Gimmelwald or Murren?

They are right next to each other, separated by a 5-minute gondola ride. I prefer staying in Gimmelwald because it's a little quieter, but Murren has more amenities and more lodging options.

If you want a hotel you will want Mürren. There are no hotels (well one really old one) in Gimmelwald.

Mürren is a large village with hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, even a mini-golf.

Gimmelwald, really a crossroads or tiny village, has (had?) the old rickety hotel, a few guesthouses and a hostel.

Murren has more to offer - plus Gimmelwald is only a short hike down the mountain. We actually prefer Wengen to Murren. It's a bit larger but on the other side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Gimmelwald is really nothing but a nice hike. Stay in Murren; its awesome. We enjoyed staying in Chalet Fontana; ask for the loft room with the view of the Eiger/Monch/Jungfrau (http://www.ferntree.ch/chalet/fontana.htm),

Murren is also a good hub for hiking. You can go:

• UP. Take Schilthornbahn to the top, then down to Birg station. Get out there and hike down via Grauseeli (alpine lake), Bryndli (hikeable spire with 360 views), Spielbodenalp (alpine pub for refreshment on way down), Sprutz Waterfall (you can hike behind the water), and down to Murren;
• DOWN. To Gimmelwald, then down a creek valley to the valley floor at Stechelberg. Cable car back up to Murren;
• ALONG. Several choices of trails to Grutschalp and back along the edge of the valley.

There's a reasonably good planning map here (https://www.journeyera.com/murren-schilthorn-hike/)

Gimmelwald is just a short stroll down a path from Mürren, with only a few places to stay or eat, and little to see but the awesome views. You'd be going up to Mürren to shop, eat, etc., most of the time anyway

Deb, is this for the solo part of your retirement trip? For that, I would highly recommend Chalet Fontana in Muerren (also mentioned above), a bed and breakfast. We have been to Muerren (and stayed here) numerous times. Now we rent an apartment there for our family, but if I were traveling solo I would go back to Chalet Fontana.

You will meet others at breakfast, and everyone can get some great advice on hikes from Denise, the owner. The bathroom is shared, but we have never found that to be a problem there. You can read about it here (with links to AirBnB for actual booking):

http://www.ferntree.ch/chalet/fontana.htm

If you would prefer a hotel and a room with ensuite bath, I recommend Hotel Bellevue, higher in the village with the best views in town.