Where should you stay in Switzerland

Where to stay?

Bern

Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern (5 stars)

An Art Nouveau jewel, the Bellevue Palace is situated in the heart of Berne next to the Federal Parliament.

Bellevue Palace has 130 rooms with free wired internet access an fresh decorations. Some rooms offer views of Berne’s historic quarter, or the distant Alpine peaks, while others face the quiet inner courtyard or the Houses of Parliament.

The Bellevue Palace offers Old-World charm with modern comforts.

Address: Kochergasse 3 - 5, 3001 Bern
Phone: +44 (0)843 2894805
Price: starts at $544 dollars.

Novotel Bern Expo, Berne ( 3 stars)

The Novotel Bern Expo offers 112 non smoking rooms located opposite the BEA Bern Expo exhibition center, the ice hockey stadium, the national horse riding center and 200 m from the Stade de Suisse and the Zentrum Paul Klee. The tram makes the trip from in front of the hotel to the old city in 7 minutes.

Address: Am Guisanplatz 2, Berne 3014
Phone: (+41) 31/3390909 

Price: starts at $142/night

 

Chur

Since Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland- first settled 5000 years ago, it doesn't have a well developed tourist infrastructure. I search the web for a long time and could not find a 5 stars hotel there so this Hotel was the best I could find for you.

City West Hotel & Restaurant

City West has a designer ambiance throughout. It offers complimentary wireless Internet access and a  pet-friendly policy. The restaurant offers a lovely rooftop terrace. 

Skiing is a big draw in Chur, so it is no surprise that Obertor Chur, Arosa Ski Resort with its Gondola Lift, Ski-Club Arosa and Lenzerheide Ski Resort are widely featured in the area. .

 

Address: Comercialstrasse 32, Chur 7000, Switzerland
Phone: (+41) 81 256 55 00
Price: starts at $123 dollars 

Zurich 

Hotel Baur au Lac (5 stars)

I have spent so much time looking for 5 starts Hotels in Zurich for you and how difficult it is. Most of the Hotels are very contemporary and I  think that if I would pay to stay in a 5 star hotel, I would like to stay in a place full of charm, beautiful views, traditional, excellent services.


Fortunately I was able to find one that I really like and it is Hotel Baur au Lac.

Baur au Lac is Zurich's prestigious landmark of un-equaled hospitality, elegance, and impeccable service. The hotel has been owned by the same family for over 160 years. Only recently, every room was thoroughly renovated, each one lovingly and uniquely crafted to combine superlative creature comforts with classical elegance and every conceivable technical convenience. The unusually large and light bathrooms, an attractive blend of marble and mirrors, combine practicality with sheer luxury.

The enchanting atmosphere of the elegant winter restaurant Francais awaits the connoisseur with a superb selection of haute cuisine whose themes vary through the year. The delightful summer restaurant Le Pavillon is one of the most popular places in town with a unique atmosphere and a menu that enhances the Mediterranean ambiance. From the terrace and the adjoining park there is an enchanting view of Lake Zurich and the Alps. The Rive Gauche, a sparkling blend of chic restaurant and bar, offers Mediterranean grill room specialities for "fine casual dining." The Baur au Lac features an exclusive fitness center on the top of the hotel with magnificent views over Lake Zurich and the Alps. A personal trainer or physiotherapy may be arranged. The beauty salon and hair-dresser Vanity offers a wide range of luxury cosmetic treatments.


Address: Talstrasse 1, Zurich 8022, Switzerland
Phone: (+ 41) 44 220 50 20
Price: starts at $711 dollars

Sorell Hotel Seidenhof ( 3 stars)

The Sorell Hotel Seidenhof is found in a upscale part of Zurich that is very popular with both business and leisure travelers. This simple, down-to-earth hotel offers comfortable accommodations, a very helpful staff and a home like feeling.

It is located just in front of the Bahnhofstrasse, a very popular shopping destination because of its wide variety of shops and stores. Another popular place to walk is on the latkeside boardwalk that has a wide arrange of shops, bars, restaurants, bars and cinemas, all very close to the hotel.

Mishio Restaurant, the new, popular hang out is a chic place to have a great Asian meal in a cool surroundings. This quiet garden is the ideal place for a romantic dinner or just a peaceful getaway.

The Massage Studio at the Sorell Hotel Seidenhoff offers a wide variety of massages and wellness treatments, sure to please all tastes. Guests are sure to leave rejuvenated, relaxed and happy. Here you can choose from the classic style deep tissue or the cupping therapy; whatever your fancy…enjoy!


Address: Sihlstrasse 9, Zurich, Switzerland
Phone: +41 44 228 75 00
Price stars at $156 dollars

Geneva

Hotel Beau Rivage Geneva ( 5 stars)

The Beau Rivage has been in business since 1865 and regularly plays host to some of the world's best-known celebrities. Over the past 145 years, history has played out here. Empress Elisabeth was assisinated here in 1898.


With its lake front location, guests benefit from excellent views and can marvel at the world-famous Jet d'eau. The hotel benefits from recent renovation with modern facilities, while it retains the original features of the building. The Beau Rivage hotel has fitness and business centers and high-speed Internet access. The hotel also features laundry service, spa facilities and concierge service. 

Address: 13, Quai du Mont-Blanc, 1201 Geneva

Phone: (+41 22 716 66 66

Price: starts at $560 dollars

Edelweiss Manotel Hotel (3 stars)

Finally found a very traditional Swiss hotel, it looks very cute for the price. Discover the Alps in the heart of Geneva. Come to the Hotel Edelweiss and delight in the warmth of an authentic Swiss chalet with just steps away from the lake and City center.
Edelweiss has 42 air-conditioned rooms, deluxe bedding, Minibar, interactive TV, Restaurant  with live  folk music, authentic Swiss cuisine, 24 h room service, laundry facilities, free public transport card and WiFi and Internet connection, free of charge.



Address: Place De La Navigation 2, Geneva Ch-1201, Swizerland

Phone: (+41) 22 544 51 51
Price stars at $162 dollars







Basel

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois (5 stars)

Les Trois Rois is one of Europe’s oldest city hotels and exudes the charm and elegance of a historic grand hotel. This luxury establishment offers everything that a discerning guest is entitled to expect from a hotel in the five-star category. All in the heart of Basel, in the center of the Old Town and on the banks of the Rhine.

Les Trois Rois is one of Europe’s oldest city hotels, where Napoleon, Elizabeth II, Pablo Picasso, Thomas Mann and many other famous people have stayed.

Situated in the heart of Basel, in the center of the historic quarter and on the banks of the Rhine, it is an ideal base for tourists and business travelers.

Address: Blumenrain 8, 4001 Basel
Phone: (+41) 61 260 50 50
Price: starts at $784 dollars

 

 

Hotel Alexander ( 3 stars)

The Hotel Alexander is located at the Messe Basel fairgrounds and the Congress Center, a 10-minute ride from the center of Basel. The tram stop is right outside. Free Wi-Fi is available.

The Rösti-Stube Restaurant serves Swiss specialities, and live music is sometimes played at the bar.

All rooms at the Alexander Hotel have an en-suite bathroom and are equipped with cable TV and a desk.

The SBB Train Station is 7 minutes by tram from the hotel, and the Badischer Bahnhof Train Station is 3 minutes away. Basel-Mulhouse Airport can be reached in a 15-minute drive.

Address: Riehenring 83/85, 4058 Basel
Phone: (+41) 61 685 70 00
Price starts at $84 dollars

You can also try this book about Inn's in Switzerland.
 

Places to go in Switzerland

Switzerland is a traveler's paradise with several sights you should not miss. You will experience a mixed and varied culture as you travel from German influence, to French influence, to Italian influence and so on. In addition to the spectacular mountains and valleys, you will see the majestic Rhine River and several amazing lakes. Some of the most famous places in Switzerland are given below.

Bern

Bern is the ancient capital city of the country. It is spelled, "Berne" by most of the French speaking citizens. The city was reconstructed and renovated after it was destroyed by fire in 1405. The 11th century shopping plaza offers ample opportunity for you for shopping, eat, relax and photograph the amazing sights.

Chur

Chur is one of the oldest cities in Switzerland, less well known; but a must see. Chur or Coire is the capital of the Swiss canton of Graubünden and lies in the northern part of the canton. The main tourist attraction is the Rhine River and various valleys and mountains in the area. The world famous ski resorts of Davos, St. Mortiz and Arosa are situated here.

Chur is a very small city; much of it is easily walkable. There are taxis and buses, which operate on five different routes.
Driving in Chur is possible. However, the old town of Chur is car-free. Bicycles are a great choice.

Zurich

Zurich is economic center and is one of the popular places in Switzerland. As a major metropolitan area, it has a wealth of places to visit. From Zoos, to Cog Railways, to swinging nightclubs, Zurick has something for kids of all ages. In addition to the city, you can visit the Swiss Alps and the largest waterfall in Europe. In Zurich you can indulge yourself in skiing, hiking and photography.

Geneva

Geneva is a city of festivals. These people like to party. From January to December you will find festivals of all types - international film in spring, sailing in summer, and wine in the fall are just a few of the good times to be shared in Geneva.

By visiting the old town of Geneva you can easily go back to the bygone era. The presence of various museums hints about the rich culture of the place. Lake Geneva, situated in the middle of the city,  gives it added beauty and dimension.

My favorite time was during an International Festival in August. It was a great time to meet the young people of Switzerland.

Basel

Basel is the largest industrial city of Switzerland and is often bypassed by tourist. But, it is one of Switzerland's underrated tourist destinations, Basel has a beautiful medieval old town center; a Carnival that ranks with those of Venice, New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro; and several world class art museums built by architects like Renzo Piano, Mario Botta and Herzog & De Meuron.

Museums and Historic Monuments

Of course, we all need a little history lesson on our trip and Switzerland offers some of the best museums from around the world. They have exhibits from the finest paintings of Paul Klee and some of the best artifacts from the heart of Egypt, on display regularly. You can visit one of the historically protected old towns of the Swiss country side to see history in motion. Here are wonderful old castles to explore along with the abbey library of St. Gallen. No matter what you decide to do make sure you have a little time to explore these little places along the way they will help make your trip that much more enjoyable.

The Swiss Alps

This is a beautiful, majestic country created by the shifting plates of two continents and the determined colonization of peoples from Europe and the Middle East. The rugged terrain than Hannibal had to cross prior to defeating the Romans in the early centuries can still be as daunting today. However, there are many things to do in the Alps - hiking, fishing, skiing, nature trails, and much more. You can also ride horseback or relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

The Alps are spectacular no matter what time of year you choose to visit whether it is during the summer or during the winter. Some of the world’s best ski resorts are located in its majestic peaks. They are a haven for skiers and snowboarders alike. A must one stop shop for your Swiss vacation needs.



Best Time to visit Switzerland


Switzerland has a temperate climate but generally the climate varies from one area to another. Summers are generally warm with usually chilly winters, accompanied by snow and sun.

The temperature range is about the same as in the northern United States, but without the extremes of hot and cold. Summer temperatures seldom rise above 80°F (26°C) in the cities, and humidity is low. Because of clear air and lack of wind in the high alpine regions, sunbathing is sometimes possible even in winter. In southern Switzerland the temperature remains mild year-round, allowing subtropical vegetation to grow.

Low-season airfares are usually offered from November 1 to December 14 and from December 25 to March 31. Fares are slightly higher during the skiing shoulder season (during Apr and May, and from Sept 16 to the end of Oct). High-season fares apply the rest of the year (June-Sept 15), presumably when Switzerland and its landscapes are at their most hospitable and most beautiful.

Keep in mind that it's most expensive to visit Swiss ski resorts in winter, and slightly less so during the rest of the year. Conversely, it's cheaper to visit lakeside towns in winter. Cities such as Geneva, Zurich, and Bern don't depend on tourism as a major source of capital, so prices in these cities tend to remain the same all year.