Finding the Perfect Place to Stay in Switzerland
Switzerland offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every travel style and budget. From luxury hotels with Alpine views to cozy mountain huts and budget-friendly hostels, this guide will help you find the perfect place to stay during your Swiss Travel Pass journey.
Find Accommodation by Region
Types of Accommodation in Switzerland

Luxury Hotels
Switzerland is renowned for its world-class luxury hotels, many with historic significance and stunning Alpine views. These 5-star establishments offer impeccable service, gourmet dining, spa facilities, and often a sense of old-world elegance.
Price range: CHF 400-1,000+ per night
Notable features: Panoramic mountain views, thermal spas, Michelin-starred restaurants, concierge services
Best for: Special occasions, honeymoons, travelers seeking the ultimate Swiss experience
Best locations: St. Moritz, Zermatt, Gstaad, Interlaken, Lucerne, Geneva
Swiss Travel Pass advantage: Many luxury hotels are located near train stations in major cities, making them easily accessible with your pass

Boutique & Design Hotels
For travelers seeking unique experiences with personalized service, Switzerland's boutique hotels offer stylish accommodations with character. These smaller establishments often highlight contemporary Swiss design or traditional Alpine elements with a modern twist.
Price range: CHF 200-500 per night
Notable features: Unique architecture, design-focused interiors, personalized service, intimate atmosphere
Best for: Design enthusiasts, couples, travelers seeking authentic experiences
Best locations: Zurich, Basel, Lausanne, Lugano
Swiss Travel Pass advantage: Urban boutique hotels are typically well-connected to public transportation networks covered by your pass

Mountain Resorts & Wellness Hotels
Switzerland's mountain resorts combine outdoor activities with wellness facilities. These hotels focus on relaxation and rejuvenation through spa treatments, thermal baths, and healthy dining options, all while surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Price range: CHF 250-700 per night
Notable features: Indoor/outdoor pools, thermal spas, saunas, treatment rooms, mountain views
Best for: Wellness enthusiasts, skiers, hikers, those seeking relaxation
Best locations: Leukerbad, Bad Ragaz, Scuol, Adelboden, Gstaad
Swiss Travel Pass advantage: 50% discount on many mountain railways and cable cars to reach mountain resorts

Mid-Range Hotels
Switzerland offers excellent mid-range hotels that provide comfort and quality without the luxury price tag. These 3-4 star properties typically offer clean, comfortable rooms with good amenities and often include breakfast.
Price range: CHF 150-300 per night
Notable features: Reliable comfort, included breakfast, central locations
Best for: Business travelers, families, value-conscious travelers
Best locations: Throughout Switzerland, particularly near train stations
Swiss Travel Pass advantage: Mid-range hotels are often located near transport hubs, making them perfectly suited for travelers with Swiss Travel Passes

Alpine Chalets & Vacation Rentals
Experience authentic Swiss living in a traditional wooden chalet or modern apartment. These self-catering options provide more space and the opportunity to live like a local, with the freedom to prepare your own meals using local ingredients.
Price range: CHF 150-600+ per night (entire property)
Notable features: Kitchen facilities, multiple bedrooms, living space, authentic architecture
Best for: Families, groups, longer stays, those seeking independence
Best locations: Zermatt, Wengen, Grindelwald, Verbier, Engadin Valley
Swiss Travel Pass advantage: Save on dining costs by preparing meals at home while using your pass for daily excursions

Bed & Breakfasts and Guesthouses
For a personal touch and local insights, Switzerland's B&Bs and guesthouses offer comfortable accommodations in both urban and rural settings. Often family-run, these establishments provide authentic Swiss hospitality and insider knowledge of the area.
Price range: CHF 80-200 per night
Notable features: Homemade breakfast, local character, personalized recommendations
Best for: Cultural immersion, connecting with locals, countryside exploration
Best locations: Rural areas, wine regions, small towns
Swiss Travel Pass advantage: Your hosts can provide valuable advice on using your pass to explore lesser-known attractions

Farm Stays (Agritourism)
Experience rural Swiss life firsthand on a working farm. These authentic accommodations allow visitors to participate in farm activities, enjoy farm-fresh products, and gain insight into agricultural traditions in Switzerland.
Price range: CHF 70-150 per night
Notable features: Farm activities, animals, rural setting, local food
Best for: Families with children, nature lovers, those seeking authentic rural experiences
Best locations: Emmental, Appenzell, Bernese Oberland, Gruyère region
Swiss Travel Pass advantage: Many rural areas are accessible by PostBus, which is covered by your pass

Mountain Huts (SAC Hütten)
For outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, Switzerland's network of mountain huts provides basic but comfortable accommodations in spectacular remote locations. Operated by the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and other organizations, these huts are perfect for multi-day treks.
Price range: CHF 30-80 per night (dormitory style, half-board)
Notable features: Remote mountain locations, dormitory accommodations, community dining
Best for: Hikers, mountaineers, outdoor enthusiasts
Best locations: Throughout the Swiss Alps, along major hiking routes
Swiss Travel Pass advantage: Use your pass to reach trailheads before hiking to mountain huts

Hostels & Budget Accommodations
Switzerland has an excellent network of high-quality hostels that offer affordable accommodations without sacrificing cleanliness or comfort. Swiss hostels are known for their high standards compared to many other countries.
Price range: CHF 40-80 per night (dormitory), CHF 80-150 (private room)
Notable features: Shared facilities, communal spaces, social atmosphere, budget-friendly
Best for: Solo travelers, students, budget travelers, social travelers
Best locations: All major cities and many tourist destinations
Swiss Travel Pass advantage: Save on accommodation to maximize your budget for experiences covered by your pass

Unique & Unusual Accommodations
Switzerland offers several one-of-a-kind places to stay, from converted wine barrels to transparent bubble hotels and repurposed cable cars. These distinctive options provide unforgettable experiences and unique photo opportunities.
Price range: CHF 100-500+ per night
Notable features: Unusual settings, Instagram-worthy views, once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Best for: Adventure seekers, photographers, special occasions
Best locations: Scattered throughout Switzerland
Examples:
- Whitepod Eco-Luxury Pods (Les Giettes)
- Zero Real Estate Null Stern Hotel (open-air "hotel room" in the Swiss Alps)
- The Tube Hotel (Walenstadt)
- Wine barrel rooms (Maienfeld)
Strategic Accommodation Locations for Swiss Travel Pass Holders
With your Swiss Travel Pass, staying near transport hubs allows you to maximize your exploration without changing accommodations every night. Here are some strategic base locations:
Zurich
Perfect for exploring: Northern Switzerland, Rhine Falls, St. Gallen, and day trips to the eastern regions
Travel times from Zurich:
- Basel: 1 hour
- Lucerne: 45 minutes
- Bern: 1 hour
- Schaffhausen (Rhine Falls): 40 minutes
Lucerne
Perfect for exploring: Central Switzerland, Mt. Rigi, Mt. Pilatus, and Lake Lucerne region
Travel times from Lucerne:
- Zurich: 45 minutes
- Interlaken: 2 hours
- Mt. Rigi: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Engelberg (Mt. Titlis): 45 minutes
Interlaken
Perfect for exploring: Bernese Oberland, Jungfrau Region, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz
Travel times from Interlaken:
- Bern: 1 hour
- Lucerne: 2 hours
- Grindelwald: 30 minutes
- Lauterbrunnen: 20 minutes
- Schilthorn: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Jungfraujoch: 2 hours 15 minutes
Montreux
Perfect for exploring: Lake Geneva region, Lausanne, Vevey, Gruyères, and French-speaking Switzerland
Travel times from Montreux:
- Geneva: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Lausanne: 25 minutes
- Gruyères: 1 hour
- Château de Chillon: 10 minutes
Zermatt
Perfect for exploring: Matterhorn region, southern Switzerland, and connecting with the Glacier Express
Travel times from Zermatt:
- Visp: 1 hour
- Montreux: 2 hours 30 minutes
- St. Moritz (via Glacier Express): 8 hours (scenic journey)
Booking Tips for Switzerland
Book Well in Advance
Switzerland is a popular destination year-round. For the best selection and prices, book accommodation 3-6 months in advance, especially for:
- Summer season (June-August)
- Winter ski season (December-March)
- Major festival periods
- Luxury hotels and unique accommodations
Consider Location Carefully
When booking accommodation, check:
- Distance to the nearest train station or public transport
- Elevation changes (some properties may require uphill walks)
- Availability of restaurants and shops nearby
- Potential noise from trains or church bells (common in Switzerland)
Check What's Included
Swiss accommodations often include:
- Breakfast (especially in hotels and B&Bs)
- Tourist/visitor cards for free local transport and attractions
- Spa access (in many hotels)
- WiFi (generally free across Switzerland)
Always check if city tax is included in your quoted price (usually 2-7 CHF per person per night).
Special Offers with Swiss Travel Pass
Some hotels offer special deals for Swiss Travel Pass holders, including:
- Discounted rates
- Free upgrades
- Complimentary services
Always mention your Swiss Travel Pass when booking directly with accommodations.
Seasonal Accommodation Considerations
Summer Season (June-August)
- High demand across most of Switzerland
- Book 4-6 months in advance for popular destinations
- Higher prices, especially in mountain resorts
- Check for air conditioning in lower-elevation accommodations
Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October)
- Better availability and slightly lower prices
- Fewer crowds at major destinations
- Some mountain facilities may be closed for maintenance
- Variable weather - accommodations with indoor facilities are recommended
Winter Season (December-March)
- Peak demand in ski resorts - book 6+ months in advance
- Christmas/New Year period is extremely busy and expensive
- Minimum stay requirements (often 7 nights) in ski resorts during peak weeks
- Lower rates in cities (except during Christmas markets)
Low Season (November, Late March-Early April)
- Best availability and prices throughout Switzerland
- Some mountain accommodations and restaurants may be closed
- Shorter operating hours for attractions
- Good time for city breaks and cultural experiences
Recommended Booking Platforms
Find your perfect Swiss accommodation through these reliable platforms:
- Booking.com - Comprehensive listings for all accommodation types
- Airbnb - Apartments, chalets, and unique stays
- Switzerland Tourism - Official site with curated accommodation options
- Swiss Alpine Club - For mountain hut bookings
- Swiss Hotels Association - Quality-checked hotels
- Swiss Agrotourism - Farm stays and rural accommodations
- Swiss Youth Hostels - High-quality budget accommodations