Charming Swiss town near Geneva?
Mar 17th, 2016, 11:10 PM
#21
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Interesting suggestion, swandav! I enjoyed my brief stop in tiny Glion, but I was glad that I chose something a bit larger for my overnight options. To each his/her own! Since the OP signaled willingness to switch after 2 nights, maybe 2 nights in Glion and 2 in Vevey or Montreux? Just tossing out an idea, with full confidence that ANY of these locations will allow a rewarding visit. 
Mar 17th, 2016, 11:52 PM
#22
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As a BTW to the OP:
I should mention that I don't mind relocating with frequency, and I did so in this area -- one night in Geneva, one night in Lausanne, 2 nights in Montreux, a night in Gruyeres, etc. But then, there were MANY things I wanted to see in Geneva and Lausanne and the area! Perhaps I should encourage you to check my otherwise not very useful trip report, which you can find by clicking on my screen name. You might find some ideas there....
I should mention that I don't mind relocating with frequency, and I did so in this area -- one night in Geneva, one night in Lausanne, 2 nights in Montreux, a night in Gruyeres, etc. But then, there were MANY things I wanted to see in Geneva and Lausanne and the area! Perhaps I should encourage you to check my otherwise not very useful trip report, which you can find by clicking on my screen name. You might find some ideas there....
Mar 18th, 2016, 12:56 AM
#23
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Hi kja,
Well . . . my suggestion is prompted because it is the best hotel in that price range in the area, in my experience. So if someone is looking for simply the best hotel at that budget, The Victoria-Glion would be my suggestion. If someone wanted the best-located lakefront hotel for tranquility at that price range, I would suggest the Royal Plaza; if someone wanted the most central lakefront hotel in that price range, I would suggest the Eden Palace au Lac.
Yes, I remember that you don't mind moving often -- I personally wouldn't choose to do it. I think it's not the best use of time. In my estimation, it costs at least 2 or 3 hours to pack up your stuff, check out of your hotel, move to the new hotel, check in, and then unpack again.
The funicular between Territet and Glion only takes 2 minutes. Territet is a suburb of Montreux, but to be correct, to get to Montreux only takes another 2 minutes on the bus (they come by every 10 minutes). So I would say it would take, maybe, 10 minutes to move between Glion & Montreux.
Vevey is about 15 minutes away by bus.
The transport in this area is so good and efficient and quick (and the sights and landscape during the trip is so pretty) that there's no real need imo to shorten it by moving hotels.
Anyway, that's my take --
s
Well . . . my suggestion is prompted because it is the best hotel in that price range in the area, in my experience. So if someone is looking for simply the best hotel at that budget, The Victoria-Glion would be my suggestion. If someone wanted the best-located lakefront hotel for tranquility at that price range, I would suggest the Royal Plaza; if someone wanted the most central lakefront hotel in that price range, I would suggest the Eden Palace au Lac.
Yes, I remember that you don't mind moving often -- I personally wouldn't choose to do it. I think it's not the best use of time. In my estimation, it costs at least 2 or 3 hours to pack up your stuff, check out of your hotel, move to the new hotel, check in, and then unpack again.
The funicular between Territet and Glion only takes 2 minutes. Territet is a suburb of Montreux, but to be correct, to get to Montreux only takes another 2 minutes on the bus (they come by every 10 minutes). So I would say it would take, maybe, 10 minutes to move between Glion & Montreux.
Vevey is about 15 minutes away by bus.
The transport in this area is so good and efficient and quick (and the sights and landscape during the trip is so pretty) that there's no real need imo to shorten it by moving hotels.
Anyway, that's my take --
s
Mar 18th, 2016, 06:25 AM
#24
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I think Montreux is a convenient location for things to do in that area, and has a good view of the lake and some sights but I would never refer to it as either charming or "cozy", and it isn't very pretty in some areas, either. I think it is pretty run down and seedy in areas, in fact. IN fact, I notice that swandav's itinerary doesn't even mention Montreux itself as what to do there or what is great about it (except for the chateau which is just north of town and how you can go elsewhere outside Montreux).
But if you are just staying in a luxury hotel with great views etc, you may feel differently as I wasn't doing that.
But if you are just staying in a luxury hotel with great views etc, you may feel differently as I wasn't doing that.
Mar 18th, 2016, 08:59 AM
#25
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I have to agree, Christina! Montreux really is built up, and even modern at spots, and when you add in the traffic, it does lose most of its charm. The seedy bits are more inland, especially around Clarens where the huge apartment houses and complexes are.
For me, the best part of town is the flowered lakeside promenade -- and that's why, for me, it's important to have a hotel at the lake's edge (or that view from up in Glion). When I'm there, I'm usually at the lakeside or out on a hike or an excursion. Really the only reason I go into the town part of town is to shop.
But the lakeside promenade does run through town, so in fact my notes do mention something in Montreux!
s
For me, the best part of town is the flowered lakeside promenade -- and that's why, for me, it's important to have a hotel at the lake's edge (or that view from up in Glion). When I'm there, I'm usually at the lakeside or out on a hike or an excursion. Really the only reason I go into the town part of town is to shop.
But the lakeside promenade does run through town, so in fact my notes do mention something in Montreux!
s
Mar 18th, 2016, 09:35 AM
#26
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PalQ -- thank you for your kind words!>
Sincerely given - despite our at times rather explosive differences about Interlaken and Grindelwald (where you are WRONG and me RIGHT of course!) - I always agree with or take your comments very seriously for reasons I've given. A great resource for folks planning Swiss trips!
Cheers!
Sincerely given - despite our at times rather explosive differences about Interlaken and Grindelwald (where you are WRONG and me RIGHT of course!) - I always agree with or take your comments very seriously for reasons I've given. A great resource for folks planning Swiss trips!
Cheers!
Mar 18th, 2016, 11:35 AM
#29
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Wow, I come back from work to a bunch of other very informative replies, thank you !! I definitely need concrete dates (again, this depends primarily on week 1 at the cookery school in the French Alps which is the main focus of the trip) and then I can book the hotel.
I am ok moving after 2 nights, but prefer a minimum of 3 nights... I have done 4 countries in 15 days before, and just didn't bother unpacking!!
My gut was to stay in Vevey, but seems if I'm to do day trips it might be more convenient in Montreux... but they are so close together it shouldn't make too much of a difference. I will be lugging a heavy suitcase getting settled into and out of the hotel, and prefer the train rather than the bus as I never know quite how to maneuver around with a suitcase on the bus?!?
When I said my max was $400/night it did seem like a lot, but as swandav pointed out, the lakeview rooms are often much more (though Booking.com has better rates) and I tend to get the book now pay later, breakfast included option if it's there.
The suggestions and options are very informative, thank you again everyone!
I am ok moving after 2 nights, but prefer a minimum of 3 nights... I have done 4 countries in 15 days before, and just didn't bother unpacking!!
My gut was to stay in Vevey, but seems if I'm to do day trips it might be more convenient in Montreux... but they are so close together it shouldn't make too much of a difference. I will be lugging a heavy suitcase getting settled into and out of the hotel, and prefer the train rather than the bus as I never know quite how to maneuver around with a suitcase on the bus?!?
When I said my max was $400/night it did seem like a lot, but as swandav pointed out, the lakeview rooms are often much more (though Booking.com has better rates) and I tend to get the book now pay later, breakfast included option if it's there.
The suggestions and options are very informative, thank you again everyone!
Mar 18th, 2016, 02:46 PM
#31
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@ swandav -- I wasn't questioning your recommendation, just noting another option. I travel light and only unpack what I need, so packing, checking out, checking in, and unpacking all together rarely takes me more more than a half hour, so relocating works for ME if it means that I don't need to backtrack -- which does eat up time. I know it doesn't work for everyone, but the OP had said she wouldn't mind....
@ Ruby99 -- you'll have a great time in ANY of these locations!
I travel light and only unpack what I need, so packing, checking out, checking in, and unpacking all together rarely takes me more more than a half hour, so relocating works for ME if it means that I don't need to backtrack -- which does eat up time. I know it doesn't work for everyone, but the OP had said she wouldn't mind.... @ Ruby99 -- you'll have a great time in ANY of these locations!
Mar 18th, 2016, 10:29 PM
#33
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kja, I know you weren't questioning my recommendation -- your word "interesting" isn't a challenging or questioning comment. But since you did find it "interesting," I just thought I'd explain.
Ruby99 --
Yes, Vevey is an excellent option! It actually has more things to see and do in town than Montreux does, and I adore its old town, right next to the lake. I've never stayed there, so I don't have any personal comments or recommendations for a hotel, though. I will say that the Hostellerie Bon Rivage always looks great to me since it's in a quiet location right on the lake. It actually sits in the suburb of La Tour-de-Peilz, but there's a bus stop right outside the front door. There are a couple of 5-star hotels in Vevey, but I think only one of them is right at the lake (Grand Hotel du Lac). Check out google maps before you decide to book.
But here, again, you may want to get to the hills a bit. The Mirador sits in the hills above Vevey, so I bet its views are spectacular.
Well, yes, for arrival and departure, with luggage, a combination of train and taxi usually works for me . . . but all my notes on the bus are for your daily moving around and for excursions.
Have fun!
s
Ruby99 --
Yes, Vevey is an excellent option! It actually has more things to see and do in town than Montreux does, and I adore its old town, right next to the lake. I've never stayed there, so I don't have any personal comments or recommendations for a hotel, though. I will say that the Hostellerie Bon Rivage always looks great to me since it's in a quiet location right on the lake. It actually sits in the suburb of La Tour-de-Peilz, but there's a bus stop right outside the front door. There are a couple of 5-star hotels in Vevey, but I think only one of them is right at the lake (Grand Hotel du Lac). Check out google maps before you decide to book.
But here, again, you may want to get to the hills a bit. The Mirador sits in the hills above Vevey, so I bet its views are spectacular.
Well, yes, for arrival and departure, with luggage, a combination of train and taxi usually works for me . . . but all my notes on the bus are for your daily moving around and for excursions.
Have fun!
s
Mar 19th, 2016, 11:03 AM
#34
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Oh, and I should say I've been to Scandinavia and thought prices were very high there (no regrets though)... I'm curious to see how it compares in Switzerland>
Be prepared for sticker shock- but it depends somewhat on the value of the Swiss franc - currently about par with the dollar and thus lower than it has been for much of the past several years - but some things are cheap here - like booze - well not dirt-cheap but much much cheaper than in Norway or Sweden and there are no banker hours on state-run alcohol monopoly stores that are open with bankers hours.
But overall it seems by the following chart Switzerland is the most expensive country in Europe in terms of cost of living:
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living...016®ion=150
Be prepared for sticker shock- but it depends somewhat on the value of the Swiss franc - currently about par with the dollar and thus lower than it has been for much of the past several years - but some things are cheap here - like booze - well not dirt-cheap but much much cheaper than in Norway or Sweden and there are no banker hours on state-run alcohol monopoly stores that are open with bankers hours.
But overall it seems by the following chart Switzerland is the most expensive country in Europe in terms of cost of living:
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living...016®ion=150
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