staying w family but looking for a hotel night somewhere

If you can tell us what kind of experience you are looking for out of this side trip, and why you are having second thoughts about Zermatt, people can give better recommendations.

My concern about Zermatt would be that it is so weather dependent; you'll be traveling for several hours each way to get there, and if it's cloudy or rainy, you're stuck. Weather in mountain areas is never predictable, but October is a transition time so it's even less so.

Mostly visiting family. This is both our first time in Switzerland. We want to hike and take great photos w our cannons and in general just spend time together. Was also thinking to stay in Geneva , but have read things that say that is the "least " Swiss city in Switzerland. Also not opposed to any other recommendations. Thanks !!

Luzern might be a good choice. You can take boat rides on the lake, go up Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus, or walk around the very pretty town center. If it's raining, there are several museums. This way, regardless of the weather, you will have options.

If you're looking for hiking, that wouldn't be in Geneva. There are pretty towns/cities along the lake, like Lausanne and Montreux, as well as Chateau de Chillon which will provide good photo opportunities.

Remember that Swiss trains don't need reservations, and can be bought at the last minute without penalty, and that there are trains every hour or more on all routes. Therefore, it's easy to decide on the spur of the moment to go somewhere in the country, if something draws you. From Zurich, much of the country is 1-2 hours away (Zermatt is one of the longer train rides from Zurich). For instance, you could go to Appenzell for a day or overnight to see a "traditional village."

I agree with Harold, although Geneva is pretty cool too. I also like Montreaux. But, Lucern is my favorite city in Switzerland. You can boat the lake, train the Rigi and cable car Mt. Pilatus. Visit Gruyere and have some cheese if you get a chance.

I have been to Zermatt only to be disappointed by the weather, but even so, I saw the Matterhorn, or at least about 60% of it.

Great thanks for the input. We purchased the swiss rail pass so we will be traveling quite a bit within Switzerland. Since it's off season I might just play it by ear and see if we can find a room if we don't want to travel back to Zurich to stay with my family that night. I am such a planner and that kills me but I think it will be ok!

If the weather is nice, I would take the train to Kandersteg and the gondola up to the mountain inn by the lake ( Oeschinensee):

http://www.oeschinensee.ch/english/

It should be beautiful there in early October, with the larch trees turning gold.

It looks like that hotel that you gave the link to closes for the season on 10/8/17 I wanted to spend that first weekend with my family. I emailed them back so I guess we will see what they say. Thanks!

I did not see a closing date--just that they operate "May to October" which is pretty vague. The gondola to get up there runs later in the month, so if you want to go then, you could stay in Kandersteg and visit for the day. But the mountain inn is a special place---we always try to include a night or two there when in SwitzerlNd.

Yeah I emailed them they close 4 the season on 10-8. I want to be w my family that weekend as they may be working during the week and that's really our only weekend there (we leave sat the 14 @ noon out of the Zurich airport).