Hotels - Interlaken - Switzerland

Anyone travelling through the Oberland region of the Swiss Alps usually spends at least a night or two in Interlaken so this tiny mountain town is well-equipped to service every kind of visitor. There are dozens of places to stay in Interlaken, and they are all forced by natural topography to line the river or tuck into the steep slopes of the narrow valley.

There are cheap backpacker hostels, mid-range family-run hotels, and a couple of five-star historic hotels that really put on the style. During the peak summer months every room is full, so make reservations online in advance.

There are two incredible old hotels in Interlaken, and the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa is arguably the finer. Since it opened in 1865, this luxurious Victorian hotel has been one of Switzerland's premier places to stay for guests like Mark Twain and the King of Thailand. It's located right in the heart of Interlaken, offering five-star opulence and the best service in town.

Not to be outdone, the Lindner Grand Hotel Beau-Rivage is another five-star beauty in the Belle Epoque style that is more intimate and located in a quieter spot along the river. Rooms either face the towering Jungfrau or the Aara River, and everything is top-notch.

If it's modern luxury you prefer, try the Hotel Metropole, a slick hotel right in the centre of Interlaken. It's the most modern place to stay in town, and one of the best-managed hotels here. Hotel Interlaken is the oldest hotel in town, serving guests since 1323, but it remains an affordably popular choice for its Baroque touches and immaculate rooms.

There's really no distinction between the different parts of Interlaken. The town is spread along the banks of the Aare River and the steep flanks of the narrow valley it resides in. There is an obvious town centre, where you can find the best amenities and grand old hotels like the Victoria-Jungfrau, and the modern Hotel Metropole. This is the best area to stay if you want to be close to the action.

Skirting the town centre is a residential neighbourhood with a few family-run inns that make great mid-range hotel choices. There are also quite a few nice inns located along the Aare River. The area around the West and East train stations also has a few good choices to stay in the mid-range category.

The rest of the accommodation in Interlaken is spread along the valley floor, from one end to the other. If you aren't staying right the heart of town, chances are your hotel or inn will be a few kilometres away. The further you go from the town centre, the cheaper the accommodation gets. Most of the large hostels are found south of town, and there are even 13 campsites within four kilometres of town if you enjoy sleeping outdoors.