You guys seem very helpful out there so here is my question. We are a family of 4 (2 young girls-ages 11 & 14 - first trip to Europe for them). We have about 3 days left to plan. Should we go to the Dolomites or Murren? A friend of mine who has been to both says the food, wine, atmosphere is better in the Dolomites but I hate to miss the Alpes. Any suggestions?

The Dolomites are wonderful but the Alps are even more spectacular. You do not say where you will have been prior...Switzerland??? You've already answered your own question when you say "I'd hate to miss..." You're right...despite your friend's best intentions, if you forego the Alps for the Dolomites or ANYWHERE ELSE for that matter you'll come home STILL wondering if you should have gone to the Alps instead.

Oh we will be in Paris, Provence, Santa Margherita and Venice. Then heading back to Paris via??? the Alpes!

I enjoy both, but the Dolomites don't begin to compare with the region surrounding Murren!!! And while your friend may be right about the food and wine (we went to one of the top restaurants in Grindelwald and all they had was screw-top wine!), we weren't all that impressed in the Dolomites either. Most hotels required half-pension and there seemed to be a surprisingly lack of good restaurants in Cortina except for the hotels.

Thanks for the replies. Any hotel recommendations - not too expensive but kid friendly?

Are you committed to Murren or open? We have stayed three times at the Hotel Alpina in Grindelwald. It is just half a block (but uphill) from the train station and every room has a balcony with a fantastic view. It is a warm and family room hotel and the girls will be very welcome there. See www.alpina-grindelwald.ch

When we were in Muerren with two 16 year old boys, we stayed at the Eiger Guesthouse. This was three years ago but it was very reasonably priced at the time and run by a wonderful young couple - she Swiss, he was Scottish. We loved the town and because it was so small the boys were very comfortable adventuring on their own.

Which is a better place to stay while touring Grindelwald area - Grindelwald, Wengen or Murren (actually I haven't found any hotels in Murren). I will be flying into Zurich, possibly stopping in Lucerne. Can you get to Grindelwald or Wengen easily by train from either Zurich or Lucerne? Anyone familiar with either the Grindelwalderhof hotel or the Top Beausite park Hotel Wengen? Thanks

Murren would be my own personal least favorite. It is a nice spot and quiet, but getting there is a bit more of a problem. We've usually taken the incline up, but have had to stand in line as much as an hour to get on it!<BR>Train to either Grindelwald or Wengen is easy -- same train from Interlaken which then splits going to the two different towns.<BR>I've never stayed in Wengen, and I'd think it or Grindelwald is pretty much a tossup.

Hi dlg,<BR>I went to the Eiger Guesthouse web site and it looks like she only rents weekly and only in the winter? I'm going to try to email her and see what happens. What month were you there? We will be there in Aug.<BR>Thanks, Denise

We stayed at the Eiger guesthouse in July of 2000 for 4 days. It was recommended by Ed and Julie (twenj.com). Veronique - the owner is very friendly, we even have a picture with her. Murren is the place to stay in that area.