Murren, Switzerland
 

We have the opportunity to stay at Murren, Switzerland, at Anfi Palace, for the last week in April, 2004. Would you recommend we take the opportunity? What could we do for the week? The accommodation would cost us $US350. Would that be a good deal? Please comment.

Jim01 - I have not stayed at the Anfi, but it had excellent review from Frommers (*) and is rated **** on the Murren site. Check out "Tripadvisor.com". The price is excellent for seven days! It is apparently a "Time Share" resort. If you are the "outdoor" type you will have no problem filling your days hiking and just enjoying the idyllic scenery. How I envy you.

The view from just about any vantage point in M&uuml;rren is a classic. The Jungfrau, the Briethorn, and the M&ouml;nch dominate the view, but they are beautiful to behold. This time of year, all of the peaks should be fully bedecked with snow. Too bad you will not be there earlier in the month because the full moon occurs on April 16th with a new moon on May 1. <BR>The mountain peaks show up well under a full moon, particularly when the last rays of the sun cast a pinkish light on them while the moon reflects silvery light. Quite a sight.<BR>

Last June, we stayed at the Hotel Eiger just down the street from the Anfi. It had the best view of the mountains in the village IMO.<BR><BR>We had a wonderful dinner at the Anfi and walked around the lobby. It is a beautiful hotel and you won't go wrong staying there.<BR><BR>What you can do will obviously depend on the weather and the conditions of the trails which might still be snowed covered and even closed. I suggest you call the hotel and ask them.<BR><BR>The hiking/walking is wonderful. There are many hiking trails with beautiful views in and around Murren.<BR><BR>You can also take cable cars and trains to other towns and villages such as Wengen, Gimmelwald and Grindalwald. The Shilthorn and the Jungfrau are not to be missed if open.<BR><BR>Be mindful that cable car/train travel is expensive but costs can be reduced by purchasing train passes. <BR><BR>Bottom line: Don't miss the opporrtunity (weather permitting)

Thank you for your respones. As an alternative to the Anfi at Murren, we are considering the Aparthotel Helvetia Golf at Montana/Crans. A one bed apartment with a kitchen, slightly bigger than at Murren. Do you know this area? We would like to take some day trips by car. Worried that at Murren much may be closed. Which place should we take for the week?

Jim,<BR><BR>It is very likely that you were offered a good rate in M&uuml;rren, because it's the end of the winter season. Most hotels are even likely to close down for some weeks till mid-May or so (depends a bit, on the holidays like Easter, Ascension, Whitsuntide).<BR><BR>Crans-Montana is among the more upscale resorts in the Valais area (similar to Verbier). Lots of charming chalets owned by people living in the Lake Geneva area.<BR>It's a more expensive village overall, as a golf resort where the annual Swiss Golf Open takes place every year.<BR>Like M&uuml;rren, it's likely to be somewhat shut-down at that time of the year, before summer season starts.<BR>Personally, I'd stick to M&uuml;rren.

Has anyone stayed at Hotel Bellevue-Crystal? Any comments would be great! <BR>

More specifically -- we're debating between Hotel Alpina and Hotel Bellevue? Which hotel has the better view?

Haven't stayed there but enjoyed their bar. Wherever you stay in Murren you can't go wrong! Enjoy! CJ