were the Bergamote 22 collection from Le Labo.

Park Hyatt Zurich Le Labo toiletries

There was also a heated towel rack in the bathroom, which I’d certainly appreciate in winter.

Park Hyatt Zurich king room heated towel rack

About an hour after arriving in my room, there was a knock at the door with a welcome amenity. This consisted of a fruit plate and some chocolates.

Park Hyatt Zurich welcome amenity

Wi-Fi in the room was fast and free, and easy to connect to.

I thought the room was pretty nice, and a good size. I did feel like it was just a bit past its prime, though, and there wasn’t anything that really made this particularly luxurious. If you just showed me a picture of the room, I’d probably guess this is a Hyatt Regency rather than a Park Hyatt.

Park Hyatt Zurich gym & spa area

The Park Hyatt Zurich has a gym on the second floor, which can be accessed 24/7 by guests. While the gym isn’t huge, it has a good selection of modern weight and cardio equipment.

Park Hyatt Zurich gym
Park Hyatt Zurich gym
Park Hyatt Zurich gym
Park Hyatt Zurich gym
Park Hyatt Zurich gym
Park Hyatt Zurich gym

It’s a little odd, because the Park Hyatt Zurich’s website claims the hotel has a spa, but doesn’t actually provide any details about it. In reality, inside the gym there are a couple of spa treatment rooms. Perhaps the hotel can call an outside company to provide treatments, but there was nothing in the way of a proper spa setup here.

Park Hyatt Zurich spa area
Park Hyatt Zurich spa area
Park Hyatt Zurich spa area

However, there is a sauna and steam room inside the gym, which is available daily from 7AM until 11PM.

Park Hyatt Zurich spa area

The Park Hyatt Zurich doesn’t have a swimming pool, for what it’s worth.

Park Hyatt Zurich Parkhuus Restaurant (breakfast)

Parkhuus is the Park Hyatt’s signature restaurant. On weekdays it serves breakfast from 6:30AM until 10:30AM, and on weekends it serves breakfast from 6:30AM until 11AM. The hotel also serves lunch and dinner, though on a more limited basis — lunch is served Tuesdays through Fridays (menu here), while dinner is served Tuesdays through Saturdays (menu here). Since I was staying on a Sunday night, the restaurant was closed for everything except breakfast.

Parkhuus is located just down the hall from the lobby, and it’s physically a beautiful restaurant, with very high ceilings, and a cool wine cellar.

Park Hyatt Zurich Parkhuus restaurant
Park Hyatt Zurich Parkhuus restaurant
Park Hyatt Zurich Parkhuus restaurant

If breakfast is included with your stay, you can expect that you’ll get coffee drinks of choice, access to the buffet, and you can order any one item off the menu.

Park Hyatt Zurich breakfast menu

The breakfast buffet was excellent (by European standards), and included all kinds of fresh rolls and pastries, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, muesli, fresh juices, cold cuts, and a few hot dishes.

Park Hyatt Zurich breakfast buffet
Park Hyatt Zurich breakfast buffet
Park Hyatt Zurich breakfast buffet
Park Hyatt Zurich breakfast buffet
Park Hyatt Zurich breakfast buffet
Park Hyatt Zurich breakfast buffet
Park Hyatt Zurich breakfast buffet
Park Hyatt Zurich breakfast buffet
Park Hyatt Zurich breakfast buffet

The coffee was excellent, and I decided to order the “healthy avocado egg” to eat, which I enjoyed.

Park Hyatt Zurich coffee
Park Hyatt Zurich avocado toast

The guy working at breakfast was extremely friendly and attentive. Like I said, I didn’t encounter a single not-professional employee at this hotel.

Park Hyatt Zurich Lobby Lounge

The Lobby Lounge at the Park Hyatt is open on weekdays from 8AM until 11PM, and on weekends from 11AM until 11PM (menu here). This is right in the heart of the lobby, and as you’d expect, on weekdays it’s mostly filled with businesspeople in suits.

You can come here whether you’re looking for a coffee, cocktail, lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner. Physically it’s a pretty nice space, though there’s no natural light — while there are curtains, they’re really just covering walls, as far as I can tell.

Park Hyatt Zurich Lobby Lounge
Park Hyatt Zurich Lobby Lounge
Park Hyatt Zurich Lobby Lounge
Park Hyatt Zurich Lobby Lounge

Park Hyatt Zurich ONYX Bar

The ONYX Bar is located right next to Parkhuus, and it’s the Park Hyatt’s evening bar. The catch is that it’s only open from 5PM until 1AM Tuesdays through Saturdays, so it was closed during my stay. Below is a picture of the bar from Hyatt’s website (I couldn’t get in to get a picture, as it was locked while closed).

Park Hyatt Zurich ONYX Bar

Bottom line

The Park Hyatt Zurich is a perfectly nice luxury, business-focused hotel. I wouldn’t hesitate to return if I had a reason to, but I also wouldn’t seek this place out again.

On the plus side, the hotel has friendly staff, a central location, and an excellent breakfast. Unfortunately the hotel also feels a bit past its prime, doesn’t have much in the way of views, and lacks amenities. There’s no real spa, no pool, and both the restaurant and main bar are closed several days of the week.

If this were a Hyatt Regency for half the price, I’d say it’s a great property. But at this price point (even given how expensive Zurich is), I feel like the hotel should offer a bit more.

If you’ve stayed at the Park Hyatt Zurich, what was your experience like?

Conversations (32)
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  1. Dan Guest

    Michael, you couldn’t be more accurate in your review. I actually live about a 5 minute walk from the hotel and stayed there before moving to Zurich.

    I would really recommend you try the Widder Hotel. It’s located just a short walk from Bahnhofstrasse mid-point and has tons of character, luxury rooms, and great staff.

    Also, The Savoy is currently being renovated and will reopen as a Mandarin Oriental next summer I believe.

    Safe travels!

  2. SST Guest

    Things are expensive in Zurich, that's a fact. This is not an over-the-top hotel but it is a solid service-based central place to base. We've stayed there several times, and the staff couldn't be more professional, especially if you have a situation, such as a stolen US Passport, which requires some assistance in arranging a remedy. They contacted our last hotel to obtain a copy of the passport used to check in, arranged and briefed...

    Things are expensive in Zurich, that's a fact. This is not an over-the-top hotel but it is a solid service-based central place to base. We've stayed there several times, and the staff couldn't be more professional, especially if you have a situation, such as a stolen US Passport, which requires some assistance in arranging a remedy. They contacted our last hotel to obtain a copy of the passport used to check in, arranged and briefed us on getting to the embassy in Bern, and generally assisted us in multiple ways that turned this minor emergency into a minor inconvenience. Sent a letter thanking the general manager and praising his staff.

    Drinks and food, especially breakfast, were delightful and the concierge staff is incredibly helpful regarding restaurant reservations, etc. Given the location, I look forward to our next stay and the easy walking throughout town, again.

  3. tassojunior Guest

    surprisingly my favorite is the 20-floor Zurich Marriott on the north end of Old Town which has incredible views of Old Town and the lake from high rooms and suites that jut out into the air. Very dramatic and convenient.

  4. Ethan Guest

    Looks like an average Hyatt Regency in Asia.

  5. Rich Guest

    The Park Hyatt Zurich has been our go-to place to stay for years - in fact we'll be back this month for another multi-day stay. We've found rates sub-$400 and utilize points as well. We find the rooms, from the standard king to the various suites, to be excellent overall - the property is in a quiet neighborhood with easy access to the Bahnhofstrasse and trains. It's one of our favorite Hyatt's to stay at when we travel

  6. Nathan Guest

    Ben- how did you feel about the AC/ventilation? I stayed on a balmy day in June and the room was boiling. I couldn't sleep at all...so frustrating when paying that much per night.

    I've seen you do it with tropical hotels before, but would you mind commenting more on AC/ventilation in your reviews? That is a huge factor for me and my partner when considering luxury hotels!

  7. Mark G Guest

    I highly recommend you consider the Helvetia the next time you are in Zurich. It’s a refined stylish hotel a short walk from the train station. So much more character than where you stayed.

  8. Michael_FFM Diamond

    Well, it's a Park Hyatt. They are understated by design. But if I compare the room with the one I had a few years ago, there must have been a renovation, Ben's room looks nicer.
    Regarding the breakfast I find the "by European standards" statement a bit misplaced, it should read "by European standards". Breakfasts in European 5 star hotels are of substantially better quality than their US counterparts. This looks like an example...

    Well, it's a Park Hyatt. They are understated by design. But if I compare the room with the one I had a few years ago, there must have been a renovation, Ben's room looks nicer.
    Regarding the breakfast I find the "by European standards" statement a bit misplaced, it should read "by European standards". Breakfasts in European 5 star hotels are of substantially better quality than their US counterparts. This looks like an example for it.
    Overall I also felt that the asking price for the PH is a bit too much for what's on offer. The only saving grace was the bar, which was really, really nice, when I was visiting. Unfortunately it comes at extra cost;)

  9. VitaliU Gold

    I absolutely love this hotel. I will go out of my way to spend some time there. The staff are fantastic, what people call "sterility" is very tasteful and relaxing and the location is great. I think this is my favorite Park Hyatt out there.

  10. FR Guest

    I agree with the Storchen but I prefer the Baur au Lac to all the others mentioned. Best location and great hotel.

  11. Bob Guest

    Next time stay at the Storchen.

  12. Race Guest

    What a joke of a room for 700$

  13. SamB Diamond

    7 CHF for an espresso, 17 CHF for a fruit plate, 24 CHF for a smoothie, jesus

    1. Andy Diamond

      Well, even in Zurich this is a lot …

  14. Motion to Dismiss Gold

    Next time in Zurich consider the Baur au Lac. Great location and has a 2 Michelin star restaurant. And it definitely feels more luxurious than the Park Hyatt.

  15. Ben Guest

    I’m getting strong Al Mourjan Lounge vibes especially from the lobby.

  16. SMR Guest

    I can’t help but feel like most Park Hyatts have a very boring plain look. They never feel like Lavish Luxury. Vienna and Hamburg may be exceptions.

    1. Kendall Guest

      Agreed. Bold designs are luxury to me. I'll take Andaz over a Park Hyatt. Never stayed at a W hotel before, but they look fantastic too

  17. John T Guest

    Why were you in Zurich Ben?

  18. Sam Guest

    We were in executive Suite as a 'Diamond' several years ago for 3 nights. Great upgrade where cash price on those 3 days was $3800 per night. My most expensive hotel room ever.

  19. Santos Guest

    Why aren't heated towel racks a thing in the U.S. and Canada? When I lived in England, that was one of my favorite features of our house and they seemed to be in every hotel.

  20. Omar Guest

    Looks terrible. Time to lose your hyatt loyalty and just pick the best property.

  21. Alvin | YTHK Diamond

    Since Zurich isn't in the U.S., does this mean there's exciting travel being done/coming up?

    1. Jason Guest

      I am at the hotel right now. We have had many great stays at Park Hyatt's all over in the past, and I have to say this is the worst Patk Hyatt we've ever stayed at. As a globalist, we were "downgraded" to a handicapped accessible room that I didn't book. And I say downgraded because the room is worse than a standard king in multiple ways. And we are here for a 10 day...

      I am at the hotel right now. We have had many great stays at Park Hyatt's all over in the past, and I have to say this is the worst Patk Hyatt we've ever stayed at. As a globalist, we were "downgraded" to a handicapped accessible room that I didn't book. And I say downgraded because the room is worse than a standard king in multiple ways. And we are here for a 10 day stay. The welcome and the service were subpar. And this coming off of a stay at the Park Hyatt Chicago, which is leagues above this place. I doubt I would return here.

    2. Jason Guest

      Sorry, I have no idea how this ended up under someone else's comment.

  22. Michael Guest

    Planning a trip to Switzerland next summer. Was planning to stay here but doesn't seem worth it. Any other Zurich hotels anyone would recommend? Or perhaps avoid Zurich all together?

    1. Joe Guest

      If you're looking to stay loyal to Hyatt, consider the Hyatt at the airport. It's only around a ten minute ride to the city and it's a very nice hotel.

    2. John T Guest

      Why were you in Zurich?

    3. SwissChocolate Guest

      I suggest to avoid Zurich, if you do want to stay there the dodler grand is the nicest
      Otherwise my recommendations in Switzerland:
      Mandarin Oriental, Burkenstock resort or Park Vitznau in Luzern
      Chedi in Andermatt
      Omnia or The Cervo in Zermatt
      Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz
      Alpina or the gstaad Palace in Gstaad
      Beau rivage in Lausanne
      The Woodward or the four seasons in Geneva

    4. Petri Diamond

      #Michael
      If you want to feel like old aristocracy try the Dolder Grand. It never disappoints. (They have even smaller rooms for your driver :)). Everything is top notch. Beautiful views down to the city center which is ca 5 miles away.

    5. Matthew Guest

      Michael, Zurich is a great city. It grows on me every visit. There are some great restaurants and bars, a lovely art museum (Kunsthaus), and the coffee culture is great too. You should spend a couple days here.

      it seems I was in Zurich the same Sunday in October Ben was (judging by his great weather comment) and hung out with some friends in the PH lobby. Too bad we missed each other.

      I...

      Michael, Zurich is a great city. It grows on me every visit. There are some great restaurants and bars, a lovely art museum (Kunsthaus), and the coffee culture is great too. You should spend a couple days here.

      it seems I was in Zurich the same Sunday in October Ben was (judging by his great weather comment) and hung out with some friends in the PH lobby. Too bad we missed each other.

      I stayed at Hyatt Regency, which I find a far better value. Was an easy 10-minute train ride into the city and so convenient when flying into and out of ZRH.

    6. Andy Diamond

      Michael, Zurich is great, especially in summer. But I really wouldn’t stay at the Park Hyatt. If you are a Hyatt loyal, stay at the Hyatt Regency at the airport (a 10 min train ride from the city center). Otherwise, there are plenty of much nicer and much less expensive options.

      I really quite like the Sheraton, which is a nice hotel, located in a former industrial zone where the under 40 people meet. Or...

      Michael, Zurich is great, especially in summer. But I really wouldn’t stay at the Park Hyatt. If you are a Hyatt loyal, stay at the Hyatt Regency at the airport (a 10 min train ride from the city center). Otherwise, there are plenty of much nicer and much less expensive options.

      I really quite like the Sheraton, which is a nice hotel, located in a former industrial zone where the under 40 people meet. Or even the Four Points, which has amazing (extremely large) rooms. Or the Sorell Sonnenberg, which has to most stunning view and is near the zoo.

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SamB Diamond

7 CHF for an espresso, 17 CHF for a fruit plate, 24 CHF for a smoothie, jesus

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Andy Diamond

Michael, Zurich is great, especially in summer. But I really wouldn’t stay at the Park Hyatt. If you are a Hyatt loyal, stay at the Hyatt Regency at the airport (a 10 min train ride from the city center). Otherwise, there are plenty of much nicer and much less expensive options. I really quite like the Sheraton, which is a nice hotel, located in a former industrial zone where the under 40 people meet. Or even the Four Points, which has amazing (extremely large) rooms. Or the Sorell Sonnenberg, which has to most stunning view and is near the zoo.

1
Mark G Guest

I highly recommend you consider the Helvetia the next time you are in Zurich. It’s a refined stylish hotel a short walk from the train station. So much more character than where you stayed.

1
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