I enjoyed a three letter word in ZermattBy Madelyn Miller, the TravelLadyMost people go to Zermatt to enjoy the great outdoors. They love the clear blue skies, snow-capped mountains and fresh air.
I am an indoor girl. My favorite sports are eating, shopping, and spas. And that is the three letter word what I will remember most about Zermatt is SPA.
Arriving just in time for dinner, I enjoyed an absolutely wonderful 5 course meal. What was even more wonderful was the price. It was only 25 Swiss Franc or about $20—probably the best meal bargain of my month-long trip to Europe. I enjoyed a potato leek soup, pumpkin ravioli, a veal dish with vegetables, a salad buffet and a cheese plate. It was so good, I decided to go back again the next day.
The hotel’s décor is beyond unique—some people might consider it eccentric. The lobby couches are covered in a fuzzy fake black and white fur and red. The bar also has fake fur stools. There are many 60’s kitsch touches.
But back to the best part of my visit to Zermatt.
The spa is incredibly well done with murals painted on two floors. There is an enormous pool and treatment rooms, plus steam, sauna and more. I am really surprised the promotional material for Romantik Hotel Julen does not put more emphasis on their spa. I am a pleasure seeker whose body has been rubbed all over the world. Doris, my therapist at Romantik Hotel Julen is a native with world class therapy touch. She did a wonderful massage that almost relieved all my muscle tension from weeks of traveling on trains and dealing with too much luggage. Most people want to go back to Zermatt for the clear blue skies, snow-capped mountains and fresh air. I will make sure to have a long appointment for a massage with Doris on my next trip What I wish I had known before I went to ZermattCarts are available all over Switzerland train stations for a refundable 2 Swiss Franc deposit. In Zermatt, you need a 5 Swiss Franc coin. Not a problem, but it is hard to get change when you have lots of luggage and everyone is rushing off. You can take the Glacier Express for a small extra fee (worth every penny) if you have a Swiss Rail Pass. I think the Glacier Express has non-glare glass windows all along the side and above, so you can take great pictures if you travel during the day. Romantik Hotel Julen BEST WAY TO GET TO SWITZERLAND North American gateways include: Boston Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Newark, and JFK/New York. In 2004, 9.2 million passengers flew in Swiss First, Swiss Business and Swiss Economy Class. For more information, click onto www.swiss.com or call 1-877-FLY SWISS. BEST WAY TO GET AROUND IN SWTIZERLAND The Swiss Travel System is incredibly comprehensive and includes rail, lake steamers and city transportation lines. STS discount passes are as individual as your travel plans and excursion wishes. Ranging from a plain transfer ticket to flexible or consecutive travel days. Buy any Swiss Pass and get a free Family Card for unlimited travel for kids up to 16. And the best way to get around just got better— - With any STS train pass, receive 10-20% discount on internet bookings on hotels (Best Western Swiss Hotels, Minotel, Sunstar Hotels and Swiss Backpacker Hotels) -Glacier Express: new First Class panorama cars all public transport system entirely non-smoking. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SWITZERLAND GREAT GUIDEBOOKS Frommer’s Switzerland Rick Steves’ Switzerland 2005 Culture Shock! Switzerland IF YOU DON’T SPEAK GERMAN, FRENCH OR ITALIAN BEST SOUVENIR |
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Since I love staying at Romantik Hotels, a German-based chain, because they are always unique and have exceptional food, I had booked into RomantikHotel Julen..jpg)
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