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I enjoyed a three letter word in Zermatt
By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady
Most people go to Zermatt to enjoy the great outdoors.
They love the clear blue skies, snow-capped mountains and fresh air.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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But back to the best part of my visit to Zermatt.
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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 Zermatt
Carts 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
Riedstraße 2
3920 Zermatt
Switzerland
Phone +41 (0)27/9 66 76 00
Fax +41 (0)27/9 66 76 76
julen@romantikhotels.com
www.romantikhotels.com/zermatt
BEST WAY TO GET TO SWITZERLAND
Swiss International Air Lines, the national carrier of Switzerland serves 70
destinations including 43 in Europe and 27 in Africa, Asia, North & South
America.
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.
Available on
www.MySwitzerland.com or
www.RailEurope.com
And the best way to get around just got better—
In 2006, - buy a Swiss Pass, Youth Pass or Flexi Pass and get free admission to
over 400 museums in Switzerland.
- 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
www.MySwitzerland.com
GREAT GUIDEBOOKS
Fodor’s Switzerland 2005
Fodor’s Travel Publications
www.fodors.com
Frommer’s Switzerland
By Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince
Macmillan
www.frommers.com
Rick Steves’ Switzerland 2005
By Rick Steves’
Avalon Travel Publishing
www.ricksteves.com
Culture Shock! Switzerland
A guide to customs and etiquette
By Shirley Eu-Wong
Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company
IF YOU DON’T SPEAK GERMAN, FRENCH OR ITALIAN
The Franklin EuroInterpreter is the easiest way to communicate. It has over
400,000 words and phrases in 12 languages. It has a calculator with currency and
units of measurement converter.
www.franklin.com
BEST SOUVENIR
Wine from a local vineyard.
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