Hello! We will be in Wengen for three nights this summer. I am debating two hotels, the Edelweiss and the Hotel Bären. They both have great reviews and lovely people running them. The cost is similar - Hotel Bären is a bit cheaper. Any first-hand experience would be so helpful! Thanks!

I haven't stayed at either hotel but have been to Wengen 16 times. The Bären has a public restaurant and it is one of our most favorite in town. The food is sublime. At dinner time the restaurant is full of locals. That tells you something. The service is top notch.

The Edelweiss does not have a public restaurant so can't comment on the food there. However, I have been in the lobby and was impressed by the effusive praise of the hotel volunteered by the guests that were checking out. So I'm guessing you can't go wrong with either. Just my two cents. Hopefully some with first-hand experience will chime in.

I always stay in the Hotel Alpenrose in Wengen.

http://www.alpenrose.ch/

Sorry I can't help with your choices. But I wish you a lovely time in this beautiful area.

I second the Alpenrose. It's very peaceful, has excellent service, and the décor is an attractive style of rustic mixed with modern. It's also near the trail head for the "easier" trail down to Lauterbrunnen. And the cat at the nearby farmhouse is very friendly, if that matters to you ;-)

Thank you for your replies! The Alpenrose is booked, unfortunately, the good and the bad news about appearing in Rick Steves guide books I guess! I have since discussed this at length with my husband and now we are leaning heavily toward the Hotel Alpina in Murren! Any chance anyone has insights about that hotel? It actually was cheaper than both Wengen choices and has a view over the valley and mountains. Sigh. I can't wait!

On another note, any advice about flying out to London after our stay in Murren? Bern? Zurich? Airlines? Thanks!

In Mürren I have stayed at the Hotel Eiger and also at the Alpenruh (much less expensive).

I had a good stay at both.

The Eiger had a great suite for families.

I prefer Mürren to Wengen, but both are really lovely places. Gorgeous views and wonderful hiking.

I am staying at the Edelweiss in September for 7 nights based mostly on the reviews. Also, the cost was a bit less than others in the area. I choose Wengen because the travel to there was less of a hassle than Murren. While both do not have car traffic, Murren is only accessible by way of cable car via Grustchalp. There is a train that takes you into Murren once you take the cable car to Grustchalp from Lauterbrunnen. I figured with luggage, I don't want to have to change trains 5 times AND deal with a cable car. I will travel to Murren once in the region.

Have fun and let me know your thoughts upon your return.