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Historic but modern hotel at the heart of Interlaken

July 2, 2021, 30 Comments

The oldest hotel in Switzerland. Now that’s somewhere I had to stay, so I did. According to this cool map, the Hotel Interlaken is the oldest surviving hotel in the country, though you’d never guess from the outside, which definitely looks newer than almost 700 years old.

As soon as you’re in reception, the venerable age becomes clear, with the exposed walls of the former monastery on display. No monks and nuns around today but the hotel is proud of its history. From the bar housed in the converted former stables to the old framed pictures, there are many reminders of the past. I loved this wonderful vintage hotel poster.

But the present is also very present. My swish bedroom was modern alpine-chic, with cute touches like the giant old postcard, and in-room tablets as a nice extra. Good to see big bottles of soap & shampoo instead of miniatures, and only Swiss drinks in the minibar. Keep it green and local! The funky new lounge features two famous former guests: Byron and Mendelssohn.

I was lucky to have one of the best doubles in the house, with mountain views from the balcony. Other rooms come in all sizes and it’s worth the extra if you can upgrade. There’s no specific category for rooms with a balcony, so it’s pot luck if you get one – ask when you book. For tighter budgets, the simple economy rooms on the 5th floor are great value.

Breakfast in the smart restaurant was great with a good hot and cold choice: I can’t ever remember seeing American pancakes and Birchermüesli in the same buffet. Overall, I really enjoyed my night here. Yes, some parts are showing their age a little, such as the carpets here and there, but then again the hotel’s been around since 1323. It’s wearing its years very well.

Book direct here.

Overall rating: 89%

  • Best bits: sense of history, lovely staff, chic rooms.
  • Worst bits: some smaller rooms, pot luck with balconies.

I stayed as a guest of InterlakenTourism and Hotel Interlaken but my Business Plus room would normally cost from 189 francs a night including breakfast.

This is one of a series of articles about Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland. For more information visit Interlaken Tourism website.

30 Comments on "Historic but modern hotel at the heart of Interlaken"

  1. Katharina Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 01:38 PM · Reply

    698 years – almost 700 years !

  2. Simon Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 01:41 PM · Reply

    698 years old!

  3. Joanne finnegan Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 01:43 PM · Reply

    From 1323 so nearly 700 years old and looks stunning. 698 years

  4. Chris Wilson Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 01:44 PM · Reply

    13 23

  5. Anne Nye Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 01:51 PM · Reply

    Hotel Interlaken is 700 years

  6. Kai Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 01:56 PM · Reply

    698 years

  7. Diana Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 02:13 PM · Reply

    Hotel is 698 years old !!!!!!

  8. Caitlin Stephens Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 02:20 PM · Reply

    698 years old

  9. Mary Reynolds Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 02:39 PM · Reply

    The hotel is 698 years old. Beautiful setting!

  10. Dorothy Touponce Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 04:08 PM · Reply

    1323! And it does look great for its age 😉

  11. Tanya Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 04:40 PM · Reply

    The hotel is 698 years old, established in 1323. I hope I win!

  12. Anne-Marie Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 05:12 PM · Reply

    Founded in 1323. It is 698 years old.

  13. Andreas Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 05:28 PM · Reply

    700y

  14. Hiskia Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 08:55 PM · Reply

    698 years old, that makes me super curious: must be really something when it’s around for such a long time!

  15. Colin Bewes Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 08:57 PM · Reply

    698 years old. Great looking hotel 👌

  16. Nick Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 09:07 PM · Reply

    698 years old

  17. Chris Marcisz Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 10:01 PM · Reply

    Looks great for 698 years old!

  18. Annette Friday July 2nd, 2021 at 10:26 PM · Reply

    698 years

  19. Gabrielle Saturday July 3rd, 2021 at 08:17 AM · Reply

    698 years. Pancakes 🥞!

  20. Ma. Tiffany Orapa Saturday July 3rd, 2021 at 03:15 PM · Reply

    Founded in 1323 and now it is 698 years old

  21. Nandi Saturday July 3rd, 2021 at 05:39 PM · Reply

    A whole 698 years!

  22. Nicole Dassaye Saturday July 3rd, 2021 at 05:39 PM · Reply

    698 years !

  23. Elina Saturday July 3rd, 2021 at 10:32 PM · Reply

    698 👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼

  24. Sarah Phillips Sunday July 4th, 2021 at 02:18 AM · Reply

    698 years old! Sounds like a fabulous spot to stay…balconies!…birchermuesli! Enticing review Diccon 😊

  25. Carmel Dillon Sunday July 4th, 2021 at 01:32 PM · Reply

    689 years – wow that is some history. It looks amazing

  26. Fiona Meaney Sunday July 4th, 2021 at 05:33 PM · Reply

    Stunning -698 years old

  27. Andrew Wood Tuesday July 6th, 2021 at 09:51 AM · Reply

    It has been around since 1323 which makes it 698 years old. Quite a thought.

  28. Ma. Tiffany Orapa Tuesday July 6th, 2021 at 10:53 AM · Reply

    It is 698 years old … And If I win this , it could be a great surprise for my partner for our 2nd year anniversary

  29. Steve Tuesday July 6th, 2021 at 02:20 PM · Reply

    698 years old

  30. Tim Osborn Tuesday July 6th, 2021 at 06:44 PM · Reply

    698 years old – stunning

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