Aegerten 1079, Murren, Switzerland | (618) 248-8274
Alpine setting, with majestic mountain views throughout
Opposite Murren train station, near the village's restaurants
Spectacular vistas from many rooms
2015-renovated rooms have charming lodge decor and safes
Free buffet breakfasts with Champagne and cooked options
Swiss and European restaurants, plus a cozy bar
Heated indoor pool and spa with sauna, whirlpool, and gym
Mountain-facing sun terrace, kids' playroom, and meeting room
Ski boot and clothing storage, plus on-site laundry
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Village is car-free (pro for some)
Rooms lack kettles and AC
Only upgraded rooms offer mountain views
Beds are twins pushed together (common in Europe)
Hotel Eiger is an upper-middle-range property, conveniently located across the street from Murren's train station. Snow-capped peaks and chalet layouts are every inch the Swiss mountain village here, but Murren's car-free setting isn't for everyone. A nature-loving crowd here embrace it though, and family owners use their golf buggy to ease arrivals. Much of the property takes in the humbling mountain backdrop -- from the two restaurants, sun terrace, and spa's indoor pool, to many of the 49 rooms. Rooms are outfitted in attractive rustic decor, with flat-screen TVs and minibars, but they lack AC. Travelers preferring a location permitting vehicles should compare with Grindelwald's Hotel Gletschergarten.
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Scene
Family-run mountain hotel with top-notch Swiss hospitality
Nestled atop the breathtaking Jungfrau region, unusual cable car approaches can be challenging, but train connections from them drop travelers right outside the hotel. The shooting location for 1969 James Bond's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", Murren remains unspoiled despite its international fame, and an alpine-loving leisure crowd here come for winter skiing and summer hiking. Behind chalet facades, interiors are typically Swiss -- from carved, beamed, or paneled woods, warm-toned fabrics, and hallways sporting wall-mounted muskets. Lodge vibes pervade throughout, from the restaurants' exposed stone, to the warm family welcome. Kids have a toy-filled playroom, and the pampering spa's indoor pool and whirlpool overlook the hotel's greatest asset -- the views (triple mountain vistas here encompass the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau). While exploring the region generally tops agendas, those wanting to stay put can gaze at the view on great Alp-facing sun terraces.
Location
Murren mountain location
At the foot of the mighty Schilthorn peaks, Murren is a small village, only 900 meters (0.6 miles) long. Bordered by alpine paths and snowy hillsides, it's picturesque, and the hotel occupies a convenient spot opposite its train station. Car-free, the nearest possible parking location is Lauterbrunnen. Cable cars from here connect to trains dropping guests opposite the hotel. The Schilthornbahn gondola is a 10-minute walk, and a famous landmark is the mountain's revolving James Bond restaurant. The Allmendhubel mountain elevator is a similar distance, and 40-minute downhill hikes back are great in summer. The village itself has some restaurants, plus a COOP supermarket (seven minutes on foot). Bern Airport is close to three hours via (very pretty) trains and gondolas.
Rooms
Contemporary rooms with rustic touches; worth the upgrade for knock-out views
Rooms renovated in 2015 have a modern alpine design -- think light woods, neutral walls with mountain photography, and tidy beds with warm golden yellow and russet tones. Note that beds may be two twins pushed together (common in region). They range from Standard Rooms, which lack views, to peak-facing Superiors and Suites. Amenities include phones, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, hairdryers, and safes, but there are no electric kettles or AC. Brushed-wood desks are also provided, and upgraded rooms have seating areas and alpine-facing balconies or terraces, although these aren't always furnished. The 431-square-foot (40-square-meter) Suites with living rooms have a second bathroom, and the leopard-print James Bond Suite really ups the ante. Bright bathrooms with shower/tub combos are nothing special, but they're spotless, and toiletries are provided. Rooms can be fitted with cribs, and all are reached by elevators.
Features
Free quality breakfasts with prosecco, two restaurants, and a spa with indoor pool
Guests can fuel up for free at the morning buffet, where scrambled eggs and bacon have continental and Swiss counterparts from fresh rolls and pastries, muesli, fruits, cheeses, and smoked salmon, plus prosecco. Tea, coffee, and juice come standard. The Eiger Stubli and Eiger Staal restaurants have large, mountain-facing windows, and their cozy woods turn romantic in evenings when tables are candle-lit. Gourmet Swiss and European cuisine includes regional specialities, and a la carte and tasting menus accompany fine wines. The cozy Tachi Bar serves a variety of alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic fare like hot chocolate. Guests can relax in the chandelier-clad lounge, but mountain-facing indoor/outdoor terraces are hands-down favorites, especially for meals. Relaxation areas around the indoor pool have loungers (with yet again more fantastic views), plus a sauna, whirlpool, and solarium. Massages are available for a fee. There's also a gym with modern cardio and weight-training machines. An indoor playroom with books, toys, and games keeps little ones happy, and a 2016-added conference room caters to functions or meetings. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
