Hi fellow travelers. My hubby and I will be going to Switzerland for 9 days June 2026 post Rhine River cruise for our anniversary. I have my hotels booked for Grindelwald but need recommendations please for Murren 4N and Lucerne 2N.
In Murren, I'd like something around $350 USD/N with balcony & mountain views if possible. Do we need AC for that time of year (June 17-25)?
In Lucerne, I'm not sure which location would be best? Price range $300-350, no balcony or view needed. Just a comfortable basic room is fine as we'll be out and about most of the time. Maybe an onsite bar.
Would appreciate any input. Thanks

In Lucerne, the Hotel des Alpes met my needs -- on the basic side, but it still gets good reviews and there are even some rooms with balconies! (I know you said none would be necessary.) I'd recommend a room facing the river and Chapel Bridge and on one of the higher floors, as the lower ones can be loud until the wee mornings.

I'm not a fan of Mürren, though I know many are. Have you ruled Wengen out? That's where I would look, and I'd be sure to get a room with a view.

Happy Anniversary!

I just checked the rates at the Lucerne hotel we've used a couple of times. Wow. It's already sold out for some of your dates, and for that time of year its rates have climbed above your budget range (at the present currency conversion rate). I think this is a clue that even as you continue to research you'll want/need to book something (cancellable/changeable without penalty) fairly soon. You can make reservations on booking dot com based on rates in U.S. dollars.

BTW, it's the Hotel Wilden Mann. Lovely, traditional, historic hotel.

https://www.wilden-mann.ch/en/hotel

We've enjoyed our stays at the Hotel Alpenruh in Murren, although it's been several years since we last stayed there.

https://alpenruh-muerren.ch/en/Offer/Willkommen

Thanks for your input everyone.
Kja, I'll check out your hotel recommendation for Lucerne. Thanks for that. Can I ask why you prefer Wengen over Murren?
Melnq8, I looked at Hotel Alpenruh in Murren and it's running $500/N now so above our price range.
Thanks again everyone. This gives me a start for Lucerne.

I found Mürren a bit too kitschy for my tastes, and at certain times of day, oppressively overshadowed by the mountain it faces. In contrast, Wengen was more open and, to my eye, more appealing. And the views from Wengen -- glorious!

Melnq8, I looked at Hotel Alpenruh in Murren and it's running $500/N now so above our price range.
Thanks again everyone. This gives me a start for Lucerne.

Holy crap! Things have certainly changed. Maybe look closer to the date?

We also like the Hotel Bellevue in Wengen, but no idea what it might be going for these days.

I don’t know if it’s in your price range but the Marriott Renaissance in Lucerne is very well located and a very nice hotel.

Melnq8, I was also surprised/stunned at how much hotel rates have gone up...

Kja, I get what your saying about Murren. I read that there is more sun in Wengen which is a draw. If I stayed in Wengen instead, how difficult will it be to get to Murren, hike to Gimmelwald from Murren, hike Murren to Grutschalp and also visit Schilthorn? I had read even though it looks close it requires a couple of trains and gondolas. Is that true? Or are there just as good/better hikes from Wengen to do?
I'll be staying in Grindelwald prior and plan to visit Grindelwald First, and do the hike from Klein Scheidegg to Mannlichen so I wouldn't do that from Wengen.

Joannyc, thanks for the rec on the Marriot. It's running $520 and up as well. Switzerland is definitely expensive!
Thanks

I am currently in Wengen and was in Lucerne a few days ago. Suspect hotel rates better in early June than now but any way you slice it this country is very expensive. I think a good rule of thumb is that prices are probably double what you expect. Doesn’t help that the dollar has depreciated about 10 % since January. The Lucerne Renaissance is one of the more expensive hotels in Lucerne. Ate dinner at the hotel Wilden Mann a few days ago. Decent food but two modest entrees, desserts, water and a half bottle of modest wine was about $200. One of the nicest, cleanest bathrooms. Hotel in decent location. Do not know anything about their rooms.
i personally would just pick one place in Berner Oberland instead of moving from place to place. The transportation system here is extensive albeit complicated and expensive. Recommend getting a pass that suits your needs.

Yes, there are a number of changes in transportation, but I found them extraordinarily easy -- at least if one doesn't have luggage in tow! (Getting one's luggage -- even a backpack -- to Murren can be a challenge if there are crowds.)

One of my favorite routes: Train from Wengen to Lauterbunnen; cable car to Grutschalp; walk to Murren (or walk to Winteregg, take the train from there); from Murren to Schilthorn by cablecar; cablecars through Gimmelwald and Stechelberg to Trummelbach Falls; walk to Lauterbrunnen; train to Wengen. All glorious!

There are some lovely walks in / around Wengen. Your hotel should be able to give you advice.