Griesalp Hotels: Your Unforgettable Swiss Alps Escape (Reichenbach)
Griesalp Hotels: My Swiss Alps Dream (and a few slight nightmares) – Honest Review
Okay, folks, grab your hiking boots (or your comfy slippers – I'm not judging!) because I’m about to spill the Swiss secrets on Griesalp Hotels in Reichenbach. This isn’t your perfectly polished brochure review, this is the raw, unfiltered truth. I booked a stay there recently, and let me tell you, it was an adventure… and not always the one I expected.
Accessibility: (Mostly) A Mountain Goat's Dream… But Hold on a Sec…
Right off the bat, accessibility is mostly good news. The hotel is nestled right in the heart of the Alps, so the view is amazing, but getting to the hotel… well, that’s where things get a little… Swiss. There's a car park, which is free, a huge plus! But seriously, pack light unless you want a serious workout (or a friendly porter!).
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: This is an important one to check directly with the hotel, since the area is mountainous.
Wheelchair accessible: Key thing to ask about detailed access. While the hotel aims for accessibility. Remember that locations in the mountains often have challenges.
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi? Hallelujah!
Thank the internet gods! Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! And across the property! I'm not going to lie, I was a little worried about being cut off from the world in the middle of the mountains. I mean, how else was I supposed to post my "look at me, I'm in Switzerland!" selfies? The Wi-Fi was surprisingly good, even in my room (though, admittedly, I had a balcony, which had a killer view, too).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day vs. Hiking Hell (Just Kidding… Kinda)
Alright, let's talk pampering. The spa/sauna situation is decent. There are saunas, **steam rooms, and a *pool with a view.* It's a great place to unwind, especially after a day of… well, let’s be honest, either hiking or doing absolutely nothing. I opted for the doing nothing, and it felt glorious!
I didn't visit the Fitness center, honestly, because going for a run in the Alps felt… ambitious. (My idea of fitness is chasing the coffee refills in the morning.) But I did enjoy the foot bath – a perfect way to soothe post-hike feet (and, let's be real, feet that had just been dragged around a hotel). The massage was a treat. I was on the verge of snoring, which the Spa attendant gently took care of.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe & Sound (and Squeaky Clean!)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and even I felt safe. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Room sanitization between stays? Yep. They even had something called a hygiene certification, which made me feel like I was staying in a hospital (minus the sick people, thankfully). Staff trained in safety protocol? Yep and the hand sanitizer was everywhere. They were very good and taking care during the pandemic.
The sanitizing was a little too good. I swear, my room smelled vaguely of hospital cleaner the whole time. And the rooms are a little bit too good at the sanitization.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or the Nap)
Okay, FOOD. This is where Griesalp REALLY shines. They have everything! Restaurants, a bar, and even a poolside bar (for those important Aperol spritzes). The breakfast buffet was enormous. And I mean ENORMOUS. From Asian breakfast to Western cuisine. The coffee shop was good enough to take a coffee. The fruit selections were particularly great.
Let’s talk about the buffet. It was a buffet of choice. A solid buffet, which is important when you're climbing mountains. And the fact that they catered to vegetarian eating makes me super happy.
The room service [24-hour]: I used it. Too much.
Services and Conveniences: Little Luxuries & Helpful Hands
The concierge was a lifesaver, helping me navigate the local trails (or, you know, find the best place for a pastry). Daily housekeeping kept my room looking pristine (seriously, how do they do it?). Laundry service was available, which was a bonus because I was on the go.
The elevator makes things easier. The doorman helped a ton.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
While I was travelling solo, I did notice the hotel is fantastic for families. There's a babysitting service, which is gold for parents. I saw the kids facilities, nice additions to the mix.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty
Okay, so the rooms themselves? They're comfortable, and well appointed. Air conditioning for when it's too hot at the mountain. A coffee/tea maker, essential for a caffeine addict like me. A hair dryer (thank goodness). And, oh yes, free Wi-Fi, just in case you missed me mentioning it.
My Personal Anecdote: The Balcony & The Bear (Kinda)
Now, the best part of my stay? My balcony. It overlooked the mountains, the valleys, and the world! Seriously breathtaking. One morning, at sunrise, I saw… something. It was big, furry, and moving. I swear it was a bear. I’m pretty sure I saw a bear.
Well, it turned out to be a really big, fluffy dog owned by one of the hotel staff, but still. The moment of heart-stopping panic coupled with the sheer beauty of the Swiss scenery? Unforgettable.
The Verdict: Should You Book Griesalp Hotels?
Absolutely. Despite the minor hiccups (a little too much sanitization, the occasional logistical challenge), Griesalp Hotels is a truly special place. It's a combination of luxury and nature. It's perfect for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled escape. The combination of amenities, the location (it's breathtaking!), and the genuinely friendly staff make it a winner.
My Score: 4.5 out of 5 Hiking Boots! (Minus half a boot for the potentially terrifying bear sighting… or, you know, the dog. But still.)
Ready to book? Do it! Go experience the magic of Griesalp Hotels. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure… and maybe some bear spray. (Just kidding… mostly.)
Thompson Austin: Your Luxurious Austin Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. We're going to Griesalp, Switzerland, and let me tell you, I'm already judging the hiking boots I packed. (Are they really waterproof? I'm betting no.) This is going to be less "polished brochure" and more "meltdown in a majestic mountain setting." Here goes…
GRIESALP, SWITZERLAND: A POTENTIALLY EPIC, DEFINITELY UNPREDICTABLE ADVENTURE
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic at Altitude
- Morning (Before 9 AM): Arrive at Bern Airport. Okay, the airport itself is surprisingly cute! Like, a tiny, chocolate-box airport. But then…there's the LANGUAGE. Swiss German? It's like someone's gargling rocks and gargling words simultaneously. I swear, the train announcements sound like R2-D2 having a stroke.
- Anecdote Alert: Managed to mostly understand the train ticket machine (after three failed attempts and muttering a lot of "Ach du lieber!"). Felt like I'd conquered Everest. Then realized I needed to change trains…
- Mid-Morning (9 AM - 12 PM): Train to Reichenbach im Kandertal, then the Postbus to Griesalp. The views from the train? Holy moly. Seriously, I almost cried. Green, green, GREEN! Cows with ridiculously happy faces. Mountains that punch you in the solar plexus with their sheer magnificence. Pretty sure I saw a herd of marmots give me the stink eye.
- Imperfection: Forgot my sunglasses. The sun up here? Brutal. My nose is already lobster-red.
- Lunch (12 PM - 1 PM): Arrive at Griesalp Mountain Hotel. Check-in. Get utterly flustered by the tiny amount of space in the hotel room and the fact that the view is so good I feel like I’m in a live painting. Decide to "settle in" i.e. unpack approximately half my bag, and then sit on the balcony, slightly breathless, wondering if the altitude is already getting to me. (Pretty sure it is.)
- Afternoon (1 PM - 5PM): Easy, short hike to the "Tschentenalp" gondola station; and then taking the gondola to the top of Tschentenalp! View from the top is just… WOW. Complete awe when you can see the whole region; and this is where the panic happens. I can do this, right? I'm in good shape… mostly… I have the right boots (debatable). Breathe. Deep breath.
- Quirky Observation: The hiking gear here is serious. Like, people are practically wearing their own microclimates. I feel underdressed, like a tourist from, well, let's be honest, America.
- Evening (5 PM onwards): Dinner at the hotel. Swiss food! Hopefully, will involve melted cheese. If it doesn't, I'm going to stage a small protest. Try (and fail) to read a book. Get distracted by the sound of cowbells. Probably go to bed early. Altitude sickness? Maybe. Or maybe I'm just dramatically exhausted.
Day 2: Kandersteg’s Oeschinensee - The Hike That Almost Broke Me (But Was Awesome)
- Morning (8 AM - 9 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. Swear I'm actually adjusting to the altitude. Or maybe it’s just the copious amounts of coffee.
- Opinionated Rant: The coffee here? Magnificent. No watery American swill. This is the real deal. I could live on this stuff.
- Morning (9 AM - 1 PM): Bus to Kandersteg. Hike to Oeschinensee. This. Hike. Was. A. BEAST. The views though, the views! The turquoise lake nestled amidst the mountains… like something out of a fairytale. But the uphill? Oh, the uphill. My legs are currently screaming in protest. At one point, I considered hiring a donkey. (They probably don't offer that service, though I think I saw a donkey on the trail that did look at me in a way that suggested it felt my pain).
- Emotional Reaction: There were moments of pure, unadulterated JOY at the top. And there were moments of utter despair. I almost gave up twice. But the lake? It’s beyond worth it. It made me feel like a tiny human, and I wasn’t scared of it.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2 PM): Picnic lunch (pre-packed sandwich, which I almost dropped into the lake). Enjoy the incredible beauty even though I felt like an undead zombie. Actually, I probably looked like one after the hike.
- Afternoon (2 PM - 5 PM): Optional: boat ride on the lake (I’m too exhausted). Wallow in the glory of having survived the hike. Watch other people do fun things (like rowing boats and swimming) while I sit on a rock, trying to remember how to breathe.
- Anecdote: Ran into a lovely Swiss woman who, seeing my state, offered me some of her chocolate. Seriously. Best. Chocolate. Ever. (Swiss chocolate is basically a religious experience.)
- Evening (5 PM onwards): Bus back to the hotel. Collapse into a hot shower - the hot water ran out. Grovel to the hotel staff for more hot water. Consider writing a strongly worded letter to the mountains. Dinner at the hotel. Eat everything. Sleep like the dead.
Day 3: Griesalp Itself and The Unexpected Beauty
- Morning: A slow breakfast at the hotel. I can actually move, a miracle. Wander around. Take photos.
- Late Morning: The hotel suggested a shorter, not-so-strenuous hike. I'm a little intimidated, but the staff said it has amazing views without the massive suffering of yesterday's trek. We'll see.
- Lunch: Picnic lunch.
- Afternoon: Doubling Down on an Experience - The Waterfall Hike: So, I went. It wasn't labeled as particularly daunting, but the vistas were out of this world. The air was crisp, and the roaring of the waterfalls filled the air. The path wound along the cliffside, with the valley floor far below. I stopped at a point where I felt like I could hike around, or jump off. Then, I stood at the waterfall's edge, and I felt… peace. It was a moment of pure beauty, the kind that seeps into you and stays there. And when I looked back at the trail, the mountains, the trees, and the whole landscape, I felt it again. I needed this view and this hike. It wasn't just about the scenery; it was a reminder of quiet strength.
- Messy Structure and Rambles: And then… the clouds rolled in. Suddenly, the entire valley was shrouded in mist! I could barely see my hand in front of my face. A sense of unease crept in. Thankfully, the path became easier in the mist.
- Evening: Final dinner at the hotel. Reflect on the trip. Feel a little sad to leave. Feel overwhelmingly happy about being going home.
Day 4: Departure – Triumphant, Tired, and Forever Changed (Maybe)
- Morning: Sad breakfast. Say goodbye to those happy cows. Double-check my boots.
- Morning: Train to Bern Airport.
- Departure: Fly away, slightly sunburnt, a little bit fitter, and carrying a heart full of Swiss memories (and a permanent craving for Swiss chocolate).
Post-Trip Brain Dump (Stream of Consciousness):
- I need to learn some German. Like, any German. Even "hello" would be a start.
- My legs ache. My soul is… happier?
- Those mountains. They're something else.
- Invest in good hiking socks. Really good ones.
- Swiss chocolate… need to buy more for friends, and myself…
- I'd come again. Maybe. After a very long nap. And maybe with some sort of sherpa.
- The view and the waterfalls were worth it.
- I'm going to live in a place where I can breathe and look at mountains.
- I need a whole lot of coffee.
So there you have it. My Griesalp adventure. Not perfect, definitely not glamorous, but undeniably me. I hope you get a laugh out of it, but more importantly, I hope you get to go there too! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to plan my next adventure. (And buy some more chocolate.)
INNSiDE Barcelona Airport: Your Luxurious Escape Awaits!
Griesalp Hotels: My Love Letter (and Occasional Grumble) to the Swiss Alps
Okay, is Griesalp REALLY as breathtaking as the pictures? My Instagram feed is practically overflowing…
Oh honey, let me tell you. The pictures? They don't even *BEGIN* to scratch the surface. That first morning, stepping onto the balcony and seeing the mountains… I actually yelped. Like a small, startled woodland creature. The crisp air, the sunlight painting the peaks, the cowbells… It's a symphony of nature. It's the Swiss Alps, people! It’s a cliché, I know, but *seriously* breathtaking. Expect to spend the first hour just staring, open-mouthed and possibly drooling. (Don't judge, I did.) The reality is often *more* stunning. Sometimes. Sometimes it rains. Let's be honest. But even then, the brooding, misty mountains have their own magic.
What’s the deal with the hotels themselves? Are they all… rustic? Luxurious? Somewhere in between?
"Rustic" is a good starting point. Think cozy, well-loved, with a healthy dose of character. Luxury? Not exactly the Four Seasons, but honestly? You don't *need* that. You're there for the mountains, the hiking, the utter tranquility. I stayed in a hotel with a balcony so small you could barely turn around on it, and I *loved it*. The walls had seen a few winters (and maybe a rogue avalanche or two!), but the beds were comfortable, the food was hearty, and the view... again, *the view*... made up for the tiny balcony's shortcomings. Expect wooden everything, possibly some creaky floorboards, and the kind of charm only a place that's been family-run for generations can possess. Prepare yourself for more family-run hotels, and less corporate hotels. Trust me the family-run hotels have more character, in fact, some are "rustic", some are luxurious, and some are somewhere in between.
Speaking of food… What's the grub like? I'm picturing cheese, cheese, and more cheese… and I’m not entirely opposed.
Nailed it! Cheese IS a major player. And a delicious one at that. Raclette, fondue, cheese pies… I think I gained five pounds just breathing the air. But it’s not just cheese, thank goodness (though honestly, I wouldn't mind). Expect hearty, traditional Swiss fare: Rösti (crispy potato pancakes), sausages, delicious bread, and (thank the food gods) plenty of fresh, local produce. The breakfasts are amazing, expect plenty of variety. And the portions? Let's just say you won't be going hungry after a day of hiking. My advice? Embrace the carbs and the cheese. You're burning calories, right? Right?!
Okay, I'm sold. But… hiking? I'm more of a "Netflix and chill" kind of person. Tell me about the trails. Are they brutal?
Look, I get you. I'm also a fan of the horizontal lifestyle. But Griesalp… it'll convert you. The trails range from gentle strolls to "holy-mother-of-mountains-I-can't-feel-my-legs" climbs. There's something for everyone. I took one that was supposed to be 'moderate', and it about killed me. I'm not going to lie. There were tears (probably caused by the wind, ahem). But the views at the top… OH. MY. GOD. Worth it. Absolutely worth it. Start small, take it slow, and pack plenty of water (and maybe a few ibuprofen). The maps are usually pretty good, but don't be afraid to ask for advice. The locals are incredibly helpful. And honestly, even a short walk will leave you feeling like a boss.
Is there anything to do besides hike? What if the weather's… well, Swiss weather?
Yes! There’s more than just hiking (though let's be honest, hiking is the main event). You can bike (mountain biking is HUGE), try canyoning (if you're brave/insane), or even just sit and read a book while staring at the mountains. I spent an entire afternoon in a cozy cafe, drinking hot chocolate and watching the rain fall. Utter bliss. If it rains, embrace it. The mountains look even more dramatic, and you have a perfect excuse to indulge in even MORE cheese and hot chocolate. Also, the local bus can take you to other villages, so you can explore the area more. If your into it, paragliding is an option, though I think the mountains are breathtaking, going over them just seems daunting.
How do I actually *get* to Griesalp? Is it a nightmare?
Okay, here's the slightly less perfect part. Getting *to* Griesalp is not necessarily a cakewalk. You’ll likely take a train to Reichenbach (beautiful ride, by the way), then a bus. The bus ride is… an experience. It’s a *very* windy road, with some serious drop-offs. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions. And if you're scared of heights, well… try not to look down. The views are again, stunning, but the driver is a complete pro, so just trust the process. Once you're up there, though, the journey is completely worth it. Think of it as a pre-adventure.
Anything I should pack that I might not think of?
Layers, layers, layers! The weather can change on a dime. Good hiking boots are essential. Sunscreen, even if it seems cloudy – the sun is powerful at that altitude. A decent camera (because you WILL take a million photos). A reusable water bottle. Cash (some places don’t take cards). And a healthy dose of "joie de vivre". Oh, and pack a good book. Maybe. You probably won’t read it, because you'll be too busy staring at the mountains, but it's nice to have the option. But please, please don't forget to pack some comfortable socks.
What was your *definitive* Griesalp moment? The one that made you fall in love?
Okay, here's the real truth. It wasn't a grand vista, or a breathtaking hike. It was the morning I woke up to the sound of the cowbells, sat on that tiny balcony, and watched the sun slowly paint the peaks with pink and gold. I sipped my coffee, ate a piece of incredibly delicious bread, and just… breathed. ThereUnique Hotel Finds
Post a Comment for "Griesalp Hotels: Your Unforgettable Swiss Alps Escape (Reichenbach)"