Beautiful Switzerland: trip report
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Hotels:
Lucerne: Cascada Hotel. This was close to the train station and the sights. Not really cheap (nothing in Switzerland is) but a nice place with a really good included breakfast. Staff was very nice and kind to us when we realized, on our first day, that we were going to miss breakfast, and allowed us to stay past the closing time.
Wengen: Hotel Baren. We had stayed here before and enjoyed our second stay as much as our first one. Included in the hotel rate is breakfast AND a 4-course dinner. It was nice to be able to have a nice meal at our hotel every evening in quiet Wengen. It's within walking distance of train but down a steep hill - we took advantage of their shuttle to take our suitcases to the train station.
Bern: Best Western Hotel - Bern. Within walking distance of train, a bit further away from the station than our other hotels. The rooms here were large. The carpet looked a little worse for wear, but this was a good place to stay - but nothing fancy. There is no A/C - it was warm-ish while we were there, and the church bells ring throughout the entire night, which did disrupt my sleep with the windows open. We were only there one night, so not a big deal.
Zurich Airport - Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport. This hotel had a shuttle to the airport, and is within a few blocks of a train station for easy access to Zurich (only about a 15-20 minute ride). Because we were in time-conscious Switzerland, the shuttle's arrival at the airport had posted times and of course, it showed up on time.
Swiss Pass - we purchased the Swiss Pass and we were so glad we did. We took the trains (and a few boats and buses) everywhere, and found them to be so reliable and easy. We visited a lot of smaller museums on this vacation, and every admission was included with the Pass. The only things not covered by our pass was the gondola to Mannlichen, and then our return from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen. (The cog from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen, and from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp was included). We purchased a second class ticket, and we did upgrade to first class on the boat ride from Lucerne to Fluelen. This was an almost 3 hour ride, and we sat on the top level, enjoying the sun and scenery, for only 7 Swiss francs more.
Lucerne: Cascada Hotel. This was close to the train station and the sights. Not really cheap (nothing in Switzerland is) but a nice place with a really good included breakfast. Staff was very nice and kind to us when we realized, on our first day, that we were going to miss breakfast, and allowed us to stay past the closing time.
Wengen: Hotel Baren. We had stayed here before and enjoyed our second stay as much as our first one. Included in the hotel rate is breakfast AND a 4-course dinner. It was nice to be able to have a nice meal at our hotel every evening in quiet Wengen. It's within walking distance of train but down a steep hill - we took advantage of their shuttle to take our suitcases to the train station.
Bern: Best Western Hotel - Bern. Within walking distance of train, a bit further away from the station than our other hotels. The rooms here were large. The carpet looked a little worse for wear, but this was a good place to stay - but nothing fancy. There is no A/C - it was warm-ish while we were there, and the church bells ring throughout the entire night, which did disrupt my sleep with the windows open. We were only there one night, so not a big deal.
Zurich Airport - Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport. This hotel had a shuttle to the airport, and is within a few blocks of a train station for easy access to Zurich (only about a 15-20 minute ride). Because we were in time-conscious Switzerland, the shuttle's arrival at the airport had posted times and of course, it showed up on time.
Swiss Pass - we purchased the Swiss Pass and we were so glad we did. We took the trains (and a few boats and buses) everywhere, and found them to be so reliable and easy. We visited a lot of smaller museums on this vacation, and every admission was included with the Pass. The only things not covered by our pass was the gondola to Mannlichen, and then our return from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen. (The cog from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen, and from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp was included). We purchased a second class ticket, and we did upgrade to first class on the boat ride from Lucerne to Fluelen. This was an almost 3 hour ride, and we sat on the top level, enjoying the sun and scenery, for only 7 Swiss francs more.
#22
<<As it happens, Mount Pilatus is an included excursion with Avalon during the two days in Lucerne. The boat excursion on Lake Lucerne, however, will be on my own and I definitely plan on doing that.>>
Glad to have been of use, travel chat. I hope you have a terrific time, both on the cruise and by yourself.
Phillyfan - I absolutely agree about the Swiss pass - worth its weight in Swiss gold bars.
Glad to have been of use, travel chat. I hope you have a terrific time, both on the cruise and by yourself.
Phillyfan - I absolutely agree about the Swiss pass - worth its weight in Swiss gold bars.
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Alexxasc
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Apr 23rd, 2012 05:18 AM