Where to stay in Switzerland for first time visitors (+ tips)
Switzerland has our heart forever. It is one of the beautiful destinations in the world, with a perfect blend of city, nature and culinary delights! If you are planning a trip, you must be wondering where to stay in Switzerland, and this one is perfect for first time visitors and repeat travelers alike.
We will provide you with hotel, and Airbnb/VRBO accommodation options for every budget level.
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Where to stay in Switzerland for first time visitors: Top Cities & towns
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As a country Switzerland is not massive, and with an efficient train system you can easily base yourself in a major/popular city, and then explore more of the countryside, embark on day trips and more.
| HOTEL | LOCATION | FEATURES |
| Storchen Zurich | Zurich | Luxury, old town, $$$ |
| Romantik Hotel Europe | Zurich | Couples, old town, $$$ |
| Seestrasse Apartments | Zurich | Kitchenettes, families $$ |
| Beau-Rivage Genève | Geneva | Views, close to sightseeing, $$$ |
| Fairmont Grand Hotel | Geneva | Lakeside, pool & spa onsite, $$+ |
| Royal Genève | Geneva | Pet friendly, good value $$ |
| Victoria Jungfrau | Interlaken | Luxury, couples, $$$ |
| Hotel Interlaken | Interlaken | Modest, free breakfast, $+ |
| Hotel Staubbach | Lauterbrunnen | Close to hiking trails, $$+ |
| Hotel Silberhorn | Interlaken | Free parking, rooms with views, $$+ |
| Les Trois Rois | Basel | Luxury, close to sightseeing spots, $$$ |
| Hotel Basel | Basel | Good value, $$ |
| Hotel Schweizerhof | Lucerne | Lake views, couples, $$$ |
| Bürgenstock Hotel | Lucerne | Infinity, pool & spa, $$$ |
| Grand Zermatt Hotel | Zermatt | Room with views of Matterhorn, spa, $$$ |
| Zermatt Youth Hostel | Zermatt | Private & shared rooms, views, $+ |
Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Switzerland
Storchen Zurich
Storchen is a luxury boutique hotel, located only a 2-minute walk from the tram station, and a 10-minute walk from Zurich Main Station in Switzerland. This stunning hotel offers gorgeous views of the Limmat River and old town/ Altstadt.
It is one of the popular hotels in the country and is known for its hospitality for over 650 years.
Hotel Storchen enjoys a unique position in the heart of Zurich. It also has its own boat pier directly at the Limmat River and is within walking distance of all cultural attractions.
You can choose suites with views, and each room is decorated with warm colours and modern facilities.
Storchen Zurich also offers free breakfast, which is a plus. And you can eat and dine, on the beautiful terrace overlooking the River Limmat and the Grossmünster Church.
There is a rooftop bar that offers a unique view over the rooftops of Zurich, at the Storchen.
The hotel is wheelchair accessible. And you can get paid parking and laundry service onsite.
Beau-Rivage Genève
Located in Geneva, the Beau-Rivage Genève is an opulent 5-star luxury hotel. The property is housed in a 19th-century grand hotel, overlooking Lake Geneva.
Its location is perfect to enjoy sightseeing in Geneva. Close by are the Palais des Nations, cocktail bars, and the historic Grand Théâtre de Genève. You are also an 8-minute walk away from the Geneva train station.
The suites at the Beau-Rivage Genève are spacious, and luxurious. There is a spa, and restaurant on site.
Victoria Jungfrau
Victoria Jungfrau is a stunning property located in Interlaken. With a sprawling pool, manicured garden, and luxurious suites, you will love the views of the Bernese Highlands from the hotel.
Nearby attractions: The hotel is located a 7-minute walk from Interlaken West train station. Lake Thun and Brienz are about a 15-minute drive away.
Suites at the Victoria Jungfrau are beautifully decorated with high-end furnishings, and many come with mountain-facing rooms. You will love that the property overlooks the Jungfrau – this is a nice accommodation for couples!
Hotel amenities include a pool and a spa. Previous visitors have raved about their food and bar on-site (there are 2 restaurants located here).
There is free parking on site, which is great if you are road tripping.
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern is a fancy 5 star property located right in the Old Town of Lucerne, next to the lake. It is a family-owned hotel, and rooms are individually furnished according to a specific personality, such as a musician, writer, or actor, who had stayed at the hotel. Wild right?
You can choose rooms with mesmerizing lake and mountain views, or of the Old Town. All rooms are elegantly decorated and have all the modern amenities.
Hotel Schweizerhof also offers a spa area offering panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps too! Spa facilities include a Finnish sauna and a bio sauna.
Plus there are 2 restaurants on-site. You will love to hang out on the terrace under the palm and olive trees….and…and… there is soft piano music playing in the background for you! Oh…romantic right?
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof – Zermatt
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is a historic hotel, dating back to the late 1800s. It is located in a central but peaceful location in Zermatt. The property is steeped in history and showcases the best Swiss hospitality as you are picked up from the train station in style (in a blue horse-drawn carriage or by an electric car).
Nearby attractions: Located close to 6 ski areas/lifts. You can visit the Matterhorn when you stay in Zermatt.
Suites at the Grand Zermatt Hotel offer panoramic views of the mountains including the Matterhorn. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities and offer quite a variety.
We found the ‘classic’ rooms to be very modern, and the ones with views of the Matterhorn are uber stylish and luxurious. King suites with balconies are spacious and are more like a resort/cabin style.
You will love the entire property – it is beautiful, and the staff very helpful. They have a 1 Michelin star restaurant onsite.
Oh, they are pet friendly too!
Where to stay in Zurich? Best places to stay in Switzerland for day trips
If traveling from overseas, Zurich is a great city to arrive into, and then explore more of Switzerland. Home to the largest airport, a charming and walkable old town (or Altstadt), heritage churches, Limmat River views and the luxurious Bahnhofstrasse, you won’t be disappointed picking up a Swiss hotel or an Airbnb here.
Here are our top picks for hotels and Airbnbs in Zurich Switzerland,
Romantik Hotel Europe (Luxury)
Romantik Hotel Europe is a 19th-century hotel located only 2 minutes walk away from the Opera House in Zurich. It is perfect for a romantic stay close to the old town and many other sightseeing attractions.
Nearby attractions: Lake Zurich promenade, Chinese garden, Theater im Seefeld plus all the old town highlights including Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz.
This is a family-run hotel that offers great views and vintage classy interiors. They also offer complimentary breakfast and wifi. Plus Romantik Hotel Europe is also pet-friendly.
Seestrasse Apartments Drei Könige (Mid Budget)
Seestrasse Apartments Drei Könige is an apartment style mid budget 3-star hotel.
Rooms are spacious and many come with a kitchenette and balconies. You can cook your meals in the kitchen. It is a great choice for families and long-term stays. There is free wifi on site.
Nearby attractions: Quick access to lakeside swimming at Seebad Enge and the Arboretum, and parks with play areas.
Hotel ibis Zurich Adliswil (Budget)
This is a budget hotel with vibrant and colorful interiors. It has standard rooms, and offers free wifi and breakfast for nightly room rates.
Nearby attractions: The hotel is located in Zurich’s District 2, which is home to the Lake Zurich promenade, FIFA museum, and other galleries. You can do sunbathing and/or relaxing at the lake in the warmer months.
Free parking is available (perfect if you are road tripping in Switzerland) and it is pet friendly.
Zurich makes for a perfect base to explore Switzerland via day trips. If you have destinations like the Rhine Falls, Interlaken, Berne (Swiss capital city) on your bucket list then consider extending your stay in Zurich.
With an efficient public transportation system, you can explore other cities in Switzerland by taking day tours, or by utilizing the Swiss Card. The Zurich Main Train Station called the Zürich Hauptbahnhof is located close to the old town.
Where to stay in Geneva Switzerland
After Zurich, Geneva is the popular starting point for vacationers traveling to Switzerland. It is also the second largest city in the country, and one of the most expensive destinations in the world.
As you explore Geneva, you will notice the French influence in the city (including many buildings). The headquarters of Europe’s United Nations and the Red Cross are located here.
Geneva is surrounded by the Alps and the Jura mountains with views of Mont Blanc. It is home to the jet fountains, located on the Lac Léman or Lake Geneva.
From Geneva, you can visit Montreux (1 hour train ride) and Lausanne on day trips.
Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva
Fairmont Grand Hotel is a stunning 5 star luxurious property located in the heart of Geneva. It has about 400+ rooms and is elegantly decorated to lure international tourists arriving in the city for business or pleasure.
Nearby attractions: Palais des Nations, Lake Geneva with views of Jet d’Eau fountain.
It is a lakeside hotel, so you can expect wonderful views from the suites, and outside the property complex. Plus it is only a 2 minute walk away from the ferry terminal.
Hotel amenities include a pool, spa, and a bar & restaurant. There is a huge conference and an events hall on-site as well.
Hôtel Royal Genève, Suisse (Mid Budget)
Hôtel Royal Genève is a 4 star property located in the city center area of Geneva. Although the hotel is marked as an upscale accommodation in Switzerland, you can score room rates at less than $200 USD on booking sites in the off-season.
Nearby attractions: Located 2 km from the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain and 4 km from the Palexpo convention complex.
The room interiors of the Royal Genève hotel are spacious, rich, and very sophisticated. You can also opt for suites with kitchenettes.
There are 2 high-end French restaurants with terraces and a bar with a fireplace onsite. The views from their balcony are beautiful! Don’t forget to enjoy a lovely breakfast or room service from the restaurant.
There is a spa, sauna, and a gym on-site for guests to use for free. The property is also child and pet friendly.
Hôtel des Tourelles
Hôtel des Tourelles is a 2 star hotel, located about a 10-minute walk away from the city centre area. At less than $120 USD a night, this hotel serves its purpose.
Nearby attractions: Views of the Rhône River, Genève train station, Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.
The rooms at the Hôtel des Tourelles, although clean, are not the fanciest of properties. The same goes for the lobby and the building.
The pros of this hotel is its price, and accessibility to the centre, and the train station. You also get free breakfast. It is pet friendly.
Cons: The property is a little dated, and the suites are very simple – no fancy linens, or decor. Some rooms come with a small balcony.
Luxurious little one-bedroom apartment, lake and water view
This airy apartment makes for a nice accommodation option for 2 guests. The property is spacious, clean, and comes with all the essentials like a kitchen, bathroom, desk, and a balcony with views.
Nearby attractions: Quick walk straight down Bastion Avenue to Old Town. There are bistros and cafes nearby. Apartment is housed in a quiet location.
Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, dedicated workplace, wifi, and bathroom basics are provided. You can get paid parking if traveling with a vehicle.
Where to stay in Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen
Interlaken is a Swiss resort town, located in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region. With the views of emerald-colored lakes of Thun and Brienz, and surrounding mountains, Interlaken is a crowd puller all year around.
It is located about 2 hours away from Zurich. Interlaken welcomes you to outdoorsy (hiking and skiing) activities as well soft adventure opportunities with boat tours on the lakes, and funicular rides to surrounding mountain peaks.
The cute village of Lauterbrunnen is about 20 minutes away from Interlaken by train. By staying in the Interlaken and/or Lauterbrunnen area, you can easily cover both on your trip.
Lauterbrunnem will delight you with its many towering cliffs, countless waterfalls, and mountain peaks, this is one destination in Switzerland that you shouldn’t miss (it’s my absolute favorite actually).
Hotel Interlaken (Mid Budget)
Hotel Interlaken is a vintage hotel, dating back to the 1400s. A modest property, the interiors are well maintained, and it comes with a variety of amenities for a comfortable stay in Interlaken.
Nearby attractions: Interlaken highlights like the Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and other attractions are located away from the hotel – about 14-16 minutes by car.
The hotel has free parking and is a good option if you are road tripping. If traveling by train, the main station/Interlaken OST is about 6 to 10 minutes walk away.
The suites are of a decent size (not too big, nor too small), and they are pleasantly decorated. Some rooms offer mountain views.
What we like about this hotel is that it has free breakfast and parking, at a great price (especially compared to most properties in touristy areas of Switzerland).
Hotel Staubbach (Mid Budget)
Hotel Staubbach is one of the first hotels in Lauterbrunnen. Suites here feature amazing panoramic views of the Staubbach Falls and Lauterbrunnen Valley
Nearby attractions: Hiking paths leading to waterfalls. It is located about 600 m from the Lauterbrunnen station. Restaurants and shops are within a 5 to 10-minute walk. It is also located close to the Jungfrau Ski Region, offering 213 km of well-groomed ski slopes.
This hotel dates back to the 1890s, and is still family run. At this historic hotel you can choose your accommodation between rooms with private or shared bathrooms. Family friendly rooms are available.
Parking is free at the property. Note that the property is not pet friendly.
Hotel Silberhorn (Mid Budget)
Hotel Silberhorn is a cozy hotel in Lauterbrunnen offering spectacular mountain views. The property has wooden interiors which oozes a rustic, mountain cabin feel as you walk in.
Nearby attractions: It’s location off the main street, offers easy accessibility to the train station, skiing and hiking areas.
All rooms have a private bathroom. You can also choose a room in a chalet for your accommodation with wonderful views (chalets are located about 20 metres away from the main building).
There is a mini market and a restaurant on-site. The sun terrace offers panoramic views over green alpine pastures and the almost 300 metres-high Staubbach Fall.
There is free parking provided, which is perfect if you are road tripping. Also, pets are allowed on request.
Stella Swiss Quality Hotel
Stella Swiss Quality Hotel is a family owned hotel, located in the city center of Interlaken. It is a modest 4 star property, with standard room amenities.
You can choose different room layouts and sizes to accommodate guests. Pets are also allowed here. If traveling with kids, they will enjoy the indoor pool.
You also have free parking onsite. Due to its location, the Stella Swiss Quality Hotel is a perfect base for hiking trips and skiing holidays.
Where to stay in Basel Switzerland
Basel is one of the popular destinations in Switzerland. It is the third largest city, and is located in a unique region, where France, Switzerland and Germany meet.
The old town of Basel (Altstadt Grossbasel) is steeped in history, and is walkable. You will find restaurants, shops, museums and vibrant art galleries here. Most of the touristy areas are located at the centre, so it is worth staying closer to the old town for quick access to attractions.
Hotel Les Trois Rois (Luxury)
Les Trois Rois is a luxe hotel located in the old town area – Altstadt Grossbasel, and is set on the banks of the river Rhine.
This upscale hotel dates back to the 1600s, and previous guests have loved the location, stylish rooms and the amazing restaurant on site.
Suites at the Les Trois Rois oozes vintage charm, and some furnishing may look dated for some. Nevertheless, they are spacious, clean, and have all the modern amenities.
You can upgrade your rooms with bay windows overlooking the Rhine, or fireplace, and a spacious seating area.
Nearby attractions: Marktplatz square, Basel Minster Cathedral and more. The hotel is 9-minute walk from Basel Minster and 1.6 km from Basel train station.
Hotel Basel (Mid Budget)
Hotel Basel is located in the heart of the old town in Basel. It is an affordable luxury hotel, with good accessibility to touristy sites in the city.
The rooms are very modern, bright, and come with clean designs. They are not super spacious, but comfortable enough. There is a cozy restaurant/bar on site with live jazz.
Note that there are no pools, or hot tubs at the hotel. But it is pet friendly.
Nearby attractions: Old town area, easily visit the Town Hall on Marktplatz square, Basel Minster cathedral, and soak in Pfalz views.
Motel One Basel
Motel One Basel is a straight forward accommodation in Basel. It has modern amenities for a comfortable stay like a restaurant/bar on site, and a 24 hour reception. The rooms are standard and clean, and are equipped with wifi.
Pets are allowed, and you can also opt for family friendly rooms.
Basel Cathedral and Pfalz Basel is about 200 m away from Motel One, while the Architectural Museum is 100 m away.
Private 4room flat, Heart of Basel
Located in the heart of Basel, this apartment is great for a family or a group of 5 guests. Rooms are spacious and airy.
Location amenities: Located about 4 minutes away from the centre of Basel. The tram station can be found right in front of the flat, plus there are several markets/grocery stores within walking distance as well as a super beautiful park close by.
Although accessible to amenities, the area is quiet, and homey. Inside the airbnb, there are 3 bedrooms with 4 beds, bathroom, full kitchen and paid parking is also available.
Where to stay in Lucerne Switzerland
Lucerne is a medieval Swiss city that is home to lovely mountain views, a historic Altstadt or Old Town, and of course the iconic Chapel Bridge (over Lake Lucerne). The Chapel Bridge or Kapellbrücke is a covered bridge dating back to 1333, and it connects the Old Town to the Reuss River’s right bank.
It would be a sin to stay in Lucerne and not be in full view of the lake. Here are some epic hotel recommendations for you!
Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa (Luxury)
Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa is a 5 star property, located close to Lucerne. It offers modern comfort with jaw dropping views of the lake Lucerne.
Nearby attractions: The property sits on the Bürgenberg mountain and offers several restaurants with terraces, as well as panoramic views of the picturesque lake and the mountains of Central Switzerland. The Hammetschwand lift, which is Europe’s highest outdoor lift is within the immediate vicinity of the resort
There is an expansive spa, featuring an indoor pool, 2 outdoor pools, 3 private spa rooms, 15 treatment rooms, and a fully-equipped fitness area.
What we love most about the property is their infinity pool that offers breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne.
You can book rooms with lake or pool views. Suites are well-kept and modern. Free parking is available on-site.
Hotel Des Alpes (Mid Budget)
Hotel Des Alpes is located in the pedestrian zone in the heart of Lucerne and offers exquisite views of the river.
You can enjoy views of the river from the terrace while tasting selected Swiss specialties and international cuisine.
Nearby attractions: All the major sightseeing spots from the wooden Chapel Bridge, lake, mountain views, to the colorful old town are within easy walking distance.
The hotel is close to restaurants, boutiques, souvenir shops, museums, impressive historic buildings, as well as train and boat stations.
It is a 3 star property, and the suites are well kept, and modern in design and style. They also offer free breakfast for all guests.
Pets are allowed for an extra surcharge.
Magic (Low Mid budget)
Magic is a 3 star fuss free hotel, overlooking the Reuss River. The property is located in the old town.
Nearby attractions: It lies about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the Lion Monument war memorial and 3 km (1.8 miles) from the Swiss Museum of Transport.
The rooms are delightfully spacious and decorated with modern furnishings, and in some, you can also find vintage decor. Some rooms have whirlpool tubs.
What you will love here are the views from the restaurant balcony, which are breathtaking and perfect for a ‘breakfast with view’ dates in this Swiss city.
Note that parking is available (extra surcharge).
Where to stay in Zermatt for Skiing
The beautiful resort town of Zermatt is a popular tourist destination in Switzerland. It is a vacation spot that is picturesque and filled with history. With such a rife culture, you’re in for a treat regardless of where you stay – but we have to share our top picks here for you!
Also note that the mountain resorts of Zermatt and Matterhorn Mountain are a short 13 kilometers (8 miles) away from one another. You can hope on the cable car to get to the cradle of the mountain, and experience world class skiing and winter adventures!
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof (Luxury)
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is a historic hotel, dating back to the late 1800s. It is located in a central but peaceful location in Zermatt.
You can truly experience Swiss hospitality (and luxury) as you are picked up from the train station by the Zermatterhof either in a blue horse-drawn carriage or by an electric car.
Suites offer panoramic views of the mountains including the Matterhorn. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities.
You can choose a variety of rooms – ones with garden, mountain, pool or landmark views.
We found the ‘classic’ rooms to be very modern, and the ones with views of the Matterhorn are uber stylish and luxurious. King suites with balconies are spacious and are more like a resort/cabin style. They have quite a variety.
The hotel also features 3 restaurants, free WiFi access, and the Vita Borni spa area with a spacious pool, a sauna area and treatment.
I think you will love the entire property – it is beautiful, and the staff very helpful. Oh, they are pet friendly too.
There is an airport shuttle offered onsite. You can also buy ski passes at the front desk.
Ski lifts/resorts nearby include
- Zermatt-Sunnegga – 500 m
- Matterhorn Express Gondola – 650 m
- Zermatt – Furi Ski Lift – 650 m
- Matterhorn Express 1 – 700 m
- Eisfluh – 1.4 km or .86 miles
Backstage Boutique SPA Hotel
Backstage Boutique SPA Hotel offers traditional Swiss hospitality in the heart of Zermatt. It is within walking distance of Gornergrat and Sunnegga railway station.
You can expect the rooms to be clean, cozy, and beautiful. The decor inside the rooms is more of trendy and modern style rather than traditional/vintage.
Suite views will leave you spellbound – the Matterhorn can be viewed from the hotel property.
There is a 2 Michelin stars restaurant onsite. The breakfast buffet and the menu has many food and drink choices to choose from.
Pets are allowed.
There is a ski bus stop close by. A tennis court and a skating rink are located in front of the hotel.
Ski areas include
- Zermatt-Sunnegga – 350 m
- Matterhorn Express Gondola – 900 m
- Zermatt – Furi Ski Lift – 900 m
- Matterhorn Express 1 – 950 m
- Eisfluh – 1.4 km or .86 miles
Zermatt Youth Hostel
We normally stay in hotels or Airbnbs, and during our Switzerland trip it was no different. But we had to include this youth hostel after we heard great reviews from other travelers. The Youth Hostel Zermatt offers magnificent views of the Matterhorn.
You can choose dorm style rooms with private or shared bathrooms. If traveling with kids, or groups you can also opt for large family size rooms. From the hostel, the city center and ski lifts are about 10 minutes away (walk).
Where to stay in Switzerland to see the Alps
Although many of the hotels in Interlaken and Zermatt offer intimate mountain views, we wanted to pick some amazing places to stay in Switzerland Alps – if that is high on your list!
Grand Hotel des Bains (Lavey-les-Bains, Canton of Vaud)
Transport: Lavey-les-Bains Place Bus Stop is just 70 m away, and Saint-Maurice Train Station is 4 km (2.48 miles) away
Grand Hotel des Bains is one of those places in Switzerland where you love to stay outdoors! Well, the rooms are pretty, but with the plethora of relaxing options that you have at the hotel, you might not want to leave the property.
So here is what you can expect – there are 2 amazing pools with views of the Swiss Alps of the Dents du Midi Mountains. The hotel is connected to the Spa Centre of Lavey-les-Bains, which has the warmest thermal water in Switzerland.
Free private parking is available. Airport shuttle services offered.
Frutt Mountain Resort (Melchsee-Frutt, in Canton Obwalden)
Transport: Closest airport is Belp or Zurich
Frutt Mountain Resort is located in Melchsee-Frutt, which is a resort village in the municipality of Kerns (nearest city). This area is known for alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding and more.
The hotel property is not the fanciest, but its access to the ski area and views is what makes it special. From the rooms, and the open lounge you can soak in the Alps (or the Melchsee Lake), really up close and personal. Stöckalp SMF Ski Lift is 150 m away from the property.
The resort consists of two buildings, the family friendly Lago Lodge and the Mountain Lodge, which are connected by a tunnel.
There are 2 restaurants onsite, one specialised in fine cuisine and the other offering a more family-friendly buffet service.
You can also book relaxing massages and treatments at the hotel. It is a dog friendly hotel too.
The Cambrian (Adelboden, located in Bernese Oberland)
Transport: Closest airport is Belp Airport
The Cambrian is one of the top rated properties in Adelboden. It offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps from its spa area and suites. Yea, the jaw dropping views from the heated outdoor pool overlooking the mountains will melt your heart.
The location of the Cambrian is one of the best to soak in the majestic Alps. The rooms are modern and are spacious. You can also enjoy spa facilities at The Cambrian (they have an indoor pool, 2 saunas, a hot tub, and a modern gym).
There is a restaurant on site – Glasshaus Restaurant, so you don’t have to venture out for meals.
Parking is available onsite. You can also rent bikes, or hop on a shuttle service to the ski slopes (additional charge).
Final Thoughts: Best places to stay in Switzerland: Switzerland hotels, and more
Switzerland is a wonderful destination. I keep saying this, but it truly left like home (so many similarities with Canada). When we traveled to Zurich the first time, we realized its magnificence and beauty.
Arranging for hotels in Switzerland is no easy task. As you know we prefer staying in mid budget hotels or Airbnbs during our trips (in the range of $120 – $250 USD). It was really difficult to find accommodation in that price range at a short notice. Even hostels were close to $150+ USD.
Anyhow, so here are some tips for finding and booking your stays,
- Plan and book in advance – like 2 months at a minimum to score a good hotel deal close to sightseeing areas
- Swiss hotels in the Alps and heritage properties offer views and hospitality like no other! During the off-season, you can find deals at 20-30% lower than peak seasons. Imagine walking up to those mountain views, sipping wine, or relishing fondue – this is one experience you must add to your bucket list!
- If you are renting a car, or using the Swiss Pass be open to staying in a hotel a little further away from the city center. There are a lot of affordable hotels near the airport, or business centers
- Bed & Breakfast, Airbnb or hotel chains like Ibis or Swiss Quality hotels will have kitchenettes – they are handy to cook meals and save money
- Are you a city and town lover? Then ditch the car, and use public transportation. This way you can choose accommodation at the center and not pay for parking. Not all hotels/Airbnbs will have free parking.
In this map below, you can find both hotels, and VRBO + Airbnbs with prices.
Happy Booking!
More Switzerland Planning Guides:
- Switzerland Itinerary: 2 days, 5 days or 7 day Switzerland itinerary
- What to pack for Switzerland? Switzerland Packing List
- Planning Guide: When is the best time to visit Switzerland
Pin: Where to stay in Switzerland for the first time visitor?
