We are traveling through Europe and plan to go to the Swiss Alps around the end of May. In other postings most people recommended staying in Murren but it seems as if the hotels are closed during that time. If that is the case what would be a good second choice. Also, are there apt. or cottage opportunities such as you would find in Paris or Rome. We are traveling by train so would not want to be lodged too far from the train station
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
If you can't find any lodging in the mountain villages you may want to stay in Interlaken. It's not as scenic or tranquil but it's still only a short train ride away from all the activities, plus all the hotels, shops, and restaurants will still be open. If you must stay in one of the villages above, you may have to settle of Grindlewald. I find it to be a snooty, expensive resort town but there are hotels open year round. If given the choice between Grindlewald and Interlaken, I would pick Interlaken where prices are cheaper.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
I believe that some hotels in Murren may be open in the end of May. Try emailing the Hotel Fontana or the Hotel Eiger. I don't have their email addresses. We stayed at the Hotel Silberhorn in Lauterbrunnen in the last few days of May 2007 so they were open. I have emailed the Hotel Silberhorn a few times and they are very responsive. Use the contact page at www.silberhorn.com. Note that Interlaken is not a bad place to stay. It's just a bit farther from the valley and villages. It's a 25-minute train ride to Lauterbrunnen from track 2B at the Interlaken Ost station. This can work well.
Posted by
cochranville, pa, usa
322 posts
This is where we stay when in Interlaken. Very quick and scenic walk to the train station and in a nice quiet neighborhood. Fabulous breakfast as well.
http://www.sunnydays.ch/e/findex.html
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Chalet Fontana/Denise Fussell:
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I have stayed at Sunny Days B&B, recommended in Rick's book. It sits along a residential street, just across the river from the main drag, and an easy walk from the west train station. It's a pretty comfortable place, but beware the hidden charges for internet use!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Sorry - forgot to say that the Chalet Fontana is in Muerren... best bargain in the Alps.
Posted by
Gimmelwald, Bern, Switzerland
3 posts
Muerren has a number of steps to its summer season. Some hotels open may 1, Some mid June, and a couple only July and August. At the end of the season closing takes place variously from mid september through the end of october.
In May I would recommend Chalet Fontana (www.chaletfontana.ch), the Eiger Guesthouse (http://www.eigerguesthouse.com), or Alpenruh hotel (http://www.alpenruh-muerren.ch). Book early as May can be surprisingly busy and not everyone is open.
In Gimmelwald, you will also find all accommodations open in May.
Tim at the Mittaghorn.