Swiss standards are high so do not be concerned that low-rated establishments will be unacceptable. The top-end hotels in Switzerland are fabulous, probably as good as any in the world, but budget accommodation is tremendous value - particularly the excellent hostels, much beloved by native Swiss. In addition, many top-end hotels do open up their amenities at a charge to non-residents, e.g. childcare and spas.
With a long-established tourist infrastructure, most resorts are traditional communities. There are plenty of car-free resorts and hotels with ski-in, ski-out facilities, but it is not the norm, and nightlife is invariably restricted in those locations. The Swiss also tend to book out the best hotels at peak periods as much a a year in advance, so if you have set your heart on a particular place to stay book well in advance, or visit before Christmas or in January when most places have something available last minute. Before Christmas many places also do some great deals.
However, do not be put off if you want to make a last minute booking. I regularly ski Zermatt, booking last minute and staying overnight in a clean, comfortable establishment right next to the station and the lifts for around fifty Swiss francs!
A good choice for competitively priced accomodation is to stay outside the main resort areas. Not only can you save money, but it can also give you the option to visit more than one resort. With trains and reliable, timetabled buses, getting to the slopes is stress-free.
CLICK HERE to display or hide the table of personally recommended hotels, sortable by key criteria.
In the list, hotels with spas in the resort are not necessarily identified as spa hotels unless the spa is in the hotel. Historic and family hotels are as defined by the Swiss Tourist Board. Generally a one $ establishment costs less than $100 per person per night, sometimes less than $100 for two people, and can mean you are in a dorm, self-catering and without en suite facilities. Thereafter the assumption is for en suite bed and breakfast per night for two with dinner available but not included; $$ means around $200, $$$ means around $300, $$$$ means around $400 and $$$$$ means more than $400, often much more. However bear in mind prices can vary widely depending on the facilities you require, the time in the season, the deals available and so forth, and can therefore be significantly lower or higher. All listed hotels are either ones I have personally tried or have been highly rated independently.
Additionaly, for independent travellers, some useful resources on relatively inexpensive places to stay are here:
The following UK-based travel agencies provide accommodation only services to Switzerland:
There are many specialist chalet companies operating in Switzerland, to name but a few:
I have stayed at dozens of establishments in Switzerland and I've never drawn a dud. Generally I stay in budget accommodation, but occasionally I visit places with a touch of luxury. However I can't pretend to be an expert on every hotel in Switzerland. Fortunately, however, the influential Zurich newspaper, Tages-Anzeiger, ranks the best Winter hotels in Switzerland every year (see here). Sadly their choice is restricted to 3* and above establishments, and I haven't stayed in many of them - but I know that their staff reporters have - lucky them - and this is the latest ranking. First are the Three Star hotels:
Here are the best Four Star hotels:
And finally the creme de creme, the Five Star offerings:
Of course there are more than 45 outstanding hotels in Switzerland, but it's a good list even if eye-wateringly pricey. On individual resort pages I list other hotels and places to stay that either I or someone I know has rated highly, especially if they have particular charm or elegance, provide good value for money, are family-friendly, have a thermal spa or are spectacularly convenient for the slopes.
Finally, my top tip on value for money: Look at the Aldi Holiday website. We have generally found the prices can be as little as a half or even less of what the same hotels are priced elsewhere, and you are not always locked into a full week booking.