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Saving money on accommodations when traveling in Switzerland can be tricky. Set in the heart of the Pays-d’Enhaut Valley, in the village of Château-d’Oex, Hotel Roc & Neige offers a good value for travelers looking to stick to a budget, without sacrificing postcard-worthy scenery.
Located just over an hour from Montreux, and halfway between Gstadd and Gruyères, Château-d’Oex might not have the name recognition of some of its Swiss neighbors, but with Alpine views, happy cows, and a plentiful supply of fondue, it more than lives up to the classic Switzerland experience many travelers seek.
Hotel Roc & Neige is located an easy 5 to 10 minute walk from the train station. The hotel has 60 rooms and a rustic, mountain chalet vibe. I stayed in room 112; located up one flight of stairs, my double room was filled with natural light thanks to a lineup of windows that faced the mountains.
The room was spacious and clean, but otherwise very bare bones. The bed was much smaller than most American travelers are accustomed to. (My 6’2” husband’s legs hung off the bed considerably.) There was a loveseat sofa, rectangular dining table, and small television, but no phone, refrigerator, or coffee maker.
The bathroom reminded me of what you might find in a cabin on a cruise ship, with a small sink, corner shower, and toilet, all packed into a compact space with just enough room for one person to slip in. Other than a refillable container containing multi-purpose hair, hand and body wash, there were no toiletries.
Breakfast is included with every stay. Served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., the buffet includes an assortment of bread, meat and cheese, yogurt, cereal and soft boiled eggs.
Though there is an outdoor space with chairs and stellar Alpine views, this isn’t a property where you’ll spend much time lounging during the day; your time will likely be filled exploring the area. Château-d’Oex boasts a charming downtown lined with restaurants and shops. Hiking and bike trails are plentiful. Origine Sports rents electric bikes handy for tackling the steep stretches.
Thanks to favorable weather patterns, the village is known for hot air ballooning. Hotel Roc & Neige is just a 5-minute or so walk to the early morning launch location of Ballons Château-d’Oex. The property is even closer to Le Chalet, a restaurant that holds l’Etivaz-style cheese making demonstrations — prepared over a wood-burning fire as it done in Alpine chalets — multiple days a week. The demonstration, and the restaurant’s fondue, don’t disappoint.
Rates for two people in a double room from $104, (100 CHF) an absolute bargain for lodging in Switzerland. You can check Booking.com to see if you can get a better rate. Slightly temperamental Wi-fi and parking included. Coin-operated laundry machines are available for guest use.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Switzerland Tourism, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
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