Switzerland is a bucket-list destination, one that lives up to all the hype! Its majestic mountains, pristine lakes, beautiful Alpine pastures and charming cities give you an unforgettable experience. I lived in Switzerland for a couple of years and it never failed to amaze me with its beauty!
Planning a trip to Switzerland? Click here for a detailed travel guide to Switzerland – including the best time to visit, itinerary options (for 3, 5, 7 or 10 days), visa, transportation in Switzerland (including Swiss Pass), and more!
However, Switzerland is an expensive place and you should plan your holiday well, including finding the best places to stay at to make the most of it. You need to know which is the right place to splurge on a hotel or save on one – this post details all of that!
Read on for all the information you’ll need on the best places to stay in Switzerland, including guides to which cities to stay in, the choicest areas in those cities and hotel recommendations for each city.
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Here's what's in store for you
Where to stay in Switzerland to see the Alps
The Bernese Oberland region is one of the highlights of Switzerland – the beauty of the Swiss Alps, the waterfalls and charming small towns will make you feel transported to a magical place!
Have limited time in Switzerland? Here’s a 5-day Switzerland itinerary to take in the best of the country!
The most central spot to take in the beauty of the Swiss Alps is Interlaken. It’s a fairly large town with several options to stay and is very well connected to all the surrounding mountains and towns. See some of the best places to stay in Interlaken here.
If you want a bit more tranquillity and closer proximity to the mountains, stay at one of the smaller towns: Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald or Gimmelwald. There might be fewer stay options to choose from in these places and they may be more expensive than Interlaken.
The Uri Alps in Central Switzerland can be best explored from a stay at Lucerne. This will also allow you to explore the beautiful cities of Lucerne & Zurich, in addition to the Alps.
Where to stay in Switzerland for hiking
The Bernese Oberland region is also perfect for hiking. So the options above will also fit the bill for places to stay at for the best hiking. Stay at Interlaken and make use of the fantastic public transport system to take you up the mountains for some amazing hikes.
The Zermatt area has some of the most scenic hikes in Switzerland. Stay at Zermatt to discover the iconic Matterhorn and amazing hiking trails.
If you’d like to hike along the Swiss Grand Canyon, stay at Flims. You can also discover the beautiful lakes of Caumasee & Crestasee here.
Where to stay in Switzerland during the Summer
Summer is one of the best seasons to visit Switzerland. All the mountain transports & hiking trails are open, the weather is pleasant and there is still snow at the tallest mountains.
Wondering about the best time to visit Switzerland? Here’s my guide: What is the best time to visit Switzerland?
During your visit to Switzerland during the summer depending on how long you have, split your time between Zürich or Lucerne (discover Central Switzerland), Interlaken or Bern (explore the Bernese Oberland), Lugano (discover Ticino), and Zermatt.
Read here for a detailed 5-day itinerary for the perfect trip to Switzerland!
Where to stay in Switzerland during the Winter
Winter in Switzerland is magical, especially around Christmas! Stay in Zürich or Lucerne to experience the beautiful Christmas markets and winter traditions, and also to explore the snow-covered mountains nearby: Titlis, Rigi are some of the best mountains to visit during the winter!
If you love skiing, head to the famous ski resorts in Switzerland: Zermatt, St. Moritz, Davos, Saas-Fee, Verbier, Arosa or Gstaad
Places to stay in Switzerland – By city
Read below for hotel recommendations in some of the major cities/ towns in Switzerland. Included is a short guide to where to stay in the city/ town followed by a list of hotels for every budget. The prices listed below are indicative for a per night stay for 2 people for mid-June 2021.
Where to stay in Zurich
Stay close to the old town area since that’s where most of the highlights of Zurich, including the beautiful river & lake are. You will be able to walk everywhere and make the most of your time in the city. The hotels in this area will be expensive though so if you are not short on time, consider a place to stay a little further away and take the bus/ tram/ train. The public transport system in Zurich is very extensive, efficient and very clean.
My recommendation would be to not splurge on too expensive a hotel here – save it for one of the mountain towns (e.g., Zermatt or Grindelwald) instead!
Luxury
Le Bijou Bahnhofstrasse / Paradeplatz (USD 600+): You cannot ask for a better location to stay at in Zurich than Paradeplatz. Situated just 500 m from the lake, 400 m from Fraumünster and 600 m from Grossmünster, this hotel will allow you to step out and easily explore the highlights of Zurich during the day and spend a luxurious evening later.
La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich (USD 500+): This 100+-year-old historic hotel is located on the lakeside. With views of Lake Zurich and the snow-capped mountains, this is the place to take in the tranquillity of nature from.
Mid-range
Hotel Rössli (USD 200+): Situated in the heart of Zurich in the charming old town district, this boutique hotel is a 5-minute walk to the lake and a stone’s throw away from the river Limmat. Experience the vibrant old town at this boutique hotel.
Boutique Hotel Helmhaus Zürich (USD 300+): Dreaming of staying in a historic building? This hotel is set in a building from the 14th century and is very centrally located, perfect for a walking tour of Zurich!
Budget
Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North (USD 150+): Located between the city and the airport, this hotel allows easy access through public transportation. It is ideal for short business or tourist stays.
Hotel Montana Zürich (<USD 150): Located just a 10-minute walk from the Zurich main station, this hotel will allow you to easily discover the highlights of Zurich either on foot or by public transport while not breaking the bank!
Zurich Youth Hostel (<USD 120): Close to the city centre and easy to access using public transportation, you can choose a private room or pick to stay in a dorm for even lower prices.
Find more places to stay in Zurich.
Where to stay in Lucerne
Stay in or close to the old town area. That will put you in close proximity to all the best things to do in Lucerne, including the Chapel Bridge, the lake and access to the ferry terminal. You can also consider places in areas surrounding Lucerne city – Kriens, Weggis, Horw. These are all very well connected by train/ bus to the city and you could well get a more spacious room/ apartment at a lower price than in the city.
Luxury
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern (USD 500+): The 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern is perfectly situated, right in the old town at the banks of Lake Lucerne. The views of the lake, the historic old town buildings and parts of the Musegg Wall make this hotel the perfect pick to stay at.
Hotel des Balances (USD 500+): Situated in the heart of Lucerne old town, this hotel offers scenic views of the Reuss River and the iconic Chapel Bridge. You can easily explore the highlights of Lucerne on foot from this hotel.
Mid-range
Hotel Monopol Luzern (USD 300+): Do you love palaces? Who doesn’t, right?! This palace-like hotel will complete the fairy tale that is a trip to Lucerne. Located next to the Chapel Bridge and the train station, you couldn’t ask for more at this hotel!
Hotel Des Alpes (USD 250+): This beautiful hotel is located at the junction of the River Reuss and the lake, overlooking the Chapel Bridge. Sit on your balcony and enjoy the incredible views!
Budget
Hotel Restaurant Stern Luzern (USD 100+): Located right in the old town, few places offer such a great spot at such a price!
Bellpark Hostel (<USD 120): Located 10 minutes by bus from the Lucerne main station, this hostel provides easy access to Mt. Pilatus with the cable car station just 5 minutes away. A stay at this hostel also includes a free Lucerne Public Transportation Ticket for your whole stay! You can also choose to stay in a dorm for prices < USD 50.
Find more places to stay in Lucerne.
Where to stay in Interlaken
Interlaken is a small town and most hotels will be located within easy access of either of the 2 train stations. Pick one close to a train station so you can easily take trips around the Jungfrau region. Keep in mind that there’s not much to do in Interlaken itself so most of your time will be occupied in heading to the mountains/ lakes nearby.
Luxury
Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (USD 700+): A central location in the heart of Interlaken, a sun terrace overlooking the Jungfrau Massif, the 5500 m² Victoria Jungfrau Spa, impeccably designed rooms – this is Swiss luxury at its finest!
Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken MGallery Collection (USD 600+): Located close to the Harderbahn Funicular Railway and 400 m from the centre of Interlaken, this hotel’s façade dates back to the early 1900s. The terrace and the garden offer views of the Harder Kulm and Jungfrau Mountains.
Mid-range
Hotel Interlaken (USD 300+): This beautifully renovated historic hotel dates back to the 14th century! It is located in the heart of Interlaken which will make it very easy to explore the town.
Hotel Artos Interlaken (USD 300+): Located in a peaceful setting 10-minutes’ walk from the Interlaken train station, this hotel boasts stunning views of the Jungfrau region!
Budget
Hotel Chalet Swiss (<USD 200): Why not stay at a Swiss chalet when in Switzerland?! Built in the 1800s this traditional chalet-style hotel offers incredible views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau Mountains. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the Interlaken West Train Station.
Hotel Bernerhof (<USD 250): Excellent location on the main street of Interlaken opposite the Interlaken West Train Station. The rooms are well-appointed and modern.
Alplodge (<USD 130): Located in the centre of Interlaken, this hostel offers beautiful views of the mountains and the river. I stayed at this hostel during my backpacking trip way back in 2013 and it was an amazing experience.
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Hostel Interlaken) (<USD 150): This is one of the most popular hostels in Interlaken and offers options from dorms to double rooms, either shared showers/toilets or ensuite facilities. Very centrally located and the perfect base if you’re looking for adventure activities! You can also choose to stay in a dorm for prices < USD 30.
Balmers Hostel (<USD 120): This hostel boasts of the best hangout areas, complete with pianos and guitars! Add in a wonderful kitchen and a nightclub and you’ve got one of the best hostels in Interlaken. You can also choose to stay in a dorm for prices < USD 30.
Happy Inn Lodge (<USD 90): Located just a 5-minute walk from the Interlaken West-Station, this cosy hostel also has a very popular bar and restaurant that hosts live concerts during the summer! You can also choose to stay in a dorm for prices < USD 30.
Find more places to stay in Interlaken.
Where to stay in Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is a small village in the most gorgeous valley you would have ever seen. Lined with waterfalls (70+ of them!) and dotted with green pastures, the Lauterbrunnen valley will compel you to take long walks trying to discover all of it! Try and pick a hotel that is close to the train/ bus station so you can easily take day trips to all the surrounding mountains. Keep in mind that it is a hilly village – an uphill climb to your hotel with your luggage is not something you’d want.
Hotel Silberhorn (USD 250+): Located just 150 m from the train station with panoramic views over green alpine pastures of the Lauterbrunnen valley and the incredible Staubbach Falls – could you ask for more?!
Hotel Oberland (USD 250+): This historic hotel is located close to the Staubbach Falls, a 5-minute walk away from the train station. Wake up to beautiful mountain views and delicious Swiss food here!
Hotel Steinbock (USD 100+): This hotel has an amazing location opposite the train and cable car station for Grütschalp, Mürren and Schilthorn with views of Jungfrau, Breithorn and Ebnefluh.
Valley Hostel (<USD 100): Located just a 5-minute walk from the train station, all rooms at this hostel offer beautiful views of the mountains and the famous Staubbach Falls! You can also choose to stay in a dorm for prices < USD 40.
Find more places to stay in Lauterbrunnen.
Where to stay in Grindelwald
This is the place to splurge on a hotel with an incredible view of the mountains. Waking up to the sun rising over snow-capped peaks is not an experience that comes by every day. Luckily, a lot of the hotels in Grindelwald offer spectacular views – pick your choice!
Luxury
Hotel Bernerhof Grindelwald (USD 500+): This hotel’s cosy Alpine atmosphere will make you want to stay back in Switzerland! It is very conveniently located with easy access to Grindelwald First & Kleine Scheidegg and offers dreamy views of the Eiger and the surrounding mountains.
Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel (USD 400+): Located just a 5-minute walk from the centre of Grindelwald with a gourmet restaurant, spa facilities and breathtaking views, this hotel is the perfect pick for a luxurious holiday.
Mid-range
Sunstar Hotel & SPA Grindelwald (USD 350+): Stunning views of the famous North Face of the Eiger and the Wetterhorn, a central location just a few minutes’ walk from the train station, and fantastic spa facilities – this is one hotel you wouldn’t want to leave!
Hotel Spinne Grindelwald (USD 300+): One of the biggest highlights of this hotel is its heated infinity outdoor pool with panoramic views of the mountains! Also stellar are the views from the balcony and the food!
Alpenhof (USD 300+): The perfect location – close to everything and yet far enough away to experience the awe-inspiring tranquillity of the Swiss Alps!
Budget
Derby Swiss Quality Hotel (USD 200+): Located right at the train station in the very centre of Grindelwald, this hotel offers Alpine-style rooms and amazing Swiss food.
Hotel Sonnenberg (<USD 200): This traditional Swiss chalet is located a 5-minute walk (an uphill one though) from the train station with breathtaking views of Eiger and Jungfrau mountains.
Downtown-Lodge (<USD 180): Located in the center of Grindelwald, this hostel is the perfect starting point for all activities in and around Grindelwald. Guests staying here can avail discounts on cable cars for Grindelwald First and Schilthorn – a huge benefit considering how expensive these are! You can also choose to stay in a dorm at this hostel for prices < USD 75.
Eiger Lodge (<USD 130): Located at the foot of the Eiger, this is the place to start your climb up the famous mountain! The hostel provides guests with a bus pass to enable easy access to Grindelwald village (located a 15-minute walk away). You can also choose to stay in a dorm at this hostel for prices < USD 50.
Find more places to stay in Grindelwald.
Where to stay in Zermatt
Another place to splurge on a hotel is Zermatt. You have to get a hotel overlooking the Matterhorn – a trip to Zermatt cannot be complete without watching the sun rising/ setting over the majestic Matterhorn. The best place to do this is from the comfort of your hotel balcony!
While in Zermatt make sure you do the Gornergrat hike & the 5 lakes hike – they are both breathtaking, and easy!
My recommendation for a hotel in Zermatt: Overlook Lodge by CERVO is our favourite place to stay in Zermatt! It is a cosy apartment with fantastic views. We have enjoyed the place so much we almost never want to leave it! The views of the Matterhorn from the balcony are stunning and we have been able to capture the sun rising over the mountain – a beautifully magical experience.
Luxury
Hotel Schweizerhof Zermatt (USD 500+): Located on the Bahnhofstrasse, most rooms at this hotel have balconies overlooking the Matterhorn. An indoor swimming pool, a spa and a well-appointed lounge mean you wouldn’t want to leave the hotel at all!
Hotel National Zermatt (USD 400+): Situated opposite the Sunnegga-Paradise Ski Lift and only a 5-minute walk from the train station, this hotel offers balconies in each room, most with views of the Matterhorn! A huge spa area and a wide range of activities at the hotel will keep you occupied if the weather isn’t great for skiing/ hiking.
Backstage Boutique SPA Hotel (USD 350+): Rooms with beautiful views of the Swiss Alps and fireplaces offer the cosiest atmosphere at this hotel. Located within walking distance of Gornergrat railway and Sunnegga railway, there’s easy access to most of Zermatt’s highlights.
Mid-range
SchlossHotel Zermatt Active & CBD Spa Hotel (USD 300+): This hotel is situated 50 m from the Gornergratbahn Train Station, the Zermatt Train Station and the Bahnhofstrasse and boasts of an Alpine ambience. Balconies with views of the Matterhorn are an added bonus!
Hotel Butterfly, BW Signature Collection (<USD 300): Situated in the heart of Zermatt, this hotel’s highlights are its Finnish sauna, an infra-red cabin and a steam bath – perfect for a winter stay!
Hotel Metropol & Spa Zermatt (<USD 300): Beautiful views of the Matterhorn, a lovely restaurant and fantastic facilities including pool/jacuzzi and saunas make this hotel one of the best places to stay in Zermatt.
Budget
Hotel Phoenix (<USD 250): Located only a 10-minute walk from the train station this chalet-style hotel offers views of the Matterhorn and easy access to everything in the town.
Alpenblick Superior (<USD 200): Situated close to the cable car to the Matterhorn Ski Paradise and a 5-minute walk from the centre of Zermatt, this cosy hotel also offers views of the Matterhorn.
Hotel Bahnhof (<USD 140): As the name suggests this hostel is located just 100 m from Zermatt Train Station and offers a kitchen, a laundry room, and a ski storage room. You can also choose to stay in a dorm at this hostel for prices < USD 50.
Find more places to stay in Zermatt.
What has been your favourite hotel/ apartment/ hostel experience in Switzerland? Which place are you looking forward to the most? Let me know in the comments below.
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More information for your trip to Switzerland:
ITINERARY GUIDE: Travel guide to Switzerland | 5 days in Switzerland | Best time to visit Switzerland
BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS: 25 best places to visit in Switzerland
HIDDEN GEMS: 10 hidden gems in Switzerland
TRAIN RIDES: The Golden Pass train line
HIKES: Bannalpsee | Oeschinensee | Hike to Bachalpsee | Swiss Grand Canyon | Gornergrat hike | 5 lakes hike
LAKES: 7 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland | Lake Brienz | Melchsee-Frutt
MOUNTAINS: Mount Titlis | Mount Rigi | Schynige Platte
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Looking for advice on what to see in Switzerland or want to share your love for everything Swiss?
OMG All of your photos are beautiful! Thank you for sharing us this wonderful trip with budget and information!
Oh wow! The places are to die for! believe me when I say I bookmarked this one because I did. S pretty! I hope I can go here this year 🙂
Thank you for sharing this detailed information. Switzerland is on my bucket list and now I can plan a trip and know the best places to stay for each part of my journey. Your photographs make it seem so inviting too!
Wow Smita this is such a wonderful bit of information and certainly very useful. I normally book my hotels through Booking.com but for our next trip to Switzerland I would be using this resource from you. Money saved is like money earned
Your blog post is such a great teaser about why we need to go back to Switzerland. And plan to visit in different seasons! Good tip to save your splurge accommodations for the mountains! We are usually busy and out most days in the cities. There are some lovely mountain luxury retreats! Definitely keeping this post for our next visit.
I would absolutely have to see the Matterhorn on my first trip to Switzerland! The Berner Oberland looks like such an incredible region to explore, too. Even some of the budget options are a bit expensive, especially compared to some of the other places I’ve traveled. I would definitely need to save up! I am the kind of traveler who usually just uses hotels or Airbnbs as a place to sleep since I tend to be out and about as much as possible, so I’ll definitely keep your budget suggestions in mind for a first visit!
Great list, but I would having a hard time choosing! I think Interlaken would be a great choice to be able to see the Alps and head out for some hiking! The Backstage Boutique SPA hotel sounds lovely and in the perfect location. Your photos are beautiful!
Other nice areas are at the Bodensee and Geneva. Switzerland is definitely a country that deserves at least a week. And your photos show how beautiful it is.
I love lists like these! Generally when I travel I don’t spend a lot of time in my hotel, usually I am out enjoying the sights. Since I don’t spend much time in the hotel I prefer to shop around for a clean but cheaper hotel so that I am not going crazy on my budget on a place I will only be sleeping.
You have created the most perfect guide to staying in Switzerland here! It is definitely something I am saving for later, as a trip to Switzerland is at the top of my travel bucket list once things open back up and return to normal.
Wow! All of these are so beautiful! I would love to go hiking in Switzerland and will for sure be pinning this for later!
Such beautiful scenery – I think that I’d really like that view of the Matterhorn at breakfast. One to add to the ever-growing list of ‘where I’d like to go once we are allowed to travel again’.
Happy New Year and all the best for 2021. Having lived, worked and did my schooling in Switzerland, you are spot on regarding 3,5 and 7 days. It is the most beautiful country on the planet, different language and so small yet so much to see and do. An efficient transportation system makes it better. I Love your vivid descriptions and love the pictures. Continue to delight us with your writing
You had me sold the second you mentioned the best places to stay in Switzerland for hiking. We’ve talked about making the trip and that is the #1 activity we would want to enjoy while we’re there. I don’t know when we’re going to be able to make the trip, however, this is a great start so that we can budget accordingly and start to make more concrete plans. Thank you!
What a great list to help those planning a visit. This is very helpful when working with budgets. I especially enjoyed the hiking section. Thank you for sharing.
Great idea to order the hotels by price range. I would also add that, although Switzerland is a very expensive country, you can reduce your travel cost by staying at a bed and breakfast or in a private residence. You can find places as cheap as CHF 30 per night.
I love your amazing photos.
Lauterbrunnen is right up there on my bucket list! I’m so in awe of the beautiful town that is surrounded by majestic waterfalls. Although you mentioned that there’s not much to do at Interlaken, I’d still be keen to stay for a night at least, just to take in the beautiful river and surroundings.
Eek! The Budget deals in most of the cities in Switzerland start at $100+ USD? Ugh. Guess I am going to have to start saving my pennies cause we really want to explore Interlaken to go Canyoneering and I want to return to Lucerne. Sounds like Hotel Restaurant Stern Luzern will be our base of operations.
I wonder if I can tent camp in Zermatt?
This is such a great guide for Switzerland accommodation. You’ve covered all the options. I especially like the Overlook lodge. The views are spectacular!