Hotel Alpina

I had a good two-night stay at Hotel Alpina in Kandersteg. My single room was roomier than I expected, and I loved having a balcony. The bed was comfortable, though the pillow provided wasn’t very good and I would have liked another one. It’s an older building, so sounds from other rooms carry, but I had no trouble with noise late at night. Breakfast was really good.

I arrived very late, but checking in at that hour wasn’t a problem. The owner was welcoming and pleasant, and I found the room cozy, with a small balcony. Breakfast was great. I had a wonderful stay at Hotel Alpina and would definitely come back.

I mistakenly booked the Hotel Alpina in Kandersteg while traveling in Switzerland with my son, thinking I had booked the Hotel Alpina in Murren. My card was charged the full room price, and the hotel wouldn’t refund it. I understand the hotel can enforce its cancellation policy and run its business as it chooses. Still, I feel that holding so tightly to policy and profit can distance us from our common humanity. I let the Swiss travel agency and the Kandersteg Tourism office know about my concern. I’m sure there are hotels in Kanderstag that better reflect a five-star atmosphere. Sincerely, Geoff Snook

We were moved to kreuz hôtel without warning or being asked, after they closed the hotel. They first said we were alone, then the manager changed the explanation to a maintenance issue. We could have understood and supported that if we’d been treated with respect. The receptionist was awful, and the service was very poor. Its 3.9-star rating is far too high.