Hello, We are traveling with our 2 grown children to Switzerland in late July. Landing Zurich, train to Lucerne. Two nights in Lucerne then heading down to the BO area for 3 nights before heading to Italy. Not sure if we should stay in Murren, Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken in the Berner Oberland. We will likely need 2 rooms at a hotel, but if we could get an apartment that might be more cost effective. Can anyone recommend some hotels/airbnbs/apartments in Lucerne as well as the BO area. Our budget is moderate. We were hoping to keep it at +/-$400/night, but we realize if we're in a hotel, we'll probably exceed that amount. I'd love your thoughts on which area to home base in the BO area. Thank you so much.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
833 posts
If you mean this July, your pickings are going to be very slim and you'll have to take what you can get.
I'd recommend looking in Wengen at chalet.myswitzerland.com, e-domizil, interhome, Wengen Apartments & Alpine Chalet Services, as well as hotels in the area. Sometimes chalets will have a 3-5 night minimum, so you may run into some issues with some and in general you may have to widen your search to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and even Wilderswil & Interlaken (not places I'd chose to stay, but you're going at the height of tourist season and most things will be booked). Luzern will probably be even more difficult. It notoriously has not great lodging options and is quite expensive, especially as you won't meet the minimum requirement for a chalet and will have to get hotel rooms, which won't be $200/night each, unless you're quite far out of town.
If your budget is important, you'll have more choices for better prices if you expand out into the less touristy places. If you're set on those 2 spots, your budget and expectations will need to change.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for replying. Yes, I know it's a very late start. Nailing down schedules with my adult kids was tough! I think found a place in Lucerne, but each room is >300/night. Cheapest I've found for a decent place. Now onto Wengen. I appreciate your help.
Posted by
5702 posts
That's not a bad price for Lucerne!
It's sticker shock to be sure, but it will be worth it. (at least the main attraction is free!)
I splurged for a special anniversary in Murren, but do check VRBO, I saw lots of modest accommodations on that site.
Some of the hotels in Murren also offer apartments so maybe you will luck out.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
833 posts
If your budget is flexible and you can find availability, the best options in Wengen for views are a south facing balcony. Maya Caprice and Hotel Baren are nicely located and well run. If you find a chalet apartment, do note that if you get very far from the train station you will have an uphill/downhill walk to/from every day. It's a car free village, so you have to be willing to walk - sometimes 10-15 minutes for a lower priced place. Or sacrifice the view - which in my opinion is a tragedy. If you can scrounge around in your budget, a south facing balcony will be well worth the WOW moments you experience from it. Perhaps you can put a little more towards lodging for a chalet with a kitchen and cook some meals instead of going out to eat. That should make some room in your budget and if you have a beautiful view from your place sometimes it's even better eating at "home".
The Coop grocery store in Wengen sells fresh ready to bake pizzas, salads, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, etc. so there are lots of great picnic/easy meal options that will be much cheaper than going out to eat for every meal.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you @wanderweg. I just booked Hotel Baren. It gets great reviews, and I'm looking forward to trying their restaurant. I'm over budget, but quickly realized how unrealistic that number was once I started my search. Between the 2 places, I'm averaging 360 per room per night. Unfortunately, we can't get away with one hotel room, as most accommodate a max of 3 people. Both hotels I booked have a flexible cancellation policy in the event I stumble across something else or, heaven forbid, something prevents our travel. I appreciate your help!