Hotel Chalet Swiss

We booked our room through Booking.com based on the photos and price (quite expensive- but we wanted to enjoy our trip in style). So our expectations were definitely not met when we entered reception to find areas cordoned off for some kind of renovation (no apologies or explanations). We were then directed to our room which was in a separate building in the carpark. The carpet in the hallway and our room was ancient and musty and stained badly. We entered our tiny room to find that our ‘balcony’ overlooked the carpark. The musty smell in the room was overpowering. The curtains and bathroom decor were dated and ugly. The fire escape outside our room was bolted shut and had no ladder to the ground - I think we were expected to jump onto the bin to escape any emergencies. We had booked for two nights but only managed to endure one night - moving to a much nicer, cleaner hotel next door - the Beausite - which was much more appealing and even cost less! We have asked for a refund for the second night based on the substandard facilities and ridiculous price charged. To date, the owner and manager who is also involved heavily in the hospitality industry in interlaken, has not responded.

The hotel is located some 10 minutes walking distance from the Interlaken West station, away from the centre. From the outside the hotel looks like that traditional Alpine chalet, all wooden with steeped roof. Inside, it was rather less romantic. The small reception area was strewn were breakfast accessories covered with sheets making the place cluttered and unappealing. There is a facility called a “bar” although they only serve soft drinks and beer, with liquor only served by a “qualified” (?!) staff, by request at reception. This may improve during the high season. The modern lift at the end of corridor only serves two floors. Too bad if your room is on the top storey as no assistance is offered. The accommodation is provided in the original chalet and modern annex at the back. The reception is only open till 10pm. Our Superior Room was on the second floor of the chalet and with the balcony overlooking the mountains. It was compact with minimal wardrobe space providing an open rail with hangers. The beds were rather uncomfortable and on the small size. There was a kettle with tea-making facilities and a safety box. Considering the property was quite old there was no A/C but both fan and cooling unit were provided. WiFi signal was fine and so was the selection of programmes on TV. Bathroom was very cramped with a bathtub/shower unit. Everything inside it is in desperate need of a refurbishment. Bar soaps were provided. The breakfast, scattered around the edges of corridors, was well below average: with inedible scrambled eggs, the type you cut with a knife, and curled up bacon rashers grudgingly provided upon request. Overall, a very disappointing yet expensive stay only mitigated somehow by stupendous views from our balcony. Later we found out that other hotels in Interlaken West were not that much better so perhaps that’s just the local characteristics. We stayed during the shoulder season but I dread to think what it’s like in the summer/winter months.

Very good accommodation, friendly hotel staff; I felt completely comfortable, and at a fair price... always happy to return...👍😄