Lucerne and Geneva room rates

I am planning a 2 week trip in Switzerland in mid May 2022. I have had some reservation as an example in Luzern and Geneva for a few months now. As I now have some definate dates for my itinerary, when I look at rebooking (with free cancelation) I see room rates have increased drastically!! Why is this?

Does it make sense to stay in Montreux or Lausanne for 4 or 5 days and use our rail pass to do day trips into Geneva and sorrounding areas. If so, would you recomend Montreux or Lausanne as a base?

Thanks,

Bob

Hi Bob,

The price increase probably means that demands for rooms on those dates have increased as well.

I think Montreux would be a good base for exploring the Geneva and surrounding areas. It's also ideal for day trips on the Golden Pass and to Zermatt. Lausanne is a larger city, has more shops and restaurants and might offer more hotel and rental options.

• Montreux hotels: www.myswissalps.com/montreux/hotels
• Lausanne hotels: www.myswissalps.com/lausanne/hotels

Regards,

Anna

Thanks Anna. I understand and appreciate how hotels, restaurants and more have suffered a terrible loss of income during the pandemic.

However. I have 2 nights booked in Geneva (that I now have to change the dates) for a total cost of $268 Canadian dollars. I just went to the Booking.com web site to add a third night and the cost was $472 for one additional night.

In my original booking I am paying $134 a night, and now the rate is $472.

This seems excess to me and now I am considering Montreau or Lausanne and using my rail pass for day trips.

Thanks for all the wonderful advise you continue to post.

Bob

Hi Bob,

The cost of an additional night doesn't make sense to me too. I think it would be best to contact the hotel directly and ask for a clarification.

Thanks Anna.

Your response makes sense.

Bob

Hi Bob,

Try booking a room for three nights and see how you make out. Instead of adding a night, just try seeing rates for 3 nights. If that works, just cancel the one you have.

Danielsan

Thanks everybody for your replies.

I contacted the hotel in Geneva and they said there is a fair in town in late May when I want to visit so they feel justified increasing the hightly rate from $134 to $432.

I like the idea of taking the train into Geneva and still trying to decide on either Montreux or Laussane as a base for 5 nights.

Bob

Hi Bob,

Good that you found the reason for this price increase. Lausanne and Montreux are both great base towns to explore Geneva and many other great destinations in the Lake Geneva area (https://www.myswissalps.com/lakegeneva). You can compare them here:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/lausanne
• https://www.myswissalps.com/montreux

Lausanne is closer to Geneva (https://www.myswissalps.com/timetable). That may be a decisive factor for you, if Geneva is your main interest.

On my way from Lucern to the Montreaux area I want to go through Grindelwald and spend 3 nights up in Murren. After that on to Montreux.

Can I enjoy the Golden Pass railway on this route?

Thanks,

Bob

Hi Bob!
That's definitely possible. You can enjoy section 1 when traveling from Lucerne to Mürren/Grindelwald via Interlaken Ost, and section 2-3 when traveling from Mürren to Montreux. Please find the route explained at www.myswissalps.com/goldenpass/gettingthere. The timetable allows you to plan each trip: www.myswissalps.com/timetable.

Thanks Annika, Very helpful info.

While I have your attention, I want to take the train from the Montreux area to Ascona for 4 nights and finally on the Verona Italy.

Any advise please for the best train routes and what to see for this part of our Swiss holiday - mid May 2022.

Thanks again,

Bob

Hi Bob,

To get to Ascona from Montreux, you can travel via Brig on the Centovalli Railway to Locarno and then change to the local train to Ascona. Please use the timetable to plan your journeys. For more information about tickets and trains to Italy, see here: https://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/italy

Regards,

Anna

Hello Bob,

I saw that you are trying to decide on staying either in Montreux or Lausanne. I have never been to Lausanne but have been to Montreux 3 or 4 times. I really like Montreux and my favorite hotel is directly across the street from the train station. Check out the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph collection. The prices are a little high normally but maybe you can find a deal.

There is a connection to the music group Queen and Montreux and they have a statue of Freddie Mercury down on the waterfront.

I have taken the Chocolate train a couple times, nice train ride out to Gruyere (Cheese factory) and a chocolate factory.

Enjoy!

Steve

Great suggestions Steve.

Thanks for your post.

Bob