Gretchen

Another vote for anywhere else but Brussels and Zurich for an extended time--or maybe even a pass.
Sometimes you have to use something other than points to have a GREAT trip.

Vttraveler

I am going to put in a good word for Brussels here. I think it is a really under-rated city. See my TR from 2011 describing how we spent our time there and on easy day trips from the city.

rightarmman

Thank you for the excellent recommendations. We are reevaluating our plans...
We sincerely appreciate all the information!! Can't say enough about the quality of information... and advice!

Fodor's should be very proud, too!

We will be sure to post a TR worthy of your advice. Happy New Year...

WeisserTee

The hotel in Riehen might have rooms available during BaselWorld. Here is their website:

http://www.landgasthof-riehen.ch/index.php?en_hotel

It also has an on-site restaurant that's pretty good. We took my mom there last year for her birthday lunch and had a nice time. As I said, the hotel is located in the pretty Basel suburb of Riehen; an easy tram ride to the congress center and also a short walk from the famous Beyeler museum (foundation). http://www.fondationbeyeler.ch/en/ex...e/introduction

michelhuebeli

Is the Marriott Courtyard in Basel full? See if this is worth it to you: The train trip Zürich-Basel-Zürich return is about 65 CHF. Door to door you'll spend anything like three hours daily for you commute from hotel to show and back, plus staying in Zürich will seriously cramp your style in matters of ad-hoc socializing after a trade show, or to attend a concert or such back in Zürich.

But staying in Zürich, maybe not during the trade show but before or after, could be rewarding.

I don't find Zürich as big a negative as some people here. I lived in Switzerland for so many years that I had the benefit of finding out what Z. has to offer, and it is a lot. But superficial comparisons don't paint it in a good light. If you take the trouble to look beyond the easy naysaying you may find a lot to your liking, and that's before you start to look at day excursions, of which there are many.

Ditto with Bruxelles - for many who only skim the obvious surface the Grand' Place and the Manneken Pis is all there is, and they move on. But when you take the time to look into it, again - lots to discover. And rent a car and gallivant around Belgian the countryside, away from major roads, and make your own discoveries - there are ruins and castles, historical sites, country pubs, breweries, snail farms (yes, snails raised for the dining table), artist and craft studios, and lots more. But again - the superficial tourist has no chance, so Bruxelles gets dissed and dismissed.

I think your Marriott points can really work for you if you go to the trouble of making the work for you.