Historic but modern hotel at the heart of Interlaken
July 2, 2021, 30 Comments
The oldest hotel in Switzerland. Now that’s somewhere I had to stay, so I did. According to this cool map, the Hotel Interlaken is the oldest surviving hotel in the country, though you’d never guess from the outside, which definitely looks newer than almost 700 years old.
As soon as you’re in reception, the venerable age becomes clear, with the exposed walls of the former monastery on display. No monks and nuns around today but the hotel is proud of its history. From the bar housed in the converted former stables to the old framed pictures, there are many reminders of the past. I loved this wonderful vintage hotel poster.
But the present is also very present. My swish bedroom was modern alpine-chic, with cute touches like the giant old postcard, and in-room tablets as a nice extra. Good to see big bottles of soap & shampoo instead of miniatures, and only Swiss drinks in the minibar. Keep it green and local! The funky new lounge features two famous former guests: Byron and Mendelssohn.
I was lucky to have one of the best doubles in the house, with mountain views from the balcony. Other rooms come in all sizes and it’s worth the extra if you can upgrade. There’s no specific category for rooms with a balcony, so it’s pot luck if you get one – ask when you book. For tighter budgets, the simple economy rooms on the 5th floor are great value.
Breakfast in the smart restaurant was great with a good hot and cold choice: I can’t ever remember seeing American pancakes and Birchermüesli in the same buffet. Overall, I really enjoyed my night here. Yes, some parts are showing their age a little, such as the carpets here and there, but then again the hotel’s been around since 1323. It’s wearing its years very well.
Book direct here.
Overall rating: 89%
- Best bits: sense of history, lovely staff, chic rooms.
- Worst bits: some smaller rooms, pot luck with balconies.
I stayed as a guest of InterlakenTourism and Hotel Interlaken but my Business Plus room would normally cost from 189 francs a night including breakfast.
This is one of a series of articles about Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland. For more information visit Interlaken Tourism website.
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30 Comments on "Historic but modern hotel at the heart of Interlaken"
698 years – almost 700 years !
698 years old!
From 1323 so nearly 700 years old and looks stunning. 698 years
13 23
Hotel Interlaken is 700 years
698 years
Hotel is 698 years old !!!!!!
698 years old
The hotel is 698 years old. Beautiful setting!
1323! And it does look great for its age 😉
The hotel is 698 years old, established in 1323. I hope I win!
Founded in 1323. It is 698 years old.
700y
698 years old, that makes me super curious: must be really something when it’s around for such a long time!
698 years old. Great looking hotel 👌
698 years old
Looks great for 698 years old!
698 years
698 years. Pancakes 🥞!
Founded in 1323 and now it is 698 years old
A whole 698 years!
698 years !
698 👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼
698 years old! Sounds like a fabulous spot to stay…balconies!…birchermuesli! Enticing review Diccon 😊
689 years – wow that is some history. It looks amazing
Stunning -698 years old
It has been around since 1323 which makes it 698 years old. Quite a thought.
It is 698 years old … And If I win this , it could be a great surprise for my partner for our 2nd year anniversary
698 years old
698 years old – stunning