Category: Place to Stay | lastminutes.deals

Luxury watches, the best chocolate in the world and delicious cheese – it must be Switzerland! This small and rich country is a dream for many ski-lovers while very often is forgotten during the summer. That’s a pity as Switzerland hypnotizes with its stunning views, blue lakes and hundreds of interesting activities. Located among the highest European mountains may pleasure everyone’s eyes with its gorgeous landscapes. Switzerland vacation should be a great option not only during the winter because of winter sports, but also in the summer. Learn more about Switzerland culture and the best places to eat, sleep and visit in the article below. For sure you will fall in love with this beautiful country and you will start planning your best Switzerland vacation!

Switzerland vacation

The Alps

Everyone who loves winter sports will be amazed by the Alps and the number of spots for skiing in Switzerland. Switzerland boasts the largest number of peaks above 4,000 meters among the Alpine countries. In such high mountains, winter lasts almost all year – the season for white madness lasts from early autumn to late spring. The good news is that not everyone here skis like Marcel Hirscher, and these majestic mountains are not just for experts. Most Switzerland ski resorts offer first-rate learning programs. Many of them have dedicated lifts and slopes just for learners and beginners. Another good news is that a lot of Switzerland’s ski resorts are fairly well-tuned to the demands of families offering family-friendly lift passes, packages, and lodgings. Some skiers prefer groomed trails, others love first tracks in fresh white powder, in the end, both will enjoy skiing in the Swiss Alps.

Swiss Alps

Swiss cities

The greatest and the most well-known of Switzerland ski resorts are, without any doubt, Zermatt. Situated just next to the border with Italy is the highest winter sports area in the Alps. Its ski terrain is located at altitudes between 2500 and 3900 meters. In Zermatt, you may also try the world’s highest 3S cableway while skiing and snowboarding 365 days a year. This spot is recognized by its long ski runs and terrain applicable for all ski levels. You may download a free Zermatt Skiguide app that uses GPS. It will help you to navigate between mountain locations. The application adjusts routes and time to the user’s skiing style, currently open ski runs and lifts, weather and safety concerns. Switzerland, however, is not only mountains but also lakes spreading around them – you can count almost 100 of them. The most famous of them, Lake Geneva, is considered a substitute for the sea. Its waters reflect the most beautiful Swiss cities – Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne. The surprise here is the extensive vine plantations – one of them, Lavaux, is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

There is a wide offer of Switzerland hotels around Zermatt. If you want to stay for luxury you should consider Hotel Mont Cervin Palace that features traditional Swiss construction and interior design. The dream-like suites with lovely balconies overlooking the windswept peak of the Matterhorn and downtown invite for a moment of relaxing and meditation. But if you want to feel special, check CERVO Zermatt that is the only ski-in, ski-out luxury hotel location. This boutique hotel offers 36 rooms and suites with its spa and fireplace. Extraordinary location, breathtaking views will make your Switzerland vacation unforgettable.

Hotels and Resorts

That’s obvious that Switzerland is not the cheapest place in the world. But it does not mean that only rich people can be so lucky to spend their vacation in this beautiful place. There are many options to make your trip interesting and not to go bankrupt after all. For more budget vacation you may try mid-range and budget Switzerland hotels. Bella Vista Hotel owned by two sisters characterized by a typical Swiss brown wooden structure. Hotel Alpenhof located close to the cable car Sunnegga and just steps from Gornergrat train station or Hotel Carina that offers delicious hearty breakfast. Switzerland, however, is not only mountains but also lakes spreading around them – you can count almost 100 of them. The most famous of them, Lake Geneva, is considered a substitute for the sea. Its waters reflect the most beautiful Swiss cities – Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne. The surprise here is the extensive vine plantations – one of them, Lavaux, is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Bella Vista Hotel

Mountains

Switzerland is not a big country. Getting to the international airport in Zurich you may rent a car with Swiss company Sarent and move freely between Swiss villages. Only 150km distance is between Zurich and Tschuggen mountain with one of the most astonishing Switzerland hotels – Tschuggen Grand Hotel located almost on the peak. This most unique wellness hotel has a private mountain railway that will allow you to reach the skiing and hiking area in less than four minutes and without any queues! The Tschuggen Mountain Oasis, a masterpiece of star architect Mario Botta, occasions a new sense of nature and geometry, coziness and space, rocks, warmth, water, and light. In the summer consider spending the night in the open air under the stars. On the peak, you may find the old observatory that was in service between 1938 and 2002 and currently belongs to the civil community of Chur. For the ones who look for a budget vacation, small village Davos, close to Tschuggen can be a good option for camping. Also, in the winter is a good spot for winter sports.

Zurich

If you decide to stay in Zurich, you should go for a walk to the Old Town. Visit Town Hall, The Fraumünster Church and walk down the luxury Bahnhofstrasse street. Once you get hungry you may pass to Schipfe 16 restaurant with typical Swiss food for lunch or Bar Am Wasser located just next to the river. You may enjoy the view of beautiful Lake Zurich either by walking around or from the water if you choose any of the attractive cruises with ZSG. In case the weather is not favorable, try FIFA World Football Museum that will be a delight not only for the biggest football fans! Being in the cradle of chocolate, cheese, and watches, it is essential to check The Beyer Clock and Watch Museum located in the most prestigious shopping district, just in the very heart of Zurich.

Not far from Zurich, is located the most picturesque place in all Switzerland! Check the stunning panorama view of Lucerne from Pilatus peak that you can reach by cable car all over the year. The city is a great place to get a better view of Switzerland culture and try its fabulous cuisine. The harsh mountain climate dictated the local culinary customs. Swiss cuisine is caloric. The famous cheese and chocolate specialties are probably the best proof of this. One of the must-try Swiss dishes is of course fondue or raclette. The delicious melted cheese that can be served with whatever you want will be a feast for the palate! Try it in Wilhelm Tell floating restaurant located on the boat. Not only may you taste excellent food, but also you can enjoy the amazing view of the lake and mountains in the background. If you don’t mind trying international cuisine during your Switzerland vacation, the interesting choice would be to visit the Thai Garden restaurant. This special and amazing place will take to Asia in the most royal way. Fell like VIP during your stunning dinner and during your stay in Palace Luzern – one of the best Switzerland hotels. If you look for some bad and breakfast option, you may try Hotel Alpha just a few steps from the old town or Hotel Ameron located in the heart of Luzern. There is also a very nice option for backpackers in Backpackers Lucerne that offers double, triple and quadruple rooms. The majority has a stunning lake view. Switzerland is also a country of tradition and true perfection. The Swiss love breaking records. For example, they have the highest ATM in the world, the highest railway station in Europe and will scare a mountain hotel in the world.

Vacation

As you can see, Switzerland does not have to be a choice only for people with a big wallet. Also, it is not only a great ski spot, but it is also as beautiful during the summer as in the winter. Everyone may enjoy the beautiful landscapes, delicious food, excellent slopes for skiing and stunning trekking routes. Don’t be afraid while planning your vacation, think about the best way of spending your free time and have joy with your loved ones. Switzerland is a symbol of luxury, rules and picturesque spots. This is the best place to try fondue, raclette or hot wine in the winter. Everyone deserves a little bit of that, so do not wait too long! Plan your next escapade! Just do it!

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With 12 major festivals going on each year, Edinburgh is the world’s leading city when it comes to large events, bringing in thousands upon thousands of people every year. If such festivals are not your thing, there is still plenty to see in the city – the famous Edinburgh Castle for one! You can also see some familiar sights, as the city of Edinburgh is known for its multitude of filming locations, used in such films as the Da Vinci Code or The Illusionist. One of the hidden gems of Edinburgh is its old town, which is a marvelous and picturesque place to visit. It is also one of the prettiest parts of the city to book your accommodation in and this Top 10 Best Hotels in Edinburgh Old Town is sure to make it easier to pick one!

Radisson Blu Hotel

Starting with a very affordable option, the Radisson Blu Hotel is a stylish and luxurious spot, located right on the Royal Mile. The hotel is a perfect choice if you like sightseeing and plan to see some of the landmarks in Edinburgh, as it is located within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Edinburgh Vaults. The hotel has over 200 well-equipped suites with free wireless internet access. For dinners, we recommend taking advantage of one of the two gourmet restaurants located on-site, or ordering take out to your room through room service. The hotel also features a sophisticated spa, a gym, and a swimming pool, so there is plenty of activities to do even without leaving the premises of the hotel.

The Royal Mile

Located in the historic marketplace of Grassmarket, this hotel lies right in the heart of the Old Town in Edinburgh. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Greyfriars Kirkyard are all located within walking distance from the hotel, making it a perfect spot for explorers of Scottish landmarks. For your convenience, the rooms at Apex Grassmarket Hotel are equipped with electric kettles and coffee/tea makers, allowing you to make yourself a hot beverage without having to go to Starbucks. The rooms are also fitted with large, 42 inch LCD TVs and free wireless internet connection. Moreover, if you happen to get hungry, the hotel features a great Metro Brasserie restaurant, which offers tasty cuisine and refreshing drinks.

Travelodge Edinburgh

If your highest priority when it comes to accommodation is its affordability, Travelodge Edinburgh Central will be a perfect candidate for you. The hotel is located within the Old Town of Edinburgh, at 33 St. Marys Street, close to Holyrood. If you feel adventurous, the hotel features a plethora of attractions within walking distance, including the National Museum of Scotland, the Real Mary King’s Close, and the Chocolatarium. Even though the hotel is a budget-friendly one, you still get access to a flatscreen TV with every room, as well as free wifi access. There is also a restaurant on-site, which can come in handy if you turn hungry and everything else is already closed.

Old Town Chambers

Awarded with the Travelers’ Choice 2019 award and the Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor, Old Town Chambers is a wonderful choice of accommodation if you’re planning on seeing the picturesque city of Edinburgh. Being among the best hotels in Edinburgh Old Town, Old Town Chambers is located on Roxburgh’s Court, very close to the National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, and the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. The hotel is also situated close to the Turnhouse Airport, and about a thirty-minute ride from the Dundee Airport. The Old Town Chambers gives you the unique opportunity of living in what is basically a full-fledged apartment, with the luxury of having hotel service and additional amenities!

The Scotsman Hotel

This four-star hotel located on North Bridge is placed right in-between the historical Old Town and the bustling New Town. With Royal Mile, Princess Street, and Waverley Train Station within under five minutes’ worth of walking distance away from the hotel, The Scotsman is worth checking if you value your time. The hotel also has an on-site nightclub which hosts frequent parties with some of the better-known DJs in the area, as well as other evening entertainments which change periodically. For relaxation, we recommend trying out the hotel’s beauty salon, which is very positively reviewed by its customers. The rooms are furnished with safes and minibars for your convenience, as well as with flatscreen TVs and free high-speed wifi.

The Witchery

Looking for the best hotels in Edinburgh Old Town with fantasy-like, medieval vibes to them? Make sure to check out the Witchery by the Castle, located, as the name suggests, right next to the Edinburgh Castle. The Witchery is a romantic getaway, furnished with sophisticated four-poster beds and an abundance of draperies and pillows, perfect for couples who want to visit Edinburgh together. The hotel also features tasty hampers delivered to your door, at an additional cost. Since the hotel does not have any lounge or lobby, the suites it provides give a unique, intimate atmosphere and feel almost like a private apartment. When hungry, make sure to give the Witchery Restaurant a try – it is located right on-site and its gourmet cuisine is one of the best in town!

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

If you are traveling on a very tight budget and do not want to spend hundreds upon hundreds of pounds each day for your accommodation, we recommend checking out the Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile. The four-star hotel is located at Canongate, just next to the Chocolatarium. There is also a very highly-acclaimed escape room within walking distance from the hotel, which is a great activity to try out with friends or family. If you want to visit Edinburgh but can’t leave your pets alone, we have some good news for you – the hotel is entirely pet-friendly! Moreover, each room is equipped with a separate dining area and a kitchenette, where you can further save on spending by making your own meals.

Hotel Du Vin

Located very close to the old Royal Infirmary, Hotel Du Vin is one of the best hotels in Edinburgh Old Town if you’re planning on exploring some of the city’s historical district. While the hotel is placed off-center from the main street, it is still very close to both the Royal Mile and Princes Street, while avoiding the noise and business of the main arteries. The interior of the hotel is an eclectic combination of a traditional, sophisticated style and contemporary elements, presented perfectly by the rough stone wall combine with smooth, polished floorboards. The hotel features friendly staff at the reception and bar, and the rooms come in seven categories to choose from, beginning with Standard and ending on Executive suites.

Inn on the Mile

Uniquely placed in a former Royal Mile bank, the Inn on the Mile is located along one of the busiest streets of Edinburgh, right on the corner of the Bridges and the Royal Mile. The entrance to the hotel is a bit hidden, as you have to pass through a door in a pub to find a staircase leading up, which only adds to the mysterious vibe of the place. You can choose between Mile or Royal Mile rooms, both of the types having gorgeous views over the Old Town. The rooms are decorated with light colors and wooden accents, and are equipped with desks, safes, and a stocked minibar refilled every day. Moreover, the rooms are fitted with iPod docks for your convenience, as well as Nespresso machines and a new issue of the Scotsman newspaper every day!

Grassmarket Hotel

If you ever wanted to book your hotel right at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket Hotel will allow you to do just that. There is no better location to access the landmarks and architectural wonders of Edinburgh’s Old Town, and, moreover, it is the heart of the city’s nightlife after the dusk. The hotel is furnished and decorated in a very novel style, which means you won’t see the typical hotel setup here – rooms are decorated with bold, unusual wallpapers and minimalistic furniture. The rooms are also fitted with tea and coffee machines, as well as a complimentary serving of Tunnocks teacakes, which will make you feel like a true Edinburgh local.