Switzerland

Best and worst accommodations:

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

Best: Hotel Staubbach, Lauterbrunnen
Why: Clean with a great view. Very friendly staff Only drawback was the church outside next to the hotel rings the bells every hour all night so we could not leave the windows open.

Jeanne in Baltimore, OH USA 10/23/2008

Best: Baren Hotel, Wengen
Why: The location and the food. We had probably our best breakfasts in Switzerland, here at Baren. The dinner was great,too and we should have done half-board. (But get a room toward the valley - so that your room is not streetside :( the early morning vans are noisy.)

Jim Koster in Santa Fe, NM USA 10/17/2008

Best: Chalet Helvetia in Murren
Why: The apartment was well stocked and our host could not do enough for us. (even gave us coffee). Lots of great advice!

Carolyn Snowberg in San Francisco, ca USA 09/11/2008

Best: Chalet Fontana, Murren
Why: The owner Denise is wonderful, full of good information and the Chalet has a perfect location.

Worst: Chalet Fontana, Murren
Why: We stayed in the apartment and it is wonderful during the daytime. However, at night and early in the morning, the front room which is meant for sleeping is very loud since you can hear every footstep of those staying on the second floor of the main hotel. It was impossible for us to sleep there so we all had to crowd into the back room.

Lara in Berkeley, CA USA 08/03/2008

Best: hotel staubbach in lauterbrunnen
Why: Room was clean, comfortable, and spacious with great views and wonderful location for exploring the region. Front desk staff was extremely friendly, spoke excellent english, and went out of their way to assist guests and offer recommendations for things to do in the area as well as dining options. Breakfast was a generous buffet with a great variety of foods to choose from. We were greeted at the breakfast table each morning and asked about our plans for the day as well as if we needed any assistance. Can't recommend highly enough!

Worst: hotel alexander guesthouse in zurich
Why: Upon check in front desk staff was not friendly or helpful. We felt like we were unwelcome. Weren't informed about breakfast. Room faced the street and was not quiet as described in the rick steves book. We had bar/street noise until well after midnight. Neighborhood/atmosphere was uncomfortable for women traveling alone.

Leslie in Mankato, MN USA 07/27/2008

Best: Chalet Bobs in Murren
Why: It was so nice to have our own kitchette (especially with the cost of restaurants) after a day of hiking and cool weather. It made us feel like temporary residents.

Victoria Van Wie in Cypress, TX USA 06/22/2008

Best: Chalet Boebs in Muerren
Why: Wonderful hosts, wonderful view, great accomodations, and interesting conversation about life in Muerren, alphorns, etc. We'll be happy to stay here if we visit again. Note: if you arrive or depart Muerren in the rain, with hands too full for an umbrella, you can get a taxi to or from your lodging (one of the few vehicles in town).

G Weaver DE USA 06/14/2008

Best: Hotel Silberhorn
Why: Friendly staff, wonderful breakfasts, absolutely awesome views.

Curt and Patty Henderson in Minnetrista, MN USA 06/05/2008

Worst: Hotel Mitaghorn in Gimmelwald
Why: I've stayed there many times, and I appreciate the charm and incredible views. Sorry, but it is time for him to spring for lightbulbs that are more than 25 watts and a few new mattresses. Hard to take that 1 euro shower at night when you can't see anything, and impossible to read in bed at night with 25 watts. The mattress....well, it was like being in utero again. no way to turn or move, just stuck in the sinkhole in the middle of the mattress.

terrie gordon gamble in stanford, ca USA 06/01/2008

Best: Hotel Lochsberg, Interlaken, Switzerland
Why: We loved the hotel, great location, nice rooms. BUT, Fritz needs to keep his political comments and anti-American views to himself. Within 5 minutes of conversation, he was bashing Americans. I found this offensive, especially since he told us 50% of his business is American. I would stay there again, but I wish he would follow his wife's advice and not discuss his politics with his customers.

Lynn Petruska in Manchester , MO USA 05/11/2008

Best: Martahaus in Zurich and Goldener Stern in Lucerne
Why: Well run, friendly staff with excellent language skills. Safe and very clean rooms. Excellent choices!

Karren Tolliver in New Port Richey, FL USA 03/07/2008

Best: Chalet Fiadan, Lausanne
Why: A girlfriend & I stayed in this beautiful Swiss chalet, located in Lausanne with views of the city & the lake. The owner, Lucie Pochon, is reason enough to stay in Fiadan. Lucie invited us to a church service at the Lausanne Cathedral, after which she gave us the royal tour & introduced us to her friends. She gave local insight to the protected & beautiful Corniche de Lavaux area that we enjoyed touring by car. We ate at her recommended Italin restaurant & it was great but the price shocked us. The waiter converted euros into Swiss Francs for us as we had arrived too late to find an ATM.

The next day we visited Chateau de Chillon & after paying for the admission ticket realized we had been grossly overcharged at the Italian restaurant. Lucie to the rescue! After discussing the overcharge with Lucie, she insisted on accompaning us back to the restaurant where she spoke to the owner- who offered us coffee while he checked into the situation. A few minutes later the very polite but embarrassed waiter apologized profusely and refused to keep our generous tip. The peace & serenity of Fiadan would be hard to beat. The helpfulness & kindness of Lucie have made lasting memories! Check out www.fiadan.com.

Beverly Clauser in Ramona, CA USA 01/31/2008

Best: Hotel Staubbach, Lauterbrunnen
Why: Stayed at the Hotel Staubbach and loved it! All our expectations were more than satisfied and we really enjoyed the warm, welcoming ambience and found it to be great value for the pricing. Had a great time meeting other English speaking travellers from all over the world in the TV room and coffee room (free coffee and Tea all the time). The Hotel staff and the Swiss/American Owners were very helpful and genuinely concerned that guests were enjoying their stay, always available for questions and a welcoming smile or chat. You can see that everyone was really enjoying their stay at the Staubbach. It is a humble 2 star landmark Hotel with an old world charm which is exactly what we were looking for as visitors to Europe and it was perfect for our dollar deflated budget too! It is a clean, efficient, and well managed Hotel. Found Lauterbrunnen to be the perfect location as a base to all the amazing excursions in the region. The valley, waterfalls and alpine scenery are world famous for good reason and of course as everyone mentions the views are truly magnificent from the Hotel Staubbach and the best in town. We highly recommend the Staubbach! Check out their informative website www.staubbach.com

Jake in El Paso, NM USA 01/23/2008

Best:
Why: Lausanne Guesthouse and Staubach bed and breakfast in Lauterbrunner were both superb

Barbara Hart in Hudson, Mi USA 11/14/2007

Best: Luzern: TheBandB; Lauterbrunnen: Hotel Staubbach
Why: Not in Rick's guides, but a great place-- website is wwwthebandb.ch; Great location, not far from city center, and WAY cheaper than most alternatives; Isabelle, the proprietor, is an ambitious young woman who spent some time in Calif, speaks great english, and runs a great house; Lauterbrunnen: Hotel Staubbach-- great house, superb views (especially the S. Side facing the waterfall. Didn't want to come back!

John & Diane Hearing in Maple Valley, WA USA 10/15/2007

Worst: Hotel Mittaghorn
Why: I've been visiting the Berner Oberland and Walters for almost 20 years. Walter in now 84 and still a fine Swiss gentleman. But everyone staying here had a Rick Steves guidebook. Why go to Europe to experience "back doors" with a bunch of Americans at your hotel? Perhaps it will be Kandersteg or Brienz next time. I'm outta here.

Gerry in Schmitz, Wi USA 10/14/2007

Best: Hotel Lotschberg-Interlaken
Why: Very helpful staff who all seemed interested in helping us to find the right sightseeing to maximize our stay in Interlaken. Nice location close to shops and restaurants and good parking for those with rental cars. Rooms very small but quiet and clean, but beds not all that comfortable. Great breakfast.

Carole Schuster USA 10/13/2007

Best: Hotel Mittaghorn in Gimmelwald, Hotel Adler in Zurich
Why: This was our fourth time staying at Hotel Mittaghorn over the last 5 years and it is still my favorite place to stay out of all of the places that I have been in Europe. Walter is such a kind person. Unfortunately he is getting older and he didn't interact nearly as much with his guests during our stay this time as he had in the past. Still, the place is such a charming place to stay with great views for a great price. Hotel Adler is not in Rick Steves' book. We usually stay at Hotel Leoneck when we're in Zurich, but this time it was booked so we stayed at Hotel Adler instead. It is extremely clean and modern. It is in a great location within walking distance to the train station and all of the commonly visited sites in Zurich. Their website is at www.hotel-adler.ch

Worst: Hotel and Hostel Montarina in Lugano
Why: Considering the price (110 CHF) this place really wasn't that bad but the room was tiny. The room had a bed, a stool, a small night stand, and some hooks on the wall. There was no room to put our stuff. It was located right next to the train station, but it was kind of far from the old town.

Aimee in Anaheim, CA USA 09/26/2007

Best: Esther's B&B
Why: Friendly staff and very clean rooms. All-I-could-eat breakfast for 15 francs was great.

Colin Chapman in Seattle, WA USA 09/14/2007

Best: Hotel Alpina - Murren
Why: Great room overlooking valley...best location in Murren. The staff was very helpful and the food was great!

Laura in Houston, TX USA 08/21/2007

Best: Hotel Staubbach in Lauterbrunnen
Why: Very friendly staff, great breakfast, good location, close to the train station, so you could get around easily. All of the good comments you read on this website are true about Hotel Staubbach.

Mark and Kathy Kelsey in Santa Clara, CA USA 08/04/2007

Best: Chalet Bobs, Murren
Why: The two bedroom apartment was perfect for a family. Groceries can be bought at the Coop market in town (helpful for picky eaters and good on the budget), the view was incredible, Kitty and Albert are very nice and helpful, the price was excellent, and we were able to hear Albert play the alphorn every one of our 4 days there. This was the best accomodations we found in a 4 country trip- I can't recommend it more highly!

Beth Werker in South Berwick, Me USA 07/19/2007

Best: Traube in Appenzell, Alpina in Muerren, Bristol in Zuerich
Why: All three had decent to really nice rooms at good prices, and all were run by really friendly, helpful people.

Bill Gordon in Miami, FL USA 07/12/2007

Best: Hotel Staubbach, Lauterbrunnen
Why: I found the staff exceptionally friendly, and the rooms very good value. I appreciated that it was very quiet at night during my stay.

Worst: Goldener Schluessel, Bern
Why: Stayed for 7 nights June, 2006. Single room with WC/shower in hall: SF90/night, including breakfast. Room was very dark; noisy Old Town location. Staff were efficient but not friendly. I didn't find it to be especially good value. Bugs on cheeseboard and a cockroach crawling along floor in breakfast room especially turned me off! Thankfully it was my last breakfast there when I saw this.

Audrey Hermanutz in Edmonton, AB Canada 07/12/2007

Best: Hotel Garni Stella, Lugano
Why: Wonderful hotel near the train station. The hotel is an museum in itself with a wide array of scuptures and paintings. The outdoor garden/patio is well designed along with the swimming pool, and would envy any English gardener. Staff, including Antoinette were extremely friendly. Rooms were spacious, modern and well maintained. Breakfast in the morning in the hotel's sun room was refreshing. Took us only about seven minutes to reach the Piazza della Riforma via the funicular from the hotel.

Ken J in Reston, VA USA 07/05/2007

Best: All recommended hotels were good choices
Why: no surprises and good values! Used Continental in Bern, Traube in Appenzell, Goldener Stern in Lucerne and Murtenhof in Murten

Kathleen Burkley in Peoria, IL USA 06/13/2007

Best: Hotel Staubach, Lauterbrunnen
Why: The hotel was immaculate. The downey duvets were devine. The staff was stellar. Breakfast and coffee were excellent. It was our favorite place to sleep of all on our trip and we had all great ones!!

Les&Pat in Horseshoe Bay, TX USA 06/04/2007

Worst: Minotel Alagare, Lausanne, Switzerland
Why: Tried to reserve a room for June vacation via hotel website. After first try failed, tried again, but did not notice that the dates of stay had been defaulted back to day after "today's date". When I got the reservation confirmation, I sent message to hotel that dates were incorrect and needed to be change. However, policy is that no cancellation allowed within 48 hours of date of stay. Since I wasn't going to show up (since I was still in the United States and my trip wasn't for three months), they charged me over $600. Unbelievable! Their attitude was basically, "too bad for you, you clicked the wrong button". It's not like they lost any revenue either--room was un-reserved prior to date of stay.

Joel R. in Phoenix, AZ USA 02/28/2007