WHERE TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND IN 2024

Are you planning your Switzerland trip and are wondering about where to stay in Switzerland? Then read on, here I share my favorite places and accommodations in Switzerland with you.

While it is easy to discover its beauty, it is a bit more difficult to find the perfect accommodation in Switzerland. I mean, just finding one hotel nestled among the beautiful landscapes is quite easy. But finding one for your budget (especially if you do not want to spend a small fortune) is not that easy. I have spent months visiting Switzerland (probably up to 18 months so far), exploring Switzerland, so I know about the struggles to find the perfect accommodation.

So, this post will help you find the best place to stay in Switzerland. Whether you do a Switzerland road trip or stay in one place, these tips should help you plan your trip.

• Normally, each region/city charges an extra tax on accommodation. The amounts differ. The tax is around 1-4 € a day, per person.
• You often, but not always, also get a guest card in return. You can use public transportation for free, and sometimes you get access to some attractions / or a discount. 

DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS I MIGHT EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY A PRODUCT/SERVICE  – AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. MORE ABOUT IT HERE.

WHERE TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND – BEST HOTELS AND AREAS

So, without further ado, here are my favorite picks for you.

ZURICH

Zurich is a fun city to explore and a base to explore other parts of Switzerland. It is big enough that you will not get bored, with nightlife, loads of restaurants and cafes, and plenty of activities and culture around. 

The city itself is home to a costly shopping street (the Bahnhofstrasse), many clubs and bars, museums, and of course, Lake Zurich. For more tips on what to do in Zurich, click here. Not only is the city worth visiting, it is also a great base to visit the surroundings.

It is quite close to the main attractions in Switzerland, like the Rhine Falls; the world-famous cliff mountain guest house, the Aescher in Appenzell; Lucerne; Stein am Rhine; and Schaffhausen.

Here are some tips for places to stay in Zurich. 

Baur au Lac in Zurich

If you are looking for a luxury hotel in this beautiful city, go for this one – Baur au Lac. It is definitely a good choice. This beautiful 5-star hotel is located right next to the Bahnhofstrasse, Lake Zurich, and is close to several tram and bus stations.

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Whether you enjoy the view from the hotel, relax in the private garden, or walk to the lake or the city center. You will have plenty of options to discover Zurich or to enjoy all the fantastic hotel amenities  – all this is easy while staying in one of the best hotels in town. Click here to find the best rates for the Baur au Lac in Zurich

Mövenpick Regensdorf in Zurich

This four-star hotel – Mövenpick Regensdorf – is a good choice if you want to stay in a good hotel without breaking the bank. It is not located in Zurich but in Regensburg, a lovely, quiet village-like area. Thanks to the amazing public transportation, you can get to the city center of Zurich quickly and easily.

Admittedly, the building itself does not look very inviting from the outside but it is actually very beautiful, modern, and friendly on the inside and offers all you need if you are looking for a peaceful stay.  You even have access to the gym and a large pool, and of course, the famous Mövenpick restaurants serve excellent food! Click here to find the best rates for Mövenpick Regensdorf Zurich

Oldtown Hostel Otter

Switzerland is not known for many amazing budget accommodations – Zurich is one of the most expensive places to stay in Switzerland. However, I recently stayed in a nice hostel I actually liked.

Oldtown Hostel Otter is located in the old town of Zurich – from there, you can easily reach many sights and attractions in Zurich on foot. Also, you can stay out late and do not have to worry about “getting home” since it is located in the heart of Zurich. A train station is close by so you can also do day trips quite easily.

The rooms are basic but okay, and it is actually known for its famous bar “Wüste.” I have not visited the bar myself, but for those who are into meeting people from all over the world, this hostel is probably the best choice to stay in Zurich. Check out the prices for this hostel.

BERN

Bern is probably one of the prettiest capitals in the world – and the prettiest city in Switzerland. Though it is quite small (way smaller than Zurich), it is the official capital and actually a great place to stay. 

There is a lot to do and see in Bern, too. Visit the bears that live at the Aare River, right in the heart of the city center, stroll the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (yes, the whole beautiful town is one heritage site!), or enjoy the views from the Rosengarten on the “house mountain” Gurten – these are just a few reasons to pick Bern as your base and stay for a few nights. 

I also love the many restaurants to choose as well as the many small boutique shops – but also its overall location. Due to its location, it is THE best place to get around from – whether you head to Interlaken or the Italian- or French-speaking parts, many train connections are via Bern.

ℹ️ Click here to read about the best things to do in Bern

Here are some tips for places to stay in Bern:

Bellevue Palace in Bern

This 5-star luxury hotel, Bellevue Palace, is the most luxurious one in all of Bern. Its very central location (right in the city center of the old town) makes it convenient to walk to many top attractions in Bern.

Its classy interior and the amazing views from the rooftop restaurant make it a perfect place for those who like to start and end their day in a top-notch hotel right in the capital of Switzerland. Click here to get the best rates for your stay at Bellevue Palace Bern.

Bären am Bundesplatz

This 4-star hotel, Bären am Bundesplatz, is also located right in the Old Town of Bern, which comes very handy as you are just a stone’s throw from the train station and main tourist spots. The hotel is not very big (69 rooms), and you can choose between single and double rooms.

It is surely a great choice for those who do not want to spend a fortune on accommodation while still staying in a welcoming hotel with a great location. Click here to find the best rates for your stay at Bären am Bundesplatz

Bern Youth Hostel

Bern, like many other tourist hot spots in Switzerland, does not offer a lot of budget hotels. Most cheaper options include the fact that the restrooms are shared. 

Bern Youth Hostel is located in the city center. It offers affordable dorm beds but also private rooms with private bathrooms. If you are traveling with a family/group, then you can also book a private room.

Breakfast is always included – which makes it great value for money. Check out rates here.

LUCERNE

Lucerne is probably in the top 3 most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. It seems that all visitors are crazy about this small city that is located on the shores of Lake Lucerne. 

It actually does not surprise me, as the scenery is among the most beautiful around. Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, and places like Weggis or Vitznau make it a great Switzerland vacation area.

The city itself is also perfect for some nice evening strolls (with the Chapel Bridge as the main tourist attraction) or walks along the lake. It is probably the most romantic place – perfect for love birds! But even for families, friends, or solo travelers – it is an amazing place to stay.

In addition to it, it is quite easy to get around from Lucerne – many train connections are via Lucerne and I love making Lucerne my base to explore the surroundings. Click here to read about the best things to do in Lucerne.

Here are some tips for places to stay in Lucerne:

Schweizerhof Lucerne

This iconic luxury hotel, Schweizerhof Lucerne, is the best choice for a stay in Lucerne. It is a festival hotel – meaning smaller concerts and music events take place here. Also, you will find many music-oriented details here.

Though I did not experience a concert during my 2-night stay, I fell in love with the hotel. Friendly, charming, and with a fantastic location, it is for sure a hotel you cannot go wrong with. 

While the wellness part falls a bit short, the location (just in front of the lake and a stone’s throw from the Chapel Bridge) and the atmosphere make up for it. Click here to get the best rates for your stay at Schweizerhof Lucerne.

Hotel des Alpes

I also stayed at the Hotel des Alpes next to the Chapel Bridge for two nights. It is a mid-range hotel, and the location is perfect. If you choose a river view, you can admire the stunning Mount Pilatus and the Alps. The city rooms of the old town. So, I recommend paying a little extra to see the great panorama of the river.

The breakfast was another little highlight – not only was it a good breakfast buffet, but the views that came with it were also very nice! Click here to find the best rates for your stay at Hotel des Alpes.

Bellpark Hostel

Lucerne, without question, is a treat for the eyes, but unfortunately, not a treat for your wallet. It is expensive. And so, this simple but sufficient hotel is a good choice if you are on a budget.

This hostel, Bellpark Hostel, is located close to Kriens, not too far from Lucerne’s old town, and perfect if you plan a trip to the Mount Pilatus cable car station. You´ll find some restaurants and cafes nearby, and you can catch a bus directly to the train station in Lucerne.

Though the prices are much lower than hotels, you still get the ticket to use public transportation for free because you get a guest card. Click here to find the best rates for your stay at Bellpark Hostel.

INTERLAKEN

If you are wondering about the best place to stay in Switzerland, I would probably say somewhere in the Interlaken and Jungfrau region. Because this part of Central Switzerland is one of the most stunning parts in the world.

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Interlaken is one of my very favorite areas in the whole wide world – it even makes me write like a teenager in love. Despite the high prices in summer and winter, I keep going back. 

Its beauty is almost overwhelming. The prettiest lakes, the most stunning mountains, the cutest towns, and much more: that region has it all. Even in Switzerland, the region is expensive. However, given its gorgeousness, it is worth the money.

Visit the St. Beatus Caves, Brienzer Rothorn, Jungfraujoch, go skydiving, and much more – you surely will not get bored in this region.

HERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN INTERLAKEN

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Though Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa does not look very impressive outside, it is the most luxurious hotel in Interlaken. Located right in the heart of Interlaken, amid beautiful mountain views of the Bernese Highland, this is the luxury hotel to stay in if you are looking for top-notch service and amenities. Whether it is a fitness center or a spa area – the hotel leaves nothing to be desired (including two pools – 1 indoor pool and 1 outdoor pool).

If you have the budget for it, this hotel is the perfect choice in the perfect region on Interlaken. Find the best rates for your stay at Victoria Jungfrau

Grandhotel Giessbach

Though it is only a four-star hotel, Gradhotel Giessbach is fantastic in every single detail. The best views, the most stunning sceneries, and the most interesting, historic interior design make this a perfect hotel in Switzerland. 

Even the restaurant’s food is delicious – it is known as one of the best restaurants in the region and I must say, the food was great!

Some bad news: If you head there between April to October (it is closed in winter), this is a good choice for your trip to Switzerland (and make sure you book a room with a waterfall or Lake Brienz view). Click here to get the best rates for Grandhotel Giessbach

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

One of the best hostels I have stayed at is the Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof next to the Höhenmatte. It is not the cheapest hostel but definitely worth the money. 

I stayed four nights and loved getting around easily. The rooms are modern and clean – and the views are quite beautiful.  They even offered free parking (the main reason to book this hostel, to be honest), and breakfast is always included (a very simple yet decent breakfast). 

I only missed bed curtains to have more privacy, but sticking towels on the top-bunk bed will do as well. So it is my top tip for a budget tip in Interlaken. Check out prices here.

ZERMATT

Toblerone! When I found out that the Matterhorn is printed on the Toblerone chocolate, it was a real eye-opener. After all, this astonishing mountain is the main attraction in Zermatt and one of the most impressive natural wonders in Switzerland.

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As a ski resort, it is a perfect destination for the winter. In the summer (prices are lower in summer for basically all hotels here) you can do some amazing hikes and explore what this area has to offer (spoiler alert: it is a lot). But even non-hikers can enjoy some fantastic mountain views – I highly recommend getting up Gornnergrat Mountain or Klein Matterhorn via cable car.

This beautiful, car-free town is a bit remote so it is not a perfect base to explore the rest of Switzerland. However, it is home to many attractions – so you do not have many reasons to leave. You can also start the famous Glacier Express train rides from here. Find out about the best things to do in Zermatt.

Mont Cervin Palace

The Mont Cervin Palace might be the best hotel in Zermatt. With more than 150 years of experience in hosting guests, it knows how to spoil its visitors like no one else. This historic 5-star hotel that belongs to the prestigious “Leading Hotels of the World” group, has been welcoming guests since 1851. Located in the heart of Zermatt, it is conveniently situated just 300 meters away from the Zermatt train station.

Booking a room here will spoil you with great mountain views.

After a day of exploring the beautiful surroundings, guests can unwind with a cocktail or after-dinner drink at Joseph’s Bar, featuring piano music, or the Capri Bar, which offers a fine assortment of cigars.

➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT MONT CERVIN PALACE IN ZERMATT HERE

Riffelalp Resort 2222m

The Riffelalp Resort – at 2222 meters above sea level – in Zermatt is probably the best location of all. Though I have not stayed there myself, this place is where I would love to splurge – looking at those pictures makes me really want to stay there. 

Most of the rooms have breathtaking panoramas of the Matterhorn (make sure to book a room with a view), and all rooms have a bathroom with a bathtub and/or shower, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a Smart TV.

But the outdoor pool with the view of the Matterhorn is probably one of the best facilities. It is located quite remotely – so perfect for spending some nice days in the hotel and enjoying all the amenities. Check out the prices for this unique hotel here.

Matterhorn Lodge Hotel & Appartments

Hotel Matterhorn Lodge Hotel & Appartments, which opened in December 2012, is located in the heart of Zermatt’s historic center. Decorated in a classic Alpine style, it boasts a wellness area with three different saunas. The hotel is conveniently situated just a two-minute walk from a ski bus stop.

➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT MATTERHORN LODGE HOTEL & APPARTMENTS HERE

MONTREUX

After Lucerne, Montreux is probably the best place for love birds. Walking along the most beautiful water promenade in Switzerland while watching Lake Geneva‘s sunset is quite romantic. 

However, it is also a perfect Swiss destination for everyone else. Whether with kids, as a solo traveler, or with your friends, Montreux is a good option for your Switzerland holiday. Stroll along Lake Geneva, visit the picturesque Chateau de Chillon, and overlook the most impressive vineyards – Montreux might be small, but there is plenty to do and see in the area.

Not only is Montreux one of my favorite towns in Switzerland, it is also an amazing base to explore the surroundings.

Eurotel Riviera Montreux

Eurotel Riviera Montreux is a lovely and friendly, four-star hotel right on the shores of Lake Geneva – which is quite handy, as the hotel has no pool and you can easily take a dip in the pristine water of the lake in front of the hotel.

The hotel itself is bright, friendly, and has a fantastic location. You can stroll Lake Geneva and have many restaurants and cafes close by. Getting to Chateau de Chillon (one of the main attractions in Montreux) takes about 30 minutes on foot (including some stops to snap pictures of this beautiful area).

All rooms come with a view of the lake (though I just got a small glimpse of it), and if you start your day with breakfast on the terrace, the day cannot go wrong! Click here to get the best rates for your stay at Eurotel Montreux

The Youth Hostel Montreux is located just a few steps away from the lakeside promenade and is situated 400m south of the Montreux-Territet Train and Funicular Station. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and free public parking. The center of Montreux is accessible with a leisurely 30-minute walk along the promenade.

The hostel offers female, male, and mixed dormitory rooms with 4 or 6 bunk beds each. Some rooms also provide access to barrier-free showers. Guests can savor the food in the on-site cafeteria.

➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY HERE

GENEVA

Geneva is a city with quite a lot of history: the Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the United Nations. If you are into these things, you will enjoy them as much as I do. 

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If you are not into politics or luxury watches, you might not love it (but I am also nuts about Lake Geneva).  Actually, I see many people returning a bit disappointed. There are more beautiful and fun cities to visit in Switzerland. However, it is a great place to stay if you want to explore the area of Lake Geneva.

As I do not have much luck with Geneva’s hotels, I can only recommend this one.

WHERE TO STAY IN GENEVA

Hotel Manotel N’vY Geneva

Hotel N’vY Manotel is fun. And stylish. And extremely colorful. So, it does not surprise, I loved it. While there was no pool or any super facilities (apart from the Nespresso machine and very cool light), the proximity to the lake (just a 1-minute walk to the lake and a 5-minute walk to the busiest part of the promenade) and the friendly and bright interior make up for it. Click here to find the best rates for your stay in Geneva

Located in a historic building from the 19th century, the Geneva Hostel is centrally located and offers free Wi-Fi and a restaurant serving Swiss cuisine in the evenings. Just 250 meters from Lake Geneva, this hostel features a variety of simply furnished rooms, some with private bathrooms and others with shared facilities. A daily breakfast is included in the rate.

The Gautier Bus Stop (tram line 1) is just a 4-minute walk away, and Geneva Airport can be reached within 15 minutes by car. 

➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT GENEVA HOSTEL HERE

ST. MORITZ

I have fallen in love with the Engadine Valley and St. Moritz. I passed it many times and liked what I saw but when I finally stayed there for a few days, it became one of my favorite areas in Switzerland to stay. There is just sooooo much to do and see – at any time of the year (since then I have visited at all seasons).

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Glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, amazing road trips, and stunning train travel (including the Bernina Express) – staying in St. Moritz is a great idea. 

There is no shortage of luxury hotels in St. Moritz – but I have also listed some more affordable accommodations for your trip to St. Moritz – all these hotels offer  “Bergbahnen inklusive” tickets if you stay for a minimum of two nights in St.Moritz. This is amazing. Why? because you can use public transportation for free + ALL 13 cable cars in the region without any extra costs (not available in late fall and early spring).

And St. Moritz is also the place to stay in Switzerland in the winter – with the abundance of winter sports activities the region offers, you will have a wonderful winter trip.

Check out my St.Moritz guide for more information.

Luxury – Battrud´s Palace

This luxury hotel has everything you are looking for when booking a 5-star hotel in St.Moritz. From an extensive spa area, a lounge and bar area, luxurious hotel rooms and suites, and more.

➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT BATTRUD`S PALACE HOTEL HERE

Mid-Range – Hotel Corvatsch

Hotel Corvatsch is a 3-star hotel located in the lower part of St.Moritz. and only a 3-minute walk from the lake and the Signal Cable Car. Find out more here.

➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOTEL CORVATSCH HERE

Budget – St.Moritz Youth Hostel

 The St. Moritz Youth Hostel is situated at the edge of the forest in the lower part of St. Moritz. During the day, there is a bus that gets you to the St. Moritz train station. The rooms all have shared bathrooms, and breakfast is always included – you cannot find better prices in all of St.Moritz.

➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT ST. MORITZ YOUTH HOSTEL HERE

CONCLUSION: BEST AREAS TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND

Deciding where to stay in Switzerland presents a delightful conundrum, with many options to cater to varying budgets and discerning tastes. While it’s essential to acknowledge that Switzerland isn’t known for being the most budget-friendly destination, the country’s wealth of natural beauty, culture, and experiences more than compensates for the expense.

• Here is a 10-day itinerary for Switzerland
• Find a 5-day itinerary for Switzerland
• Find out about the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland
• Read more about the best things to do in Switzerland