need suggestion on place to stay in swiss alps

Be aware of one thing... I'm sure a bunch of people will recommend the Berner Oberland. But in April, most hotels and restaurants here are closed for the shoulder season. Davos, St. Moritz and Zermat are better choices because businesses remain open.

Don't know what you would consider romantic, but we stayed in Gimmelwald at Ollie and Maria's (in RS book and on his TV show of the Berner Oberland) It was a very nice apartment, clean, new, our own entrance and patio area and very beautiful! If you want quiet (other than cow bells), privacy, and your own little place, check them out! Ollie told us that March is a wonderful time to stay with them and ski, so I assume they are open to taking quests then. They have one room in their house and then the apartment we rented. Really nice! We hope to stay with them again...Rick does!

Another reason I recall from a business trip why not to visit the BO in April... thick fog cover is a common occurrence during the early spring.

If you do decide on staying in the Berner Oberland, you can stay on the other side of the mountains from Grindelwald in Meiringen or Bruenig (or any of the small towns along the Bruenig line of the railroad). However, the fact that you mention scenic driving makes me think you are planning on having a car. That means you will probably need to stick to areas along more major routes. I really like Lucerne. It is a small city with a lot to offer for two days and getting there and away by car is extremely scenic. Mt. Pilatus is gorgeous and overlooks Lucerne.

Do you know that until about mid-April, it is still ski season in the mountains? Expect snow.

Wow -- more contentious than this question needs to be. Nothing compares with the Berner Oberland.

Yes, in April the weather can be hit-or-miss. Because of that you may be better off staying near the valley bottom rather than higher up the mountain, but that decison should be based on your tolerance for "an adventure".

That said, I've stayed in all 3 of these locations and highly recommend all three. Which you choose is based more on amenities and location.

www.sunnydays.ch. The Sunny Days B&B is in Interlaken, just 5 minutes walk from shopping, dining, and the train station. This is your best choice if you expect bad weather, or if you are traveling with anyone who may have mobility challenges (my father-in-law does not walk well, for example). We have stayed here 5 times totaling 12 days (30-somethings, toddler, friend, teen, aging parents). Great breakfast, other dining nearby.

www.eigerguesthouse.com. The Eiger is in Murren. This is a little farther up the mountain, but still very suitable even if weather could be an issue. They have some rooms that have extra beds, and are adjoining, if you have a larger family or simply need more room. Nice game-room area if you are traveling with small children. The restaurant onsite here is top notch -- so grab a meal here even if you don't stay here. Stayed twice, 7 total days. (30-somethings, toddler, friend, teen).

www.pensiongimmelwald.com. Someone already recommended it, but here's a second. If you are going to stay 'up the mountain', this pension and location can not be beaten. Stayed once, 2 nights. (30-somethings and robust 60-somethings).

How many in your group? Ages? Interests? Tolerance to 'adventure'? More info, please.

Favorite hotel of our trip was Hotel Staubbach in Lauterbrunen. However, we were there in September 2005.