Regarding 'how closed' - if hotels are closed, hotel restaurants are closed, as are most other restaurants.

Example: Murren - we've stayed there when only the Alpenruh Hotel and it's annex restaurant at the Schilthorn were open. Nothing else in town was open, save the COOP grocery store.

Example: Wengen - we've stayed there when only a pub, bakery and grocery store were open.

So, closed can be pretty closed. You can get an idea of what you're looking at closure wise by checking the seasonal closure dates of several hotels in a given area, even those you're not interested in. You might also send the town's visitor's center an e-mail asking them what you'll be looking at regarding cable car and gondola closures.

<<Also would consider Murren hotel, but will we be able to get trains from Interlaken to Murren at this time of year?>>

Yes. Train service continues year round. If say, the train from Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken is being serviced, there will be a bus to replace it, so no worries there. Same with the cable car that connects with the train to Murren - if it's not running for any reason, there will be an alternate route open (such as bus to Stechelberg). You won't be cut off.

I've just looked at the Wengen website - they have a list of accommodation opening times by season - that should be of some help.

<<Last question if you know..cn we get to the Jungfrau area by train on our way to Milan?>>

Can't help with that one, sorry.

If doing day trips Murren is more isolated than Wengen or other Jungfrau Region towns - especially if you have to go via Stechelberg as melnq8 says may be required if they do the maintenance they often do during off-season on some lifts like Lauterbrunnen-Grutschalp - though that is a fairly new gondola so may not need repairs as much as the former ground running funicular did.

Bookmarking for all these great suggestions!

Nightlife is overrated in my opinion. All you do is yell so your friends can hear you, and then spend the rest might watching a bunch of idiots get drunk and make fools of tbemselves.

Speak for yourself, Loacker.

He is!

Just came across this thread and hoping some of you are still around to give advice on these hotels! My husband and I are planning on staying in Wengen this Sept. 21-22. The Bellevue only has a twin room north side, or twin room south side with balcony view available. Are either of these options better than a dbl room w/ balcony and mountain view at the AlpenRose?

Thanks for your help!