Hi, I have had similar quotes on Marriot and Sofitel (around 150euros/day) for my stay on Zurich on October.
Anyone has any comments to help me decide on which of them?
Appreciate any help on those hotels or other hotel suggestion!
Thanks, Dudi

I would pick Marriott, however both hotels are located in a less desirable area northeast of the train station unless you prefer the nightclub strip area. The area around Bahnhofstraase or the opera are much nicer for walking.

Have stayed at the Marroptt many times. In fact was just there a few weeks ago. I can not agree with DAX that either of these hotels are in the undersireable part of town from the train station. It is all of a 5-7 minute walk from the Marriott to the train station. It is true, that the Bahnhofstrasse is nice walkling and shopping, but again, not far in terms of walking distance from the Marriott.
I agree with DAX when he/she says Marriott.

I stayed in the Marriott last month, can't comment on the Sofitel but the Marriott was just fine. I got a Jr. Suite, large room, all you'd expect from a Marriott. In fact it could be a Marriott anywhere in the US truth be told. So if you are looking for a bit of Europe, don't stay there, if just a nice clean modern big hotel, excellent.

Thanks, Dax, Firstmate and Flygirl.
To tell you the truth, I'm having a big difficult on finding hotels at 150 euros or below. That's why I was thinking about Marriot or Sofitel...
I have good responses on Limmatblick and Limmathof, but I read several comments by fodorites about them and everybody say they are too noisy.
Does anyone have a good choice on a hotel w/ rate below 150e and near Bahnhofstrasse?

Hi dudi,

ok well this one's not near Bahnhofstr, but I think it's a great option: the Villa Ermitage in the suburb of Kuesnacht (www.villa-ermitage.ch). It's just two minutes to the S-bahn, and Zurich's main station is just about 10 minutes away on the S-bahn. There is a direct train from Kuesnacht to the airport (0 changes) that takes about 30 minutes. Single rooms are 99 chf.

I've stayed in their main hotel twice and loved it. This December, I'll stay in this cheaper version to check it out.

Best of luck!

s

I live in Zurich. It is really very small, so the Marriott and the Sofitel are actually very well located for getting to the Bahnoffstrasse and the old town. Both hotels are literally a few moments' walk to both. The rates you have at both are good, so it is really up to you. The Marriott has an indoor pool if that makes a difference. The Marriott is also on the river and there is a nice walkway and bike path which you can take down to the train station or in the other direction. The Sofitel is on a somewhat busy street with a tram line and so may have a bit of noise, but nothing like you would find at some of the old town hotels like the Limmathof and Limmatblick.

To add a new wrinkle, the Park Hyatt is scheduled to open here in September. They may be offering great deals to build up business. The hotel will be quite modern and stunning, certainly nothing like it in town. I think it is worth asking about special rates there. It is near the lake in the business district (not that charming), but again a few minutes walk to the Banhofstrasse and the old town.

I know others have mentioned the town of Kuschnact as a place to stay as an alternative to Zurich. However, I would not stay there as a first-time visitor to Zurich, if you only have a day or two in the city, and/or if you don't have a car. (Although parking as a whole 'nother issue.) Taking the train in and out would get old pretty fast, IMO, plus the fare is about $8 round trip. There is not a lot in the town itself (besides a few good restaurants), so you would not want to spend any time there. Taxis here are unbelievably expensive so getting in and out of Zurich to Kuschnacht would not be an option, IMO. (Rough guess is that it would be about $30 each way).

I stayed at the Sofitel in March I got a rate of $75 US on priceline. I thought the Sofitel was nice our room didn't have a great view or anything but it was clean, quiet, comfortable beds and a good size bathroom. If you can get a similar price it's a great value.

Cicerone, Swandav and Trish
Thanks for the tips.
Once, it's my first time on town and I will have only 2 days, I believe it's better for my family and I to stay in the heart of the city.
Cicerone, thanks for the tip about Hyatt. Certainly it should be a nice place to stay, but the rates are 250e daily. Anyway, I will keep looking if they come with some special price eventually.
The rates for Sofitel are a little bit better, so I will probably pick it unless my family really wants the nice indoor poll!
Thanks, dudi