Switzerland Guidebook
Best and worst accommodations:
Best: Chalet Fontana
Why: Denise made us feel special from her first email response. And, today 18 July 2011, when we met her in person feel as though we are family. We are relaxing in one of her apartments anticipating a fabulous breakfast. Denise is a treasure.
Worst: Hotel Tannenhof
Why: We stayed 16 & 17 July 2011 and got the impression we were intruders. We asked for an additional pillow and the man at the registration desk said, "You should have asked this morning when the maid was still here. I'll see what I can find." Later we asked what time the hotel shuttle leaves for the train station the next day and he said, "I don't get here until eight (08:00)." Very disappointed with his lack of hospitality.
Jim in Scottsdale, AZ USA 07/18/2011
Best: Alpina in Muerren
Why: location, and the owners are so very friendly. They are renovating this fall during their down time, so hopefully that will not affect their pricing TOO much; probably a good thing to check on.
Preston Bennett in Arlington, VA USA 06/08/2011
Best: Sorell Hotel Rutli
Why: Not recommended in the book, but should be. The renovated rooms are clean and comfortable. The breakfast is satisfying and the hotel personnel are helpful and pleasant.
Carol Ching in Honolulu, Hi USA 03/26/2011
Best: Hoetel Schonegg
Why: Lovely, attractive hotel, beautiful views and superlative breakfasts and dinners - charming host, reasonable prices. The cook's repetoire is outstanding!
Sylvia Grant in Osceola, WI USA 10/15/2010
Worst: Hotel Adler, Murten
Why: Non-stop cigarette smoke from downstairs bar floods hotel rooms upstairs. We had to wedge towels under door and keep window open- very, very bad! Not a good recommendation from you! Not happy with your recommendation!!!!
Stuart in Kirsh, CA USA 10/05/2010
Best: Hotel Eiger
Why: see above
Gail Hennessey in Harpursville, NY USA 09/23/2010
Best: Hotel Jungfrau, Murren
Why: A peaceful retreat in a heavenly place. Loved it!
Dawn USA 09/20/2010
Best: Esther's Guest House in Gimmelwald
Why: Clean, quiet, great location near the tram. The owner was very accomodating also. The ceilings are low--my 6 foot 5 husband kept hitting his head...but we enjoyed the great view and the amazing breakfast.
Julie in Provo, Ut USA 09/02/2010
Best: Eiger Guest House, Muerren
Why: After a long day of traveling, we were made welcome by Robert and Manager Emma. Our room was delightful with plenty of space, attractive decor, good bathroom, balcony, WiFi and good breakfast. We were thrilled to wake up to the sight of mountain peaks previously shrouded in clouds. Convenient location, great advice, good food and friendly fellow travelers made our stay memorable. Early June is a wonderful time to be in Mürren. We were also very happy with the Leoneck Hotel in Zurich, Goldener Stern in Luzern, Art Hotel Stella in Lugano and Goldener Schüssel in Bern, all Rick's recommendations.
Worst: Hotel Freieck, Chur
Why: We were given very poor and inaccurate directions to reach it from the train station. Arrival was a Sunday evening and the hotel staff were not available after check-in. We had to rely on townspeople to find a restaurant for supper when the hotel dining room was serving a tour group only. Our room was large and well-enough appointed and the breakfast buffet the next morning was exceptionally good.
Phyllis Thomas in Chattanooga, TN USA 07/30/2010
Best: Eiger Guesthouse
Why: It is cozy, well-run, and offers a delicious hearty breakfast. Its location in Murren is ideal because it is just across from the train station. There are lovely mountain views from the upstairs patio, the restaurant's outdoor tables, and out the windows of some rooms.
Lisa in St. Louis, MO USA 07/24/2010
Best: Hotel Staubbach
Why: The room was fine, the balcony was terrific, the breakfast was great, and the staff were caring. We met a couple who lives less than an hour away and may have found a job for our college-age son next summer!
Alan Nakamura in Crestwood, KY USA 05/15/2010
Worst: Hotel Staubbach
Why: It was a disappointment that the girls that worked there weren't very friendly. The owners weren't there. The bathroom was so small my face was touching the door when I'm using the toilet and I'm a small person.
Cece Chen in Phoenix, AZ USA 04/04/2010
Best: Alpenrose in Wengen & Daniela in Zermatt
Why: In Wengen our room had two sets of French doors opening to a small balconey with a perfect view of the Jungfrau. Excellent meals at Alpenrose. Will stay there again. We were very fortunate in Zermatt to have clear weather. Perfect view of the Matterhorn from our window at the Daniela. Breakfast there was probably the best we have had anywhere--just wonderful!
Susan Jennings in Atlanta, Ge USA 02/17/2010
Best: Berggasthaus Aescher
Why: See above. The only problem we had was that the train conductors and bus driver on the way there all insisted that the cable car up the mountain was done for the evening. Since the rest of our trip was tightly planned in advance and this was just one night, we decided we'd get very brave and hike the heck up that mountain ... though we didn't know the way and night was coming. When we arrived at the cable car area we found they were running for at least another hour. Even our not-yet-well-travelled daughter-in-law loved this part of the trip the best!
Judy Van Hoy in Philadelphia, PA USA 11/24/2009
Best: hotel staubbach
Why: all the folks there want you to have the best time possible and they are willing to help you out any way that they can.
william traester in simsbury, ct USA 11/11/2009
Best: Hotel St-Georges in Zurich
Why: The Hotel St-Georges. Centrally located, reasonable and a very friendly staff. Excellent breakfasts included.
Terry in Vallejo, Ca USA 11/04/2009
Best: Liesi's Heart Place in Gimmelwald
Why: Calling this a room for rent is an understatement, it's more like a suite. A large room with a comfortable bed, a separate sitting area/living room, and a private bathroom. Liesi is so friendly, and "Liesi's Heart Place" is a wonderful place to stay. This was our favorite and most comfortable accommodation during our 3 week trip around Europe!
Grant in Durham, NC USA 10/29/2009
Best: mountain hostel gimmelwald
Why: best pizza ever..... :) petra's really nice too
cheryl runyan in bozeman, mt USA 09/28/2009
Best: In Interlaken, Hotel Lotschberg
Why: Very close to the station and Migros. The owners, specially Fritz was very friendly and very helpful.
Vibhas Chandrachood in Lexington, KY USA 09/13/2009
Best: Chalet Bobs
Why: Our cozy studio at th Chalet Bobs was an excellent value with a great location near the cable car station with fabulous views of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau from our window. Our hosts Kitty and Alber were friendly and helpful. Albert played the alphorn twice during our stay and this really added to the alpine atmosphere. Having a kitchen allowed us to prepare our own meals when we wanted to and this was a real bonus. We will definitely stay at Chalet Bobs again the next time we go to the Berner Oberland!
Amy MacNaughton in Edmonds, WA USA 08/30/2009
Best: Hotel Regina
Why: This is the only hotel we used during our stay - the room was very nice and the owners, and staff, were exceptionally helpful. The hotel was well located but the nice public transportation should be used rather than walking up a very steep incline, just as you suggested.
Jim Colgan in Bixby, OK USA 08/15/2009
Best: Hotel Bristol in Zurich, Hotel Adler in Appenzell, Hotel Alpha in Luzern, Hotel Alpina in Muerren, Backpackers Villa in Interlaken, Hotel National in Bern
Why: Clean, friendly, yummy breakfast, location, good value.
Jim Kronus in Bradenton, FL USA 08/09/2009
Best: Hotel Tannenhof in Zermatt
Why: Recently, my wife and I had the pleasure of spending a few nights at the Hotel Tannenhof in Zermatt. We had a wonderful time. This immaculately clean hotel is nestled in the middle of town making access a breeze. The cozy wood paneled rooms are modestly priced for lodging in often expensive Zermatt. Edward, the owner and manager, is polite, accommodating, and very friendly. I stopped counting the languages he speaks fluently at 5. I would highly recommend the Tannenhof.
Ann & Marty Knight in Mi-Wuk Village, CA USA 08/04/2009
Best: Chalet Fontana
Why: Excellent value, good buffet breakfast and friendly. Central to everything.
JS USA 07/29/2009
Best: Lausanne Guesthouse & backpackers
Why: Great value, squeaky clean and superb location and view of lake Geneva. Spring for the private rooms you will not regret it.
JS in Walnut Creek, Ca USA 07/29/2009
Best: montarina guest house, lugano
Why: beautiful and convenient setting- a peaceful retreat nestled amongst the palm trees, well-run, lovely breakfast, comfortable rooms... (we stayed in a double room with bath)
Worst: pension gimmelwald (the one lodge with the restaurant)
Why: apparently new management, with much to learn about hospitality. I would not recommend it, nor would i return.
amir USA 07/26/2009
Best: Bellvue Palace
Why: Great location, clean and nice renovated room.
B CA USA 07/26/2009
Best: Hotel Bellevue in Murren
Why: Very nice hotel with spacious, clean rooms and accomodating staff. We had a very nice stay here. If you're looking for a quiet night, try Murren.
Barry Blodgett in Cary, IL USA 07/07/2009