Valais Hotels

Most of those built after about 1960 popped up in generic, concrete-slab, balconied rows to accommodate the 1960s ski boom. They are solid enough but, for the most part, anonymous, depending on the personality of their owners.

Valais is home to some of Switzerland's most famous resorts, and prices vary widely between top-level Zermatt lodgings and simple auberges (inns) in humbler towns.

The price categories below have been equally applied, so the standards in a $$$-rated hotel in expensive Zermatt may be moderate compared with those in nonresort towns, and even the best hotels do not have air-conditioning.

Often included in the price, demipension (half-board)—also called Modified American Plan (MAP)—includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner; rates may be listed per person.

There are sometimes enormous differences between high- and low-season prices but, although some places offer low-season savings, others simply close their doors.

Remember that many resorts shut down during the lulls in May and from November to mid-December.