Late to post! We (husband and self) stayed at the Hotel Belvedere last summer, July 6-10. The front desk personnel were so kind and accommodating. We arrived in the morning, so our room was not quite ready, but they encouraged us to store our suitcases and walk around a bit. Within less than 30 minutes, our room was ready and with an upgrade.
Although we did not pay the extra for an Eiger view, we had such a charming view out of our balcony window. However, our bathroom window afforded us the most picturesque view as it looked down over the town and the quintessential Swiss alpine homes. The room was nice sized for the two of us, pristine with comfortable beds and the ubiquitous comforters along with a kettle, refrig, and all the necessary items including robes and slippers. Plenty of place to hang clothes and drawer space was more than enough.
The bathroom was a good size and offered the aforementioned window, which was so pleasant to open in a steamy bathroom if desired.
Town was a mere 5 minutes away up a slight hill. We were told we could get a free bus ride almost outside the hotel but enjoyed the walk. The hotel is nestled on a lot that while so close to town, feels very private. The flowers were in bloom and the landscaping is serene. The hotel was very quiet although it was almost at capacity. Children were in the hotel but no loud noises or squeals.
My favorite part of the hotel was by far the clean and beautiful indoor pool. As a daily swimmer, I have swum in pools of decreasing clarity and hygiene. The Belvedere's pool wins over all hotels ever, which is a lot, and pools in the U. S. and Europe. The atmosphere was Zen-like and the extras, spa, showers, and towels were lush.
A close second to the pool were the abundant breakfasts in the hotel’s restaurant. A virtual serve-yourself spread of breads, eggs, meats, oatmeal, fruits, pastries, hot chocolate, teas, and coffees were available in a relaxed setting looking out at the Eiger. It was hard every morning to pull ourselves away to go hiking or shopping.
We had fondue one night in the hotel, which was filling and excellent. Again, the view adds to any meal in the restaurant and reservations were easily made at the front desk. If one plans in advance, which we did not, they even offer fondue meals in little Männlichen gondola, which looked so cozy and romantic!
The owners, a fourth generation, I believe, hosted a canapes and champagne evening one night, which we attended. They were lovely; we stayed a few minutes and then wandered out to the magnificent wrap around porch with the sweeping views of the Watterhorn and the north face of the Eiger, and perhaps the Monch. I didn’t use the hot tub but believe all three can be seen from it. The porch is spacious and has places to sit and sip a drink and couches to enjoy the views.
The stay was made even more wonderful by the gracious front desk personnel, who were always accommodating to my requests. They helped me discuss the best type of train pass to get and offered suggestions for day trips. Upon our return each afternoon, we were greeted by name and welcomed back. They always asked about our day and our plans for the evening. Nothing was intrusive. It felt like we were returning home each evening. When we had an early morning departure, they offered to-go cups and wished us a lovely trip. We never felt as if we were a room number; we felt like cherished guests even though we didn’t have the most expensive suite nor eat dinner every night there. They seemed to genuinely want us to enjoy our trip, do what we wanted, be available to help us with plans, and return as friends each day/night. Their extra touches like nuts and candies at the snack bar and pin cushions with safety pins illustrate their attention to detail and desire to meet their guests’ needs and wants. Well done!
This is our fourth visit to the Hotel Grindelwald but our first to the Belvedere. We hope to return many times in the future!
PS – any questions, just ask.
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