Sunday, January 25, 2009

Unique Hotels of Switzerland Present Beauty and Hospitality

By Tess Kirkpatrick

Green meadows, cerulean blue lakes and fairy like villages make up the ambiance of the tiny country of Switzerland. With a diverse selection of hotels and inns, fabulous cuisine and terrific skiing, Switzerland is proven to be one of Europe's best vacation spots.

One might begin their journey in Geneva, Switzerland's largest city. Here, you'll find museums, fine shops, gardens and historic treasures such as the early 14th-century Maison Tavel, the oldest house in the city. From there, take a trip on Lake Geneva or perhaps head to other cities such as Lausanne, Zermatt or Zurich. There are plenty of tiny villages to explore along the way.

Travel writer Karen Brown has created a fantastic website full of itineraries to assist you in planning your trip to Switzerland. You will find maps and activity suggestions for additional assistance. For the very best selections, Karen Brown's readers have chosen the following inns and hotels that will make your vacation in this European gem even better:

The quaint family-run Hotel de Moiry in Grimentz was chosen as the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers' Choice Award for "Greatest Value." Accommodations are authentic and charmingly simple. Enjoy a day of hiking in the challenging surrounding hills and mountains and return at the end of the day to a traditional raclette dinner finished off with the famous Swiss strudel. If you spend your winter vacation here, be prepared for fabulous skiing and evenings toasting your toes before a blazing fire.

The Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann, nestled in the medieval center of Lucerne, is the perfect place to rekindle your romance. Boasting beautifully decorated bedrooms and the finest quality antiques, this charming hotel was chosen by Karen Brown's readers as the "Most Romantic" accommodation in Switzerland. Enjoy the luxury of the Wilden Mann Stube French-style restaurant with its candlelight and elegant atmosphere. On warm summer days, you have the option of dining on the outdoor garden terrace, resplendent with flowers and crisp air. The Burgerstube, another charming dining option, is an authentic Swiss-country dining room that offers an atmosphere of warmth and informality.

The "Warmest Welcome" as voted on by Karen Brown's readers goes hands down to the Hotel Privata in Sils-Maria. Beautifully situated between two mountain-bound lakes, this family run lodge is located on a tiny village square. Perfectly located for hiking, the Hotel Privata offers trails literally outside its door. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll through the breathtaking meadows or a more challenging hike into the mountains, you are going to love the multitude of options presented by this hotel. Guest rooms are comfortable with crisp linens and fresh flowers, and the spacious dining room, with its paneled ceiling, overlooks the back garden.

Just outside of Zurich is the charming medieval town of Regensberg and the posh boutique Hotel Rote Rose. Ivy covers the exterior and flowers dot the landscape and the interior is just as charming, full of rich woods and carefully selected furnishings. In addition to the guest rooms in the hotel, there are six beautifully appointed suites available in the Engelfrid House, which is one of the oldest homes in this ancient village. The Rote Rose was chosen as the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers' Choice Award for the best "Splendid Splurge" in Switzerland. - 16492

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