Last minute help-Switzerland
 

Hi, Thanks to all who have helped me so far. We are leaving nest Wed. Here is our schedule so far-landing in Geneva-2 nights in CChamonix, 2 nightsin Zermatt or Saas Fee, 2 nights in S. Nazzara on Lake Maggiore, 3 nights in Poschiavo. Then we have 3 nights between Poschiavo and Zurich. Any suggestions for hotels in either Saas Fee or Zermatt-also a nice quiet mountain town and hotel between Poschiavo and Zurich? Thanks for all your input. Joan

I suppose if you want to be really "upscale" in Zermatt you could go to the Monte Rosa, however, for a great view of the Matterhorn, a cozy dining room, and an absolutely wonderful and very thoughtful owner/manager you might look into The Butterfly. I know it is a (dreaded for some here) Best Western property but our recent stay there was wonderful.

Thanks. We're not into upscale, so that sounds great. Any more ideas??????Patrick? Jw?

Hi joanw! I must have been asleep at the switch, as my grandmother used to say. I don't remember any of your previous posts, but your mention of S. Nazzaro caught my attention. Please throw a kiss to Gerra-Gambarogno for me when you're there, and if you have time, go for supper to the Albergo Panorama to taste Axel's cooking. (What am I thinking? You won't have time -- there's too much to see on Lago Maggiore and you only have 2 nights! Ascona, Locarno, Isole di Brissago, Ronco s. Ascona, Bellinzona, Lugano. yikes!) Where are you staying in SN? It's a pretty little town.

Did you say if you were driving or training? If I were looking for a little stop between the Engadin and Zurich, I'd consider a small town on Lucerne's lake, or the Zugersee, or even Rapperswil on Zurich's lake. (I know it's not between Z and P, but a really nice town and I'm a lake/mountain person.) Or, for something landlocked, consider the small town of Altdorf (William Tell fame). But I've just realized that I have not really looked to see what the train route is between P and Z, so if you're thinking literally "on the way", I guess we should. Later, and I'm so jealous of your itinerary. J.

Joan -

We like the Hotel Biner in Zermatt - it's a 3 star property - about five minutes by foot from the train station and great views of the Matterhorn from the A+ category rooms (200 CHF range). Great breakfast - friendly staff.

Hotel Julen is lovely in Zermatt. Although I normally hate half-pension it is great there, and you can switch to the more casual "stubli" for fondue or raclette if you wish. They can guarantee you a room with balcony facing the Matterhorn.

I haven't been to Saas Fee, but will this July. After much study, am staying at Hotel Beau Site.

I'm already dreading our day of travel between Poschiavo (Hotel Suisse) from Weggis -- two busses and five trains! I think I'd bit the bullet, though and go all the way to Zurich, a much nicer city than a lot of people give it credit for. Or are you already planning on some nights there? Otherwise, it would be hard to beat Grindelwald or Wengen, or somewhere like Weggis right on the lake and near Rigi.

Oh my goodness, Patrick, did you say two buses and five trains? I think that's some kind of record. All I can say is that if it's bearable anywhere, it's bearable in Switzerland. Love to all, J.

Between Poschiavo and Zurich ... for a quiet little VILLAGE go to Guarda (Pension Val Tuoi for the cheaper side, http://www.engadin.net/tuoi/ and Hotel Meisser for more upscale accommodation, cannot recall their website at the moment, sorry).

For a quiet little town I suggest either Appenzell or Bad Ragaz. The first for typical Swiss countryside with cows and rolling green hills, the latter for the outstanding spa.

Ingo

Hi all, Actually, I forgot we had changed to the Hotel Panorama in GG, after reading your recommendation, JMW. We are driving, not training, so I'm checking out all of everyone's recommendations. Any more??? Thanks again for all your help> Also, can you tell me of any easy hikes in these areas that you like. Thanks again.Joanw

Bon Voyage, joanw!

As far as I know Saas Fee is "closed" in May, so I would opt for Zermatt instead. You should check the opening times of hotels and cable cars, though www.saas-fee.ch I think.

Which areas for hiking? Poschiavo? Guarda? Appenzell? Gerra?

For Poschiavo: train or bus to Brusio, bus to Viano, hike via San Romerio to Poschiavo or Le Prese. It's on the sunny side of the valley, so snow should not be a problem.
Another favourite hike: drive Bernina-Pass road to Sfazu, hike into Valle di Campo. It's relatively high elevation (1700 - 2100 m) but should be o.k. - not too much snow this year. There is a mountain hut right in the valley. I must have a look at my notes at home, in case you are interested, if it is open and for their website.

post again if you need more recommendations.

Ingo

Hi, I know I said bon voyage already, I have a few minutes before I'm on kitchen duty, and I can't resist a reminder or two. joanw, be sure to taste every 'starter' from the Panorama's menu that you can. Axel is the chef, and as far as I'm concerned, his starters are gems. creme soups, pastas (vegetable canneloni), baked avocado, bresaola, veal tunnata (no time to check the spelling). My second suggestion is this: if you have time early morning or evening, walk the little passageways between the highway and the water's edge -- all the nooks and crannies (reached by the steps on either side of the Panorama). I used up more than one roll of film wandering, but then I'm kind of a nook and cranny fan; you might not be. Hi to Ingo and S!

Wow, I'm so impressed with all your advice. jmw, the food sounds so great at Panorama. Do you think we should get the half board or try another place one night? I love nooks and crannies,too. Ingo, I picked Saas Fee because of your advice to Patrick, but I see he's going in July. Which do you think would be better in May, Zermatt or Saas Fee? I'm still working on Appenzel or Bad Ragaz. Thanks again. Joan

joan,

I had a look at the websites of Saas Fee and Zermatt. Here is what I found out:

The mountain cable cars and most hotels are closed in Saas Fee from May 5 till end May/mid June.
In Zermatt at least the Gornergrat cog-railway and some cable cars in the Klein-Matterhorn area and some hotels are open.

Seems that Zermatt is not completely closed down, so I recommend to stay in Zermatt.

How can I help with Appenzell vs. Bad Ragaz?

Bad Ragaz is a fine spa resort, some vineyards on the opposite side of the Rhine valley (maybe tasting!). It is called Heidiland, so you can also visit some places where the story was set (Maienfeld). The Walensee Lake is also beautiful, a visit of the quaint village Quinten (only accessible by boat or walking) a must. Castle Sargans and the nearby picturesque village Werdenberg are also worth a visit.

Appenzell is located close to St. Gallen with famous Baroque Abbey and library (UNESCO world heritage). And maybe some cable cars are already in operation (Ebenalp or Hoher Kasten) and offer good opportunities for hiking. Mt. Säntis provides spectacular panoramic views (cable car).

Soooo many to see, so little time ...