Hotel de l'Ours Preles

We loved the breakfast so much that after checking out and reaching our next hotel, we came back just to eat it again. The fresh bread was especially good, and the eggs seemed clearly free range. The butter and cream were just Swiss good. Marcello and Chloe were attentive and easy to talk to. Marcello had great restaurant and activity suggestions and arranged our mountain bikes. Our room was spacious, very clean, nicely designed, and had a great bed. Preles is a lovely place for a quiet break, with nature and outdoor activities close by. We really enjoyed our two nights and would highly recommend it.

The hotel itself is reason enough to visit. It has a welcoming mix of modern and traditional touches after a major fire, and the owners, Marcello and his wife, are wonderful hosts. Marcello even came out to greet us at the car, and seemed to be everywhere while speaking every language perfectly. The room was excellent, with great beds, and breakfast was lovely. The local ham was unforgettable, and the scrambled eggs were to die for. We didn’t get to try dinner at the restaurant, though I suspect it would have been fantastic. There’s care in all the little things, from the welcome drink and the quality and volume of the breakfast music to the cleaning staff’s outfits. You can feel the attention and it puts you in a great mood. Preles may feel like the middle of nowhere in the Swiss countryside at first, but it’s a great base for hiking, mountain biking, lakes, and nearby towns. It also sits near the border between the French and German speaking regions, which adds an interesting twist. For the price, this was an outstanding experience. I’d strongly recommend staying, even if it means driving a little farther than to hotels in nearby towns. Bravo to the owners, and wishing them every success!

We only had a stopover for business and had to leave the next day, so there wasn’t time to explore the many sights or take the nearby funicular down to the lakeshore. Since we live close by, we’ll definitely try to come back for a weekend. We’re a family of three with a teenager, and our three-person room was exquisite and so spacious. It felt modern, cozy, and chic. The owners were warm, with many languages buzzing around. We were welcomed in the cozy lounge with a crisp glass of Prosecco. Bravi bravi to Marcelo and his wife for such a stupendous achievement.

Best stay in Switzerland. The hosts and staff were wonderful, and the service was so good. They really pay attention to what you need. Highly recommend this lovely place.