Apartments Swiss Star Marc Aurel

The hotel offers a highly accessible location with excellent public transport links, making it a practical choice for budget travelers and those attending local events near the stadium. Its primary appeal lies in its strategic position, providing convenient access to the city center and various transit options. While the self-check-in system aims for flexibility, guests frequently encounter challenges, ranging from missing key codes to unresponsive support, often leading to frustrating delays upon arrival. Many reviews highlight significant issues with room cleanliness, including pervasive smoke odors and visible stains, alongside concerns about general maintenance and the functionality of in-room amenities. The overall experience is often characterized by a no-frills approach, where basic accommodation is provided at a lower cost compared to other options in Zurich. For a more comfortable stay, guests are advised to bring earplugs due to potential noise from street traffic and neighboring rooms, and to proactively confirm all check-in details well before arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently report issues with the available facilities and amenities, often finding them to be below expectations. The Wi-Fi connection is a common point of frustration, with many guests stating it either did not work or that login credentials were not provided. While an elevator is available, some guests noted it was often dirty or occupied by cleaning supplies. Rooms sometimes include a kitchenette with a fridge, though these appliances are occasionally reported as dirty or non-functional, with some fridges even heating the room. A significant number of reviews mention the absence of air conditioning or even a fan, leading to uncomfortably hot rooms, especially during warmer periods. The TV in rooms is frequently described as not working or lacking English channels. The hotel operates without an on-site reception, which, while intended for convenience, often leaves guests without immediate assistance for facility-related issues.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly mixed, with a significant number of guests expressing strong dissatisfaction. Many reviews describe rooms as dirty upon arrival, citing issues such as hair on beds, visible stains on walls and furniture, and a pervasive cigarette smoke smell, even in supposedly non-smoking rooms. Some guests reported finding bed bugs or unwashed linens. The beds are a frequent source of complaint, often described as uncomfortable, too small, saggy, or consisting of two single beds poorly joined. Pillows are also noted as inadequate. Noise is a major concern, with guests consistently reporting high levels of street noise from trams and traffic, as well as disturbances from neighboring rooms, making restful sleep difficult. Furthermore, many in-room amenities are reported as broken, including window blinds, shower doors that lead to water leaks, clogged sinks, and non-functional lights or TVs.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest attributes, offering excellent accessibility to various parts of the city. Guests appreciate its direct proximity to a tram station, with lines providing quick and easy access to the city center and the main train station. Many popular attractions, including District 1 and a nearby stadium, are within a short tram ride or walking distance. However, the topic of parking is a significant point of contention; despite some indications of availability, guests frequently report that on-site parking is either non-existent or misleadingly advertised, forcing them to use expensive public parking facilities, often costing upwards of 30-40 CHF per night. While some guests found the immediate neighborhood peaceful, others expressed concerns about its safety, mentioning issues like drug users and a generally "shady" atmosphere, particularly at night.

Staff & Service
The staff and service experience is largely characterized by a lack of direct interaction and significant challenges with remote support. The hotel primarily operates on a self-check-in model, which, while offering flexibility, often leads to frustration due to issues with receiving key codes, finding the key box, or keys not being available upon arrival. Guests frequently report extreme difficulty in contacting customer service, with calls going unanswered and messages being ignored, leading to prolonged waits and unresolved issues. When contact is made, some guests describe the remote staff as unhelpful or even rude, particularly when addressing complaints or requests for refunds. The absence of an on-site reception means there is no immediate assistance for problems like broken amenities, cleanliness issues, or security concerns, leaving guests feeling unsupported throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Several important details, not fitting into other categories, significantly impact the guest experience. A recurring and major complaint is the pervasive cigarette smoke smell found in many rooms and common areas, despite the property's non-smoking policy, which is a significant deterrent for non-smokers. The lack of air conditioning or even basic fans is a critical issue, especially during warmer months, making rooms uncomfortably hot and stuffy, as opening windows often exposes guests to excessive street noise. The operational model, which relies entirely on self-service with no on-site staff or reception, means guests must be prepared to handle any issues remotely, often with limited success. Furthermore, some guests have raised concerns about the general security of the building, noting that the street door is often left open, and have reported unsettling incidents in the vicinity, contributing to a sense of unease.