Where to Stay in either Murren, Wengen or Grimmlewald

It doesn't seem that you have checked the RS Switzerland guidebook? Also, there is an overly touristy town at the foot of the Eiger called Grindlewald, a different tiny village across the valley with high up views of the Monch, the Eiger, and the Jungfrau called Gimmelwald. They are really, really different. Some people like one, some the other. When you say, "Grimmlewald" which did you mean?

Cheryl, I have the same question as Nigel in terms of which town you're referring to with "Grimmelwald"??? Are you referring to Gimmelwald or Grindelwald? I'd would highly recommend picking up a copy of the Switzerland Guidebook as it has Hotel listings for all the areas you'll be visiting, which includes information both on the facilities (ie: whether they can accommodate four) and the prices. Could you clarify what type of "town" your husband might prefer? All of the locations you mentioned are smaller mountain villages. You could perhaps consider Lauterbrunnen, but if he prefers something larger then Interlaken would be a better choice (it tends to be on the "pricey" side though). Happy travels!

I like to stay in the small, car-less town of Muerren. It has a small grocery store and several restaurants. There are quite a few accommodations there that are listed in Rick's tour book. I stay at Hotel Alpina which has rooms with a balcony that overlooks the valley and has an awesome view of the mountains. It is family owned. Has internet access in the reception room and has a great buffet breakfast. The rooms are a bit worn but the views are awesome. Have fun on your trip.

My apologies, I meant to say Grindlewald. I've purchased a few of the RS books, chose "Europe 2011" vs. one specifically one on Switzerland, which I will purchase in the next few days. I haven't looked at Gimmelwald. Right now I think we're focusing on Wengen over Grindlewald, I/laken and Murren.

We've stayed in Murren twice and really liked it. Lots of transportation (cable cars) and lots of good walking paths through beautiful meadows with amazing scenery of the Alps all around you. We stayed at Hotel Eiger both times. Wherever you stay, if you have the option of a balcony I'd highly recommend it. Wengen seemed like a nice town to stay in and I've heard good things about it. It seemed a little more touristy to me than Murren. Gimmelwald is an easy walk from Murren and I liked it, but it's too rustic for me to stay there.

We were in Switzerland last summer. I was like you. It took me sometime to decide on where to stay. I finally decided on Wengen. With my 13 yo daughter, I figured there is a little more to do in Wengen - a few shops plus one less Gondola to catch. We love the Bernese Oberland and hope to be back one day and when I go back I would stay in Murren. Do not get me wrong, We enjoyed Wengen but when we visited Murren, I get this 'Heidi' feeling. It is higher up than Wengen and more quiet.
You will not go wrong in either places. It all depends on you and your companions.With luggages in tow,it was the right choice for us then . If you decide to stay in Murren, do try to travel light.

We were in Switzerland last summer. I was like you. It took me sometime to decide on where to stay. I finally decided on Wengen. With my 13 yo daughter, I figured there is a little more to do in Wengen - a few shops plus one less Gondola to catch. We love the Bernese Oberland and hope to be back one day and when I go back I would stay in Murren. Do not get me wrong, We enjoyed Wengen but when we visited Murren, I get this 'Heidi' feeling. It is higher up than Wengen and more quiet.
You will not go wrong in either places. It all depends on you and your companions.With luggages in tow,it was the right choice for us then . If you decide to stay in Murren, do try to travel light.

If you think Mürren might work for you, I'll recommend Chalet Fontana...shared baths but big, inexpensive rooms and great breakfast in a very clean B&B style place. Tripadvisor reviewers give it 5 stars. The town has a lot to offer for its size: great views, hiking, a sports center with indoor swimming, mountain bike rental, and some good restaurants. There's also a small Coop grocery store right on the main drag...good for picnic supplies.

Even more...Chalet Fontana has an attached apartment suitable for up to 5 persons with an ensuite bathroom and breakfast. The apartment comprises the left ground floor portion of the Chalet.

We have been there a number of times as a family. We have stayed in Mürren, Wengen, and Grindelwald and like each of them for different reasons. For views, I would have to place Mürren at the top of the list. For a family of four, my recommendations woudl be, in this order: 1. The apartment at Chalet Fontana. Two bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and private bath. You still get breakfast upstairs with the B&B guests, but you have more space and privacy. It is right across the street from the grocery store and it's fun to purchase the ingredients and cook your own dinner for a change from restaurant fare. The Asia restaurant up the street is quite gooe as well, and they will do take-out if you like. 2. Hotel Baeren in Wengen. They have a 2-room family suite on the top floor, although unfortunately it doesn't have a balcony. You could also get two double rooms with balconies on a lower floor. The Baeren is a simple and casual place with outstanding food. They have an apaartment in a separate building (the "Little Bear") that might work well for you. continued. . .

continuing. . . 3. In Grindelwald, Hotel Residence has well-priced apartments for a family of 4. The apartment is huge, with 2 bedrooms, one bath, and a large living/dining room, and a balcony. Nice views toward the mountains. Breakfast is included in the price. Hotel Cabana also has an apartment; more upscale and more expensive. gorgeous views straight to the North Face of the Eiger. And don't believe everything RS says about Grindelwald. Yes, there are more tourists and more shops there than in Wengen or Mürren, and it has lots of traffic. So it lacks the peace and charm of the car-free villages perched above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. But Grindelwald has lots to offer a family in the way of activities if your kids are in the 8 to 16 year age range, including a Rodelbahn, Trottibikes, and the "First Flyer" which is like a zipline.