Best accommodation in Switzerland

Switzerland has a huge range of places to stay, from simple mountain huts to high-end resorts. The busiest times are July to August and December to March in the ski regions, when prices usually climb by around 30 to 50 percent. Hotels are the most common choice, but you can also find more unusual stays like farmhouses or even igloo villages. Here;s our guide to Switzerland accommodation.

Where to stay in Switzerland: From budget to luxury

Switzerland accommodation runs from basic hostels to five-star resorts, but prices are higher than in neighboring countries. Even the cheaper end is not exactly low-cost. Most places include breakfast, and many have half-board where dinner is added on. City taxes apply everywhere, usually around 2 to 5 CHF per person per night. In the mountains, hotels often set minimum stay requirements in peak season.

Best accommodation types in Switzerland

How to plan a trip to Switzerland will depend a lot on your accommodation. This country has a wide range of places to stay, shaped by its mountains, lakes, and mix of cultures. You’ll find everything from small boutique hotels to igloos rebuilt each winter.

Boutique hotels

From 200 CHF ($225) per night

Many boutique hotels in Switzerland are set in old alpine buildings that have been carefully renovated, so you get details like painted ceilings or old timber beams. Breakfast usually highlights local produce, and you might find regional wines or snacks in the mini-bar. Small wellness areas with a sauna or steam room are common, and some hotels connect guests with local guides for walks, food tours, or other experiences. This can be a great base for your Switzerland itinerary.

Ski chalets

From 3,000 CHF ($3,400) per week

Chalets are the classic Switzerland accommodation in the mountains. Most have wood-burning fireplaces, large balconies, and full kitchens. They usually have several bedrooms, which makes them practical for groups or families (see our guide to Switzerland with kids). Self-catered chalets give you flexibility, while catered ones feel more like a hotel stay with meals included. At the high end, some chalets come with a private chef or ski instructor.

Camping & glamping

From 25 CHF ($28) per night

Camping in Switzerland is comfortable, with well-kept sites that often have clean facilities, electricity, and sometimes pools or lake access. Many campgrounds are near hiking trails or on the edge of lakes, and in some regions you also get a free public transport card. 

Glamping options are a step up, with safari tents, wooden pods, or even converted barrels that come with proper beds and heating. Some sites also rent out gear or have small restaurants.

Igloo Hotels (Iglu-Dorf)

From 169 CHF ($190) per night

Each winter, igloo villages are built in Zermatt and Davos. Staying in one is about the experience rather than comfort. You sleep in thermal bags on ice beds lined with sheepskins, with indoor temperatures around 32°F (0°C).

Stays usually include a fondue dinner and a chance to see the mountains at sunrise. Some igloos can be booked privately and include a whirlpool. Each location is decorated differently with ice carvings and a bar serving drinks in ice glasses. This is one of the most unique things to do in Switzerland.

Farm stays

From 80 CHF ($90) per night

Staying on a Swiss farm is a good way to experience the countryside up close. You might wake up to fresh milk and eggs, and many families sell homemade cheese or preserves to guests.

Some farms let you help with daily chores, while others run cheese-making workshops, have trails right from the property, or set up activities for children like feeding animals. Rooms can be very simple or more modern apartments, depending on the farm.
 

Mountain huts (Hütten)

From 30 CHF ($34) per night

Swiss Alpine Club huts are designed for hikers and climbers who need a place to sleep in the mountains. Expect dorm-style rooms with mattresses and blankets, shared facilities, and dinner served for everyone. Showers are usually not available, and lights are turned off early.

What makes these huts special are the sunrises, the communal feel, and the chance to stay close to remote peaks. They book up quickly on well-known routes, and a few require alpine experience to reach.

Hostels

From 35 CHF ($40) per night

Hostels in Switzerland are generally well-run and reliable. Many belong to the Swiss Youth Hostel network and can be found in unusual settings, including castles and historic buildings.

Dorms are common, but plenty of hostels also have private rooms with bathrooms. Breakfast is usually included, and shared kitchens and lounge areas make it easy to meet other travelers. City hostels often hand out free public transport passes, while those in the mountains have space for storing and drying gear.

Thermal and wellness resorts

From 250 CHF ($280) per night

Thermal resorts focus on Switzerland’s natural hot springs in places like Bad Ragaz, Leukerbad, and Vals. You’ll find indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and treatment areas, along with hotel-style rooms and restaurants.

Many properties serve lighter, health-focused meals and some run wellness programs with medical staff on site. In certain cases, health insurance can cover a stay. These resorts are built around soaking in the mineral waters and often include access to large thermal bath complexes.

Mid-range hotels

From 150 CHF ($170) per night

Three- and four-star hotels are common Switzerland accommodation in both cities and mountain towns. Most include a breakfast buffet with local products, free Wi-Fi, and sometimes a sauna or small wellness area. In ski towns, hotels often have half-board options along with ski storage. In the cities, guests usually receive a public transport pass. Smaller, family-run places can feel more personal, while larger chains tend to stick to a consistent format.

Monastery & convent guesthouses

From 90 CHF ($100) per night

Guesthouses in monasteries and convents are a peaceful alternative to hotels. Rooms are usually plain but comfortable, reflecting the simplicity of monastic life. Some have quiet hours or prayer services for guests to join. Meals often include vegetables from the garden and homemade bread. Staying at places like Einsiedeln, Engelberg, or Mariastein is a chance to connect with Swiss traditions in a unique setting, often at a lower price than you would find elsewhere.

Average prices per night

In Switzerland, mid-range places usually run around 150–300 CHF per night. It is one of the more expensive countries in Europe, and prices rise by about 30 to 50 percent in the busiest months.

Ski resorts are at their most expensive from December to March, while cities and lakeside towns see higher rates in July and August. Zurich and Geneva are costly year-round. In mountain resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz, even the simplest rooms can be more than 200 CHF a night.

• Budget options (40–80 CHF / $45–90): Hostels and guesthouses usually mean simple rooms with shared bathrooms. They are typically very clean, and many hostels include breakfast buffets, which you do not always get in other parts of Europe.
• Mid-range hotels (150–300 CHF / $170–340): A three-star hotel usually comes with a private bathroom, daily housekeeping, and breakfast. In the mountains, half-board can be good value since eating out is expensive. Many mid-range hotels also have small spa areas or a sauna.
• Luxury Switzerland accommodation (500+ CHF / $565+): At the top end you will find resorts and five-star hotels with spas, fine dining, and concierge services. Luxury in Switzerland tends to be understated and focused on comfort and privacy rather than being flashy.
   

Where to stay in Switzerland: Best areas by region

Each part of Switzerland has a different feel. The best places to visit in Switzerland can be major cities or quiet alpine valleys.

Zurich

The largest city attracts both business travelers and culture-focused visitors. If it is your first time, the Old Town (Niederdorf) is a convenient base with historic streets and plenty to see nearby. Zurich West (Kreis 5) has a younger feel with restaurants and nightlife. Seefeld, by the lake, is more low-key and works well for families who want easy tram access but a calmer setting.

Interlaken & Jungfrau Region

Interlaken is a central hub with good train connections and plenty of budget-friendly options, which makes it practical for a short stay. Grindelwald is right in the mountains and has a wide range of Switzerland accommodation that suits hikers and families. Wengen and Mürren are quieter, car-free villages you reach by cable car, with open views and a slower pace. This is where you'll find some of the best outdoor activities in Switzerland.

Zermatt & Matterhorn

Zermatt is car-free, so getting around means walking or using small electric taxis. The town is popular with skiers and climbers thanks to glacier skiing and the Matterhorn. 

Staying near Bahnhofstrasse puts you close to shops, restaurants, and the Gornergrat railway, which is handy if you are visiting for the first time. Winkelmatten is quieter and works well for families, with easy access to the slopes. If you want to save money, look at Täsch, just one train stop away, where rooms are much cheaper and trains to Zermatt run frequently.
 

Lake Geneva Region

This French-speaking region has lively cities, vineyard landscapes, and lake resorts. In Geneva, the Pâquis district near the station is practical if you are on a budget, while the Old Town is better if you are interested in history and culture. Montreux draws visitors for its lakeside promenade and music events, often appealing to people looking for a more relaxed pace. 

In Lausanne, the Flon quarter is busy with nightlife and younger crowds, while Ouchy by the lake is calmer and works well for families or couples.

Lucerne & Central Switzerland

Lucerne combines a historic city center with quick access to the mountains. Staying in the Old Town puts you near Chapel Bridge and other landmarks, which is a good choice if you want both culture and comfort. 

Around the lake, Weggis and Vitznau are quieter bases with mountain railways close by, making them convenient for families or older travelers. Engelberg is another option if you are into skiing or hiking. It has direct lifts to Mount Titlis and generally costs less than some of the better-known resorts.

Booking tips and travel advice

Staying in Switzerland can be expensive, but planning ahead helps bring costs down. Here are some of our best Switzerland travel tips for booking.

• For peak seasons like July to August, December to March, and around Easter, it’s best to book at least two to three months in advance. If you’re heading to the mountains for Christmas or New Year, aim for six months ahead since many resorts sell out early and often require week-long stays.
• Traveling in May to June or September to October is usually the best time to visit Switzerland because it's easier on the budget, with prices around 20–30 percent lower and fewer visitors around. Many mountain hotels close for maintenance in April and November, but the ones that stay open often give good value and the weather is still suitable for hiking.
• Loyalty programs can be worthwhile, both on major booking platforms and with Swiss hotel chains like Sunstar or Swiss Deluxe Hotels. They can get you extras such as better rates or room upgrades. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, check for hotel discounts since some properties take part.
• Look closely at what’s included in the rate. Hotel breakfasts in Switzerland are usually generous, and buying the same meal elsewhere would cost 25–35 CHF. In mountain areas, half-board (breakfast and dinner) can help since restaurant meals often run over 50 CHF per person.
• It can also pay off to book directly with hotels, especially smaller ones. You’ll often find flexible cancellation, best-rate guarantees, and extras that third-party sites do not include. In cities this might mean free public transport cards, while in resorts it could be access to a spa.