As Swiss we all know staying in an high mountain resort for winter skiing is far more expensive then other seasons, and in order to insure having a sunny weather we took our chance to book 3 nights in Omnia at last minutes (due to the global recession? During high season for this category of hotels in Switzerland, usually need to reserve long time ahead). After reading all the good critics about Omnia, we were very excited to go for CHF750/US$656 per night for a double Room - 37m2, balcony with view to Zermatt or the rock-west side, king size bed, bathroom with shower and WC as Omnia website described.
But what we got as room-A (Omnia is proud there is no number indicated the room, but using alphabet instead) in realities? Even though my husband did ask a room with a good view when he booked. The hotel public area and our room are nicely designed, but the furniture lay out in the room are not so practical - specially for watching TV. A wall size floor to ceiling window with balcony was facing closely to the hill with other houses near by, no any privacy(need to pull the curtain on for changing outfit) and never get any sun light (neither in the room) all day. The bathroom is small but lovely has 3 sides sunny bay widow, but no shower facility as hotel website mentioned. A quick shower? We need to hand hold the shower handle standing in a bathtub, as a result there was water all over on the floor.
Perhaps due to tiredness of travelling to the high mountain, I had a short nap after checking in but was woke up because feeling cold in the room. (We have been in Zermatt over 10 times even the coldest month in January I was never feeling cold in any of hotels) so I called the reception and ask if there was a way to set the room temperature higher? We didn't get any answer even till we returned from our dinner in the hotel and I was feeling cold again when I entered our room (specially I wouldn't even consider to take a quick shower before going to bed). Because of my complaint, my husband went to the reception and came back with anger. I sensed this matter must went so wrong, so I went to the reception right away to cool down both sides and a short while later a small heater was delivered to our room.
Next day we saw a friendly letter from the hotel manager (who we never saw during our entire stay) placed in our room with explanation of floor heating require hours to raise the room temperature, and the temperature has been raised to 24C. Since most of newly built Swiss house using floor heating system (same as we have at home), but I still wondered why we couldn't control the room temperature individually? and I need a small plug in heater during all our stay in the bathroom?
In general, we prefer a good small modern design hotel then a big 5 star traditional hotel for vacation (Relais & Chateaux is our favour) that's why we choose Omnia this time. Omnia is well located (but not so great with ski boot and carry the ski walking down a short distance to the main street for taxi) and provides excellent service on receiving guest at taxi/train terminal and arrival at hotel. The food in its restaurant is the best we have tried in Zermatt (better then Grand hotel Shonegg GaultMillau 15/20 which is possibly highest rated in Zermatt). The breakfast choice is limited compare with 5 star hotel, but with fresh good quality.
In whole ask me if I would go back? My answer would be never with its high season price. With our experience for winter ski? I prefer Hotel Mont Cervin Palace in Zermatt and the Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Engadine, both hotels have spectacle indoor swimming pool jacuzzi spa facilities, which Omnia is too far to compete. And in term the quality/price for the room we got, both were better then Omnia too (specially with sunny and stunning views)
