Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Beautiful, Hospitable Hotels & Inns of Switzerland

By Tess Kirkpatrick

With its snow-capped mountains and quaint villages, Switzerland is a fairy tale land, full of adventure and beauty. It is here you will find some of Europe's best offerings - fine cuisine, world-class skiing and picture-perfect scenery.

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 Hotel Privata in Sils-Maria, comfortably ensconced between mountains, sprawling meadows and pristine lakes, has been awarded the Karen Browns Readers' Choice Award for "Warmest Welcome" in Switzerland. Hiking trails are in abundance here. Venture into the mountains, take a lazy stroll by pristine lakes or lose yourself in the lush atmosphere of the wide meadows. Offering extremely comfortable guest rooms, the Hotel Privata also presents a lovely, spacious dining room with windows overlooking an opulent back garden.

The Hotel Rote Rose, located in the medieval town of Regensberg and just a short distance from Zurich, was chosen as the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers' Choice Award for the best "Splendid Splurge" in Switzerland. This beautifully restored facility contains charming guest rooms and fabulous antiques. Perched on the ridge of a vineyard, this magnificent building and its guesthouse, the Engelfrid, are both excellent examples of the unique beauty and gracious hospitality found in Switzerlands' best lodging accommodations. - 14915

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