Hotel Roessli

Guests typically feel at home at Hotel Roessli, where native Interlaken family owners offer traditional Swiss hospitality. Decor is likewise typically Swiss: the pink exterior's sloping roofs, wooden balconies, and colorful flowers have a chalet look, although plastic terrace seating here indicates the low-frills setup. An alpine-lodge feel pervades throughout homey interiors -- think wood paneling, beamed ceilings, and red-and-white linens with a mountain motif. Decorative saddles accompany wall-flanked bric-a-brac, honoring the property's varied past (this includes a former barn and bakery), while miniature airplanes give a nod to the international guest presence. Lounges with a kids' corner are cozy, and a library has books and DVDs for the TV. Simplicity here means no 24-hour front desk, although late arrivals can enter securely. The small garden and terraces are used in summer. Note that the hotel closes in December and re-opens in mid-January.

The hotel occupies a convenient spot in the quieter Unterseen district, a 15-minute cross-river walk from downtown Interlaken. Nearby pharmacies, restaurants, ATMs, and a supermarket are all handy, plus a bus stops a block from the hotel. A major transport hub, Interlaken-West station is a six-minute walk, and trains from it run to Interlaken Ost station for onward journeys to Jungfrau ski resorts and major cities, including Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. Interlaken's main Hoheweg street is 16 minutes away on foot, and it's packed with boutiques and cafes. Great for walks and summer swimming, Lake Thun is a 26-minute bus ride. Free bus passes are included in room rates. Bern-Belp Airport is a 43-minute drive, or 90 minutes by public transport. Zurich Airport is closer to two hours by car or train.

Simple rooms come in Budget, Economy, Standard, and Plus categories. Higher categories offer more space, and Plus rooms with balconies overlook the Jungfrau's snow-capped peaks. Some decorated with alpine artwork, Wood paneling on walls and ceilings (which are slanted in Budget categories) is attractive, and some rooms add alpine artwork and floral-patterned bed covers. All rooms have phones, desks, flat-screen TVs, safes in wardrobes, and mirrors. Budget Rooms have en-suite sinks, but bathrooms are shared. Upgraded rooms have small private bathrooms with stall showers or shower/tub combos, wall-dispensed soaps, towels, and hairdryers (either in-room or available at reception). No in-room kettles, fridges, or AC are provided, but fans combat summer heat. Larger rooms with seating areas can accommodate cribs. Note, the elevator does not reach top-floor rooms, and walls are thin.

Served in a simple breakfast room with a quaint grandfather clock, free buffet breakfasts consist of boiled eggs, continental breads and pastries alongside jams, regional meats and cheeses, cereals, fresh fruit, juice, tea, and coffee. The latter two are free 24/7, plus the small bar sells drinks. Terrace seating outdoors accompanies a small lawn garden with table tennis. Two indoor lounges are well-equipped with books, DVDs, a TV, free-to-use computer, and a good assortment of games and toys. Red and black pleather sofas contrast woods here, and though dated, spaces are welcoming. A good-sized kitchen has dining ware, utensils, a large fridge, and microwaves, though note that it closed at 10 p.m. during our stay. Further practical amenities include ski and bike storage, on-site washer/dryers (at a fee), and on-site parking, which is only free through direct hotel bookings. Wi-Fi is free throughout.