Considering two nights in Lucerne, October 30 and 31 following a cruise ending in Basel. I have heard horror stories about prices in Switzerland. I can book the Radisson Blu for $205 a night which seems reasonable. What about meals? Heard a tiny Subway meal is equivalent of $20.

Our other idea was to spend the two nights in Colmar, France.

Ideas??

Well France will definitely be cheaper if that is your main criterion.

As for Subway - those sandwiches are the size of Nebraska - and yes, the food is considerably more expensive than the US - esp at fast food chains versus local restaurants.

I spend a lot of time in Switzerland and given the current exchange rate yes, i would agree that eating can easily get to be a rather expensive proposition and not just at fast food outlets, either.

How much DO YOU EAT? The last reason I would ever even think of to not stay in Switzerland would be the cost of food. Buy fewer T-shirts.

Did you know you can easily find things like prices of Subway sub in Switzerland on the internet like this? http://www.subway-sandwiches.ch/sub_...ay.php?lang=de

If your criteria for choosing a destination is based on cost, then Switzerland is probably not a good destination. There are many things in Europe that cannot be experienced at home at any cost.

I spent about 100 CHF for lunch for 4 in Lucerne at a waterfront, outdoor cafe'. Yes it was expensive, but wow what a great view and a beautiful city. Worth it.

My advice would be to find a place that includes breakfast. Eat a big breakfast, skip lunch, and have a great dinner.

If it were me, I'd spend the 2 nights in a mountain town like Wengen or Lauterbrunnen, instead of Lucerne.

There is a Coop supermarket in the Old Town of Luzern.

You could buy food here for a picnic lunch or dinner, eat sitting on a bench overlooking the river.

If you are worried about prices, don't wander into Bucherer or Hermes.

The gods of Gucci are hovering, Mr. Scrooge!

Thin

I would stay in Lucerne for a couple of nights for the price you are quoting. How much is a meal or two in the scheme of things? Well worth it I would say.

Hi cobbie2,

I once, somehow, forgot to budget for food during a 2-week vacation in Switzerland. I got through it spending an average of 14 chf a day for food.

I ate a lot of those prepared meals they sell in Migros & Coop (grocery stores): roasted chicken, bulgur or quinoa salad, rare roast-beef sandwich, etc. Yes, there was usually a bench by a flowing stream, by the lake, or in a meadow for me to enjoy my meal.

I did occasionally eat well -- I think I went to 3 restaurants in that time for meals ranging from 30 chf to 50 chf, including a glass of wine.

So, yes, Switzerland is expensive, but it certainly doesn't have to break the bank. If you want to go there, go. You'll find a way to enjoy it.

Have fun as you plan!

s

Thanks everyone

Just checked on Booking.com and those same two nights at the Radisson Blu are going for 330 Chf total (about $165 per night). Book at that rate and you have a little more money for food...

Only 3 rooms are left at that rate and it is non-refundable...

http://www.booking.com/hotel/ch/radi...=total;ucfs=1&