Chalet vs Hotel vs Hostel: Which is Best for a Winter Vacation in Switzerland?
When you’re thinking of your dream winter vacation in Switzerland, one of the most important aspects of your trip is your accommodation. Where are you coming ‘home’ to after a day on the slopes?
CEO – Co founder Ski-Hostel Sàrl
Trying to decide whether a chalet, hotel, or hostel is right for you? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of your possible sleeping and living quarters here in Switzerland.
What to keep in mind
Some things to keep in mind when searching for your winter accommodation are:
1. Who/how many are you traveling with?
With bigger groups of friends or multi-generational families, you might prefer a private chalet or apartment, couples on a romantic holiday might opt for hotels or private apartments, while smaller groups of friends or solo travelers might look for hostels.
2. Privacy
How much privacy are you looking for? Renting out a full chalet or apartment obviously gives you the most privacy (save for a live-in host, in some cases). A hotel also has some privacy, and hostels usually offer shared rooms.
3. What do you want to add on?
There are a lot of services or facilities that may be important for you, so you should check if they’re included in your booking, or if you need to book them separately. Think airport transfers, meals, a shuttle to the slopes, a ski pass, ski lessons, events like movie nights, or even a visit to a luxury spa.
4. Budget
Or how much are you willing to spend per person? Hostels are usually the most budget-friendly option, then hotels, with chalets or apartments being the most expensive. However, if you’re traveling with a bigger group and you’re splitting the costs of the chalet or apartment, they’re not as expensive as they seem.
5. How much will you use your accommodation and what for?
Will you just be there to sleep? You might have no need for a comfortable chair or hang out space and a hotel or hostel might be fine for you. If you do prefer to hang out a bit (with your own group or new friends) off the slopes, a chalet/apartment or hostel might be best for your purposes.
6. Location
How long are you willing to travel between your accommodation and the village center or mountains? Some hotels can be absolutely amazing, but if there’s a 30-minute car ride standing between you and your ski lift or après ski, it might not work out in your favor. Alternatively, staying in the hustle and bustle of town when you’re looking for something more low key and remote is also not the greatest.
Chalets and apartments (catered or self-catered)
Chalets and apartments generally come in two categories: catered and self-catered.
Booking a self-catered chalet or apartment means you rent the space, which usually includes a living room, kitchen, bathroom(s), and bedroom(s). There are no additional services (unless you add them).
Pros
1. Most privacy of all options, you only share with the people you brought with you
2. A lot of freedom and flexibility (no set meal times)
3. Option to pick and choose only the services you really need
Cons
1. Meals are not included so you either need to do groceries and cook, or eat out for every meal (unless you opt for the catered package, see below)
2. Any additional facilities and services are usually against a fee
3. Can get expensive, depending on what you add on and how big your group is
4. No insider info within a hand’s reach
Catered accommodation means you don’t have to worry about a thing. Your host will take care of your groceries, cooking (usually breakfast and dinner), even your cleaning up. This is included in your price.
Pros
1. Everything is done for you—planning, shopping, cooking, cleaning
2. You have more time to enjoy your holiday
3. Lots of privacy
4. Your host should have insider info
Cons
1. More expensive
2. Less independence, as your host will be waiting for you with dinner
Conclusion? Either of these options are good for multi-generational trips or other bigger groups who can split the costs. It gives them space to socialize and hang out off the slopes. If you brought your social life with you or prefer to have your own space, chalets and apartments are great.
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Hotels
Hotels are the first type of accommodation many people think of. It makes sense; it’s easy and straightforward, and an ideal option if you plan to be on the slopes most of the time.
There are so many types of hotels; from your most basic rooms with a bed and a shower, to all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious spa-hotels. Of course each type has different pros and cons, but in general:
Advantages of hotels are that meals (breakfast, dinner) are often included, or can be added. This way you don’t have to get groceries and cook or eat out every day. You also have a private room and hotels often offer some facilities like a shuttle, transfers, and a concierge. Some of these may be against an additional fee though.
The biggest disadvantage, I think, is that a hotel is usually a bed, a bathroom, and a basic chair. There’s usually no space to hang out with (new) friends after you come down the slopes, unless you go to the bar or into town. Besides that, some facilities may now be available or have a steep fee.
Since there are so many differences between hotels, there’s also a big difference in prices. Some are a splurge, but might be worth it. Others are very budget-friendly. Make 100% sure to do your research and find out what’s included and what isn’t. You don’t want a surprise when you arrive!
In short? If you’re a couple, with a few friends, or a single traveler who really values time alone and privacy, a hotel is a good option. You get a private room at a fraction of the price of a full chalet/apartment, but there’s no place to socialize (which makes sense if you’re spending most of your time on the slopes anyway). You can often add-on extra services and facilities (for a fee) to customize your stay.
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Hostels
For some reason, hostels aren’t often considered for a winter vacation. Often it seems like there are only two options!
But I think you should seriously consider hostels when looking at winter vacation accommodation in Switzerland. For many, many reasons!
For hostels, obviously the same warning goes as for hotels. There are big differences between hostels, so make sure to check what’s included! Here’s what a ski hostel is like:
Benefits of staying at a ski hostel
Hostels
- The biggest pro of booking a hostel for your winter vacation instead of a hotel or apartment, is the social aspect. It’s so easy to meet other people, make new friends, and learn about different cultures, countries, and languages.
- There’s also usually a very familial atmosphere. No ignoring other guests when you walk down the hallway and being among strangers for the whole week. It feels very welcoming.
- Part of the social aspect and friendly atmosphere is that hostels often organize events. They might have a skiing trip for their guests, or host activities like campfires, movie nights, or bar nights.
- Naturally, there are common areas to hang out in with your group and (new) friends. There will be a breakfast/dining area, as well as a living area.
- Meals are included in your booking. This is usually breakfast and dinner (like a catered chalet or apartment), as most people have lunch on the slopes.
- Great insider info; your hosts usually live in the area (or in the hostel), and know what life is like there. They’ll know the best places to ski, go for lunch, or have other fun experiences.
- Booking a hostel is much more budget-friendly than a hotel or chalet/apartment.
- We include 4 hours of ski lessons for beginners, with certified instructors.
- As well as your ski pass, a shuttle to the ski lifts, and transfers to and from Geneva airport.And more, depending on your package [product page link]. Think night skiing or guided skiing excursions!
- Forget skiing in the tourist crowds; instead, join the local Swiss people and spend less time waiting in line and more time skiing carefree!
- Ski Hostels are located just a 5-minute ride from local ski resorts.
Downsides of booking a hostel?
Hostels offer shared rooms. Depending on the person, this may be a benefit or a downside.
If you really need your own space, it’s a downside. If you’re looking for a social experience, it’d be a benefit. Personally, I’d gladly exchange some of my alone-time for all the benefits listed (and those I didn’t even mention).
Ultimately, hostels are for everyone who’s looking for a more social experience. The right hostel will also have loads of services, facilities, and events available or even included (like at Ski Hostel). Hostels are much more budget-friendly too and the only downside (depending on the person) is sharing your room.
So which is best?
I think the main reason most people opt for hotels and chalets or apartments over a hostel is because hostels are much less mainstream. Bus as you’ve now seen, they definitely shouldn’t! There are so many pros to hostels; hotels and chalets simply can’t beat it.
Curious to see what your week at a Ski Hostel could be like? (Hint: It’s awesome!) Take a look here for some ideas for your winter in Switzerland.
And if you’re ready to start planning your own winter vacation in Switzerland, get in touch now and we’ll get the ball rolling.
How to Plan the Ultimate Winter Vacation in Switzerland
A 100% free email course that will teach you everything you need to know about planning an incredible Swiss Winter vacation!