The best accommodations Switzerland

Budget & Tips

That's the bulk of the budget for a vacation in Switzerland. It's hard to find cheap accommodation in any canton, even if some high-end destinations are more expensive than others.

Youthhostels: This option is widespread in Switzerland, and some youth hostels are housed in beautiful buildings. There are some 80 youth hostels throughout the country. We wouldn't go too far if we said that they're all impeccably clean and often well located in major cities. Dormitory beds cost around CHF 50 per night. Website of the United Federation of Youth Hostels in Switzerland: www.youthhostel.ch

Cheap hotel rooms: Swiss Charme Hôtels is an association of 90 members, all of whom are accommodation providers. It offers a selection of hotels, dormitories, hostels and pensions for comfortable, affordable stays in Switzerland.

Hotels: for the same services, hotel rates in Switzerland are almost twice as expensive as in France. You won't find a comfortable double room for less than CHF 120-140. Accommodation in Switzerland is therefore expensive, but hotels are generally very well kept and of high quality. The presence of numerous hotel schools in the Lake Geneva region, including the highly reputed Lausanne school, bears witness to this long-standing local tradition, particularly when it comes to service, which is virtually irreproachable. However, bathrooms are often the last to be renovated, and it's not uncommon, even in a 4-star hotel, to find outdated tiling and a vintage 1970s hairdryer. Another solution is bed and breakfast, which is slowly becoming more widespread.

Campsites: dreaming of an idyllic lakeside location, a spectacular view of an Alpine peak or a city getaway? Touring Club Suisse (TCS, founded in 1896, now with 1.6 million members) Camping offers 25 campsites throughout Switzerland for outdoor vacations at excellent value for money. Whether in the mountains, on the banks of a lake or river, or in the city, you have a choice of environments for hiking and mountaineering, water sports, shopping, cultural visits... Please note that the Lugano campsites are open all year round, some only in summer, others for both summer and winter seasons. www.tcs.ch/fr/voyages-camping/camping/

Please note! Backcountry camping is prohibited in Switzerland.

Rental: AirBnB. Please note! With this type of accommodation, you do not benefit from the transport card offered by establishments paying a tourist tax.

To be booked

The number of visitors varies according to tourist location and season. In winter, mountain resorts are very popular for snow activities. It's best to plan ahead. October and early November are considered low season. You risk having very little choice and ending up in ghost resorts! Summer is a beautiful season, with superb mountain scenery and lakes. Reservations are recommended at this time of year.

What's very local

Spending a night or taking a trip in the wilderness is very local. We love to recharge our batteries and take advantage of the many refuges offering simple comforts in grandiose surroundings. Huts, chalets and stone houses await you to enjoy the Swiss Alps. The refuges of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) will guide you in your choice: www.sac-cas.ch - [email protected]

For an adventure on straw, an evening in a chalet or a bivouac in the trees? Farmers offer rooms and apartments for rent, in a warm and sometimes unusual atmosphere. Here's where to find your next experience: www.tourisme-rural.ch - [email protected]

For food lovers

In hotels, buffet breakfasts invite you to sample local produce. Weekend brunches are very popular, and many restaurants offer them.