helenrk

My friend and I (both women in our 60's) are planning a trip to Switzerland - we have found out due to soccer tournaments that Zurich for hotels is out of question. Our thoughts we would take a train from the airport to Lucerne for about 4 nights and do day trips by train (one of them to Zurich) and then move on to Grindelwald for three nights to do more sightseeing and train trips and then on to Lugano. Neither of us are hikers or bikers and are more into the beautiful scenary and towns. Any suggestions for hotels - we're looking for good hotels (at least 3 star to 4 star)that aren't over the top pricey. Also help on what we shouldn't miss while in Switzerland.

Travelnut

Just had another thread going about Luzern hotels, and 'not too pricey' for a 3-4*. As it turns out, they ARE pricey... so would you just say how much you think you can pay per night, and will it be a twin room or 2 separate rooms?

Travelnut

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35099968

helenrk

We are looking to share a twin room and of course we also share the cost - so we are probably looking for something around $250 - $300 per room - hopefully including breakfast.

helenrk

Thanks for the thread info. As well as Lucerne I would appreciate any help I could get on hotels in Grindelwald and Lugano and other travel info. that would help.

Melnq8

We enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Eiger in Grindelwald a few years back. Enjoyed their restaurant too - the Memory Bistro.

http://www.eiger-grindelwald.ch/content-n9-sE.html

helenrk

We are now trying to decide between a few hotels and would appreciate any feedback bearing in mind we want to be close to the train station and town. In Lucerne we are looking at Hotel Des Balances and Hotel des Alpes - Hotel des Balances is more expensive and we're not sure if it's worth the extra money. In Grindelwald we are looking at Hotel Eiger and The Belvedere. Any comments would be appreciated - also any suggestions for hotels in Lugano.

bobthenavigator

Luzern---Des Alpes
Grindelwald--take your pick
Lugano---Lugano Dante

Have fun !

Byrd

We enjoyed our stay at the Des Alpes in Lucerne.

We especially loved the balcony overlooking the river.

Byrd

BTilke

In Lugano, the Delfino Lugano. The comfortable rooms have balconies with views over the lake, the onsite restaurant serves good food, the staff speak English, and the pool (also with lake view) is pleasant for relaxing in after a day of sightseeing. Reasonably priced.
http://www.delfinolugano.ch/hoteleservizi/index.cfm

kleeblatt

Lugano: Hotel Dante. Hotel Dante. Hotel Dante

BTilke

Schuler, do all the rooms at the Dante have views and/or balconies?
I remember it as having a good "downtown" location and being a nice hotel, but falling down on the view part. Whenever we're in Lugano, we prefer to have a private balcony where we can sit in the morning and the evening to just enjoy the view at our leisure. A pool also comes in handy on warm days (as long as it isn't over-run with noisy kids).

kleeblatt

Hi BTilke,

No views (except for the square) and no pool. Just wonderful service, impeccibly clean, very quiet and great breakfasts.

kleeblatt

And only a few rooms have balconies which are very tiny.

canyonjane

Instead of staying in Grindelwald, I would suggest staying in Wengen which is easily accessible by train/tram and will provide you with the experience of a pedestrian village without having to be "hikers" yourselves. My mother went with me when she was in her 70's, and she is not a hiker, and she loved it! Recently, folks in other threads on this board have been recommending Hotel Alpenrose -- it has been a while since I myself was there. From Wengen you can take the train/tram/cable car to the Jungfraujoch above Wengen and/or to the villages across the valley, including Murren, and up to the Schlithorn.

krissykris

I loved the Hotel Alpenrose! The rooms are small but the hotel and the owners are quite lovely and we enjoyed the dinner that was include.
Don't miss Wengen!

pja1

Hi helenrk,
I agree with the post about staying in Wengen in the Berner Oberland. The Hotel Eiger in Wengen is around the corner from the train station and the views from the hotel room balconies are stunning!

www.eiger-wengen.ch

Paul

bellairegirl

We have stayed at the Hotel Lugano Dante in Lugano. The rooms are nice, the service is very helpful, and the free breakfast that's included will spoil you for the rest of your life. I have never ever seen so many wonderful selections at breakfast. It's also centrally located to getting around Lugano and is accessible by funicular directly to the train station right out the front door.

kayakm

We stayed at the Belvedere in Grindewald in 2007 and loved it. It had just been renovated. The food was fantastic, the service excellent and the spa, including the salt pool, made all the difference after long hikes. We took our 5 year old and she begs us to go back. They were great with kids. The view out our bedroom window was a snow capped mountain. Worth every penny.