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Where to Stay in Bernese Oberland for Schilthorn excursion

Hello!

My fiance and I will be in Switzerland for our honeymoon in late May/early June. We'll be spending a few days in Montreux and would then like to go to the Bernese Oberland region for about 2-3 days. We'd really like to explore Lauterbrunnen, Murren and go to the top of the Schilthorn. But we would also like to stay in a comfortable hotel, with maybe some extra amenities like a hot tub, and be able to go out for a few drinks at night. So, we'd like to have a bit of a town to explore (Gimmelwald seems much too small), while still not feeling like we are in a big city or staying in the fanciest resort ever. I'm looking for a good town to stay in that will fit those needs will allow for easy access up to the Murren area for a day trip.

We originally wanted to stay in Thun, but I am worried that is too far. Would Spiez, Interlaken or Bönigen be better? Or, will we be pleased with somewhere like Lauterbrunnen?

Thanks so much of your help!

Posted by
1450 posts

Wengen and Gindlewald, especially the latter, have some fancy hotels which should have the amenities you want. They are much closer to Murren and the Schilthorn than any of the other places you listed. Double check accommodations in Murren; I would not be surprised to find a posh hotel there.

Posted by
21140 posts

I think you should cut loose and stay in Muerren. It is a special place. The Eiger Swiss hotel does have a hot tub and is not insanely expensive that time of year. Plenty of places to go out at night.
Next down the scale is Lauterbrunnen. Finally, Interlaken, with lots of big hotels that will meet your criteria.

Posted by
1930 posts

It is so breathtaking in Murren you won't miss a thing if you don't find a hotel with all the amenities! The view will blow your mind and it is much larger than Gimmelwald. I think you'd be happy there.

Posted by
4853 posts

It sounds like you're looking at Interlaken, which is nice but you're so close to cooler stuff. Perhaps on your next trip you can stay in Murren. Thun is probably a bit far unless you get a great rate, because you'll have to change to a clicky-clack train in Interlaken to get to Lauterbrunnen and then transfer one of two ways to Schilthorn.

Posted by
8965 posts

bagleyjessica, Maybe I missed it, but why would you not stay in Muerren itself? Its worth staying in. You can easily access Lauterbrunnen and Gimmelwald from there, and vice-versa. These places are not that remote from each other, in fact you can see one from the other.

Posted by
7209 posts

Totally agree - Murren has everything you're looking for. People who've never been there sometimes have a misconception of dirt roads with cabins dotted around sparsely. Not true at all. There are some very very nice hotels in Murren and sports center with huge indoor pool and toasty hot tub. There are no stand alone "bars" but there are bars in many of the upscale hotels.

Posted by
32350 posts

bagley,

Given the places you want to explore, I would NOT suggest staying in Wengen or Grindelwald. As your primary focus is "Lauterbrunnen, Murren and go to the top of the Schilthorn", I agree with the others that Mürren would be the best choice of the place to stay. You'lll still be able to get to Lauterbrunnen relatively easily to explore there. You'll also be able to easily have a look at Gimmelwald (you can perhaps make the short hike down the hill, have a "cool one" at the Pension and then take the cable car back). Mürren is large enough that it has a reasonably good choice of hotels, some of which will be "comfortable". I'll leave it to the others to suggest hotels there (I usually stay in Lauterbrunnen).

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks everyone! Murren it is! Hotel Eiger looks beautiful, but unfortunately is not opening until the second day we will be there. Does anyone have another hotel recommendation there? I did some research and saw that it's "shoulder season" so some hotels may not be open yet…would that change anyone's recommendation to stay there?

Posted by
7209 posts

Almost all of the hotels are wonderful. I would probably shy away from the Hotel Regina but all the others are perfectly fine. I can personally recommend the Hotel Alpenruh which is located right beside the gondola station to the Schilthorn. If you stay there you can actually choose to take your inclusive breakfast at the Schilthorn instead of the hotel (you still have to purchase a ticket for the ride).

I've read good things about the Bellevue and Blumental and have personally stayed in the Alpina (little dated but perfectly ok).

Have a look at them all:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g188084-Murren_Jungfrau_Region_Bernese_Oberland_Canton_of_Bern-Hotels.html

Posted by
30 posts

I've only been once but can absolutely recommend the Hotel Alpina. Get a room with a balcony facing the valley and you will be a happy camper. The view can't be beaten.

Posted by
8965 posts

Hotel Jungfrau in Mürren is where we stayed. I think just about anyplace there will be fine. You're always just a few feet away from stunning views, that is, if weather cooperates.

Posted by
2161 posts

Another vote for the Hotel Jungfrau. We enjoyed our stay there in 2010 as a part of a Rick Steves Germany, Austria & Switzerland tour. The rooms were fine with super, breathtaking views. The staff was helpful and the food in the restaurant was very good. They also have a small bar. Good location.

Posted by
65 posts

I also would recommend Murren. It is a wonderful village with easy access to the entire area. Our family stayed at the Hotel Alpenblick in June 2015, ask for a room with a view of the Alps and you will not be disappointed!! The rooms are spotless and the breakfast with home made jams delicious. Jeanette and Tom are wonderful hosts and their restaurant has THE best Rosti and chicken in the area. You have many hiking options from here and very easy access to the Schilthorn early in the day before the crowds and clouds roll in. Have fun Erin