Accommodation Options

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 hotel in Swiss Alps

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 hotel in Switzerland

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 resort in Switzerland

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 hotel in Switzerland

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

Swiss chalet accommodation

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 and breakfast in Switzerland

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 stay accommodation in Switzerland

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 hut in Swiss Alps

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

Hostel in Switzerland

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 accommodation in Switzerland

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: