EUROPE by TRAIN

Hotel des Balances

LUCERNE  Weinmarkt;   ph 41-418-2828
  www.balances.ch  

The Hotel Des Balances… our elegant 4 Star Hotel has 56 tastefully appointed rooms in various categories, all of which, are non smoking, comfortably equipped with a bath, shower (or both), a minibar, TV, radio and direct-dial telephone as well as coffee and tea appliances.

The view of "Des Balances" from the "Weinmarkt" is unforgettable. Its façade was painted in the style of the famous Swiss artist, Hans Holbein. Admired and cherished by locals and tourists alike, it is counted amongst the most photographed landmarks in the region. As one observes our hotel from the Reuss, our elegant terrace and picturesque balconies, overlooking the river, bring to mind a Venetian palace in all its splendour. Today, the "Des Balances" harmoniously incorporates its historical architectural past and modern interior design in perfect "balance".

Our terrace is truly in a class unto itself where you can sit back, relax, and take in the view of sun beams flickering on the river, the magnificent façade of the Jesuit Church and our infamous Wooden Chapel Bridge with its monumental Water Tower, all in one go. In the distance, you see the ultra modern Art and Congress Centre (KKL), the Lake of Lucerne and the ever-impressive Swiss Alps…take a deep breath…and take it all in.

Personal note from Dennis: "I have been leading tours throughought Europe for 27 years and there is only one hotel I have consistently used during all these many years: Des Balances. In fact when I saw this hotel 28 years ago I thought if I ever start leading tours, this is where I want to stay. They have never let me down -- just the best hotel you could hope for."

INTERLAKEN

Hotel Du Nord

Höheweg 70

info@hotel-dunord.ch

https://www.hotel-dunord.ch

+41 (0)33 827 50 50

The Hotel Du Nord is conveniently located right at the world-famous Höhematte and within a few minutes walking-distance from the Interlaken Ost train station and the vibrant center of Interlaken. The hotel has 58 rooms, including 43 in the classic style and 15 lifestyle rooms and junior suites.You will be overwhelmed by the diversity of activities available in the region. Whether it be paragliding, rafting, canyoning, mountainbiking, hiking, cheese or chocolate-tasting: We will surely find the perfect offer to get you excited!

We serve a rich breakfast buffet featuring many regional specialties in our breakfast room on the ground floor from 07.00 until 10.00.

If you plan to arrive by train, make sure to buy your ticket to the Interlaken Ost station, from where the Hotel Du Nord just a few minutes away by foot. Taxis are available in front of the station. If you tell us your arrival time, we would be happy to arrange a transfer for you.

Why not choose the Jungfrau region as your next holiday destination? It is one of the most versatile holiday regions in Switzerland. Impressive mountain peaks beckon with indescribable views of glaciers and high alpine scenery. You will marvel at the diversity of the flora and fauna. And your children won’t be able to decide between activities like the Trotti bike ride down the Niederhorn Mountain or a ride on the First Flyer. Why not also try the white-water rafting on the Lütschine River? Or enjoy a contemplative walk along the shores of Lake Thun or Brienz? Or maybe you would like to observe an alphorn craftsmen or mountain cheese maker at work? It's time to get started. The possibilities are endless! Our staff at the reception will be delighted to help you plan your day’s activities.

The history of the Hotel Du Nord goes back to the early 19th Century with the advent of tourism in the region. Until then, Interlaken, or the “Bodeli” as it was known (from the name of the flat plain between the two lakes, which was created by glacial sediment from the mountain rivers), had been mainly visited by religious pilgrims or commercial travellers, who would stop to rest their weary legs in one of the few local hostels after the arduous journey over the mountains. This changed once the first tourists started visiting the Jungfrau Region, lured by the works of well-known writers and descriptions the first alpine farming festivals.

ZERMATT

Hotel Bristol Zermatt

Schluhmattstrasse 3

info@hotel-bristol.ch

http://www.hotel-bristol.ch

+41 27 966 33 66

Skiing, hiking, walking, relaxing are just a few possibilities how to enjoy your holidays in our family friendly hotel in Zermatt. Our hotel has free WIFI, a beautiful Spa Area with relaxation room, halfboard restaurant and a cozy lobby with chimney fire. The hotel is located near the bus stop and the cable cars.

Trip Advisor comments

We ended with a spectacular room with a patio looking out at the Matterhorn. In fact, from the bed, one could see the Matterhorn in the mornings, so that was a major treat.

Great location close to main shops of Zermatt. Amazing view of Matterhorn from right outside the hotel. Room was modern and spacious. Breakfast had plenty of choices. Staff were very helpful throughout.

My greeting was warm and friendly, and the hotel atmosphere was very pleasant indeed. My room was small but cosy. Very clean and functional. The hotel is located at the upper end of the town, but close enough to all amenities and around a 10 minute walk from the railway station and railway up the Congregrat. I would definitely stay here again!

Exceptionally friendly staff especially at reception. Breakfast excellent. Room as immaculate with great views over Zermatt. The views of the town are excellent. Great central location with shops nearby and the ski lifts 5 minutes walk away.

LOCARNO

Hotel Geranio au Lac

Viale Verbano 13

smart@hotelgeranio.ch

www.hotelgeranio.ch

Hotel Geranio au Lac is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation while indulging in the rich culture of Locarno and it’s surrounding villages. This is the ideal place for both nature lovers and those who enjoy delicious regional cuisine and fine wines.

Situated on the beautiful Lake Maggiore, the “Hotel Geranio au Lac” is just a few minutes walk from the Railway Station, Lakeside and the City Center. Available to our clients is a beautiful lakeside breakfast room. We offer a Library, Conference Room, small Fitness Center and Intenet Corner. Bicycles are available free of charge to further explore the splendid views and landscape of Ticino.

The Hotel offers 42 rooms, Single, Double, Twin bedded, a s well as family rooms. All rooms have bathrooms with bath or shower, Radio, television LCD and WIFI.

ZURICH

Hotel St Gotthard

Bahnhofstrasse 87

vize@hotelstgotthard.ch

www.hotelstgotthard.ch

The Hotel St. Gotthard, built in 1889, has been owned and managed by the Manz family for over a century. Recently refurbished, modernized and enlarged with great attention to details, it can be considered as one of the leading hotels today in Zurich. A five-floor building, with 143 spacious rooms, 11 of which are Suites, comfortable lobby and three restaurants, the Hotel Gotthard meets all the expectations of the demanding traveller.

The Hotel Gotthard lies directly in the heart of the city, located on the world famous Bahnhofstrasse, within 10 minutes walk from sightseeing, the Old Town, dozens of restaurants, hundreds of shops and Lake Zurich. Caspar Manz, the founder’s grandson, established the famous Lobster and Oyster Bar in 1935 and since then it has been a culinary institution amongst gastronomic circles. Pleasant piano live music will welcome you for your aperitif at the Lobby Bar and will accompany you through the evening.

The Hotel St Gotthard is perfectly located to reach the main districts in and around Zurich. Only 10 minutes walk (or two tram stops away) from the world famous Paradeplatz, with the train station located within walking distance from the hotel.