Hotel Review: Sheraton Zurich Junior Suite

On the tail end of our March trip to Switzerland, we did not want to be rushing to the airport in Zurich from Zermatt in order to make a late morning flight. Instead, we chose to spend a night in Zurich and ended up picking the Sheraton. 

This allowed us time to explore Zurich and eat more chocolate, a win-win. Although my stay was brief, I wanted to write up a review in case others may find themselves in Zurich in need of a nice, but not super expensive (think Park Hyatt) stay. 

This article is part of my Trip Report: Skiing in Switzerland including:

• Lounge Review: United Polaris Lounge IAD
• Flight Review: TAP Air Portugal Long Haul Business Class Flight IAD-LIS
• Flight Review: TAP Air Portugal Intra-Europe Business Class Flight LIS-ZRH
• Lounge Review: TAP Premium Lounge Lisbon
• Hotel Review: Moxy Bern Expo
• The Trains of Switzerland: My Thoughts
• Hotel Review: Hotel Schweizerhof of Zermatt
• Skiing Zermatt in March: My Thoughts
• Going to Italy for Lunch
• Hotel Review: Sheraton Zurich
• Lounge Review: Swiss International Lounge Zurich
• Flight Review: United Polaris Business Class ZRH-IAD

Location

The Sheraton is located outside of the city center and a little bit further from some of the main attractions, but luckily it is situated right next to a tram stop, perfect for getting to/from the city center. Given the public transport, even with the added cost, it is still much cheaper to ride the tram and spend a few dollars on the 5-ish minute ride than pay significantly more to be in the city center.

The area around where the Sheraton is situated seems to be a more business-heavy area with lots of corporate towers and not much activity in terms of restaurants and shops. That said, a few minutes walk away you will find plenty of options.

The Renaissance hotel, which is also part of Marriott, is nearby as well. 

The Property

Given that this property seems to cater to a more business-minded audience, nothing is too over the top. It is functional and well designed. Upon entering, the grand lobby welcomes you with multiple check in desks and a small shop. Back to the left is the hotel’s main restaurant and where breakfast is located, though we never got the chance to dine there.

Luckily, the property has an executive lounge where we were able to enjoy some evening snacks, as well as breakfast in the morning. It has all of the basics of a continental breakfast with some warm options as well, but nothing too elaborate by any means. 

It was much quicker and easier for us to eat in the lounge since we were in a rush to check out the city before catching our flight. From a quick peek, the main restaurant has far more options from which one can select. We were able to gain access to the lounge via Marriott status, but you can also pay for access. 

The hotel also has a gym, which has all the necessary equipment, but I found it to be nothing particularly fancy. 

The Room

Thanks to Marriott Titanium status, despite being booked into a standard room, we were upgraded to a Junior Suite. While not a proper suite with a closed off bedroom, this room is spacious and offers amazing views of the city with its massive corner windows. The room has a king sized bed.

Upon entering the suite (which is able to be combined with the neighboring room to create a multi-room suite), there is a large bathroom. Offering both a tub and free standing shower, I found the best part to be the heated floors, which are always a treat. 

It had all the amenities we needed and was generally well appointed, but there’s nothing better than getting out of bed to find the bathroom tiles warm below your feet. Further down a small hallway is a powder room with a toilet and a very small sink. 

Entering the bedroom, the junior suite has a large table in the middle of the room that functions as a desk and wraps around a large pillar. The hotel left us a welcome note at check-in with a small snack. 

Across from the table is a small counter that has drinks, as well as a mini fridge below a TV. The room has two swivel chairs but no proper couch. Rather, adjacent to the windows are window sills with cushions, which is a great place to sit and read a book while looking out over Zurich (so long as you do not have a fear of heights).

Finally, there is a walk-in closet to the right of one side of the bed with plenty of space to open several suitcases. 

I would say that my only true negative remark about the room is that the electronic blinds are on the exterior of the glass and are confusing to control. Not to mention that they rattled a bit during windy conditions. Nonetheless, we mainly used the large window curtains. 

Service

Everybody at the Sheraton Zurich was warm and friendly, from before check-in to check-out. When we asked for recommendations for dinner and city exploration, staff were always very happy to help.

Before check-in, I messaged the hotel about the possibility of getting a true suite upgrade from the standard room we had booked. While the agent was not able to confirm us into a proper suite, despite one being available the day of check-in, she was very willing and eager to offer us a junior suite upon arrival. Given the short stay, I happily accepted, but I am curious if other elites have gotten the true suite in the past; comment below. 

Booking

At time of booking, the points rates were quite high per night, while the cash rates, for Zurich, were not awful. I originally wanted to apply for a free night certificate from earning Titanium status again, but similar to points, the value was too poor to justify. 

We booked a one night refundable rate for about ~$250. Given that there are not too many non-Marriott chain/points hotels in the city (besides the aforementioned Park Hyatt) and the other Marriott options were pricier, this made the most sense, so we booked. 

The Last Point

While the Sheraton Zurich was a short hotel stay, it did the trick. As an efficient, city hotel, we were able to get in and out without any fuss while enjoying the amenities that come with being a Marriott elite member such as some free food and beverages.

I would be interested to see how the nearby Renaissance hotel compares since branding and price seem to be similarly marketed. Overall, I will not hesitate to stay again if the price is right, and next time I will make sure to check out the breakfast options in the restaurant.