Grindelwald's Hidden Gem: Hotel Kreuz & Post - Unforgettable Swiss Alps Stay
Grindelwald's Hidden Gem: Hotel Kreuz & Post - An Unforgettable Swiss Alps Stay (My Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Hotel Kreuz & Post in Grindelwald, Switzerland, and I'm still buzzing. Forget picture-perfect Instagram feeds; this is a real-deal, honest-to-goodness review, complete with all the nitty-gritty, the highs, the lows, and that slightly-too-much-fondue bloat. Because let’s be real, no hotel review is complete without a little bit of personal chaos, right?
(Metadata for the SEO Gods: Hotel Kreuz & Post, Grindelwald, Swiss Alps, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurant, Review, Honeymoon, Family Friendly, Free Wifi, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain View)
Arrival & Accessibility: The Swiss Alps, and My (Mostly) Smooth Landing.
First off, the location. Grindelwald is breathtaking. Seriously. I almost tripped over my own feet within five minutes of arrival just staring at the Eiger. Now, the Kreuz & Post is smack-dab in the middle of it all, which is fantastically convenient. Getting there was easy, even with the airport transfer they organized – smooth as Swiss chocolate, and they even offered a car park [free of charge]! Bonus! They even had a car power charging station for those eco-friendly travelers!
Now, accessibility is a HUGE deal for me (literally and figuratively, after all that fondue). The hotel boasts Facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator was a godsend. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I am prone to carrying way too much luggage (souvenirs, people, souvenirs!), and the lift saved my back. I also noticed CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, making me feel a whole lot safer. A definite plus! They also had access like the Check-in/out [express] which was great and Check-in/out [private] a nice touch, not sure I really needed it but it was there.
Rooms: My Cozy, Cluttered Swiss Sanctuary.
Alright, let’s talk rooms. I snagged a non-smoking room (thank goodness, because I'm a sensitive soul). The Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver (gotta update those Insta stories, you know!), and the Internet access – wireless was speedy. They also offered Internet access – LAN, but who uses LAN anymore? My room was surprisingly quiet, thanks to those soundproof rooms, which was much appreciated, especially after a rambunctious day of hiking.
The room itself? Cozy. Very cozy. It had, let's see…Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, (YES!), Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains (essential for beating jet lag), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (vital!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (a definite win), Desk, Extra long bed the Hair dryer (did the job), In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities (thank god, because I was wrinkling up fast), Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (always a temptation!), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (which I strategically avoided), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, and a Window that opens. The list is impressive, right? Okay, maybe not super fancy, but it was clean, comfortable, and had everything you actually need.
The Spa: My Personal Paradise (Mostly).
Oh, the spa. My spa. This is where Kreuz & Post really shines. I practically lived in the Sauna and Steamroom. The Pool with view? Forget about it. I spent hours, just, staring at the mountains. It was pure zen. They also have a more standard Swimming pool [outdoor], a Spa, a Spa/sauna all that jazz. Pure bliss. I'm not much for all the bells and whistles of a Body scrub or Body wrap, but just the sheer quiet and beauty made the whole experience worth every penny. They also have a Gym/fitness (yawn), but I was getting enough exercise just walking around, and the view from the pool was more appealing.
Dining: Fondue, Glorious Fondue – and a Few Hiccups.
Okay, let's be brutally honest: the food was a mixed bag. The Breakfast [buffet] was fantastic. Fresh croissants, yogurt, muesli, all the usual suspects. They even had a Asian breakfast option, which was interesting, but I stuck with my usual Western suspects. They do a killer Breakfast takeaway service – perfect for those early-morning hikes.
The on-site Restaurants include a Vegetarian restaurant. I'm so happy to see a restaurant that values Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service.
Now, dinner… that's where things got a little… complicated. The A la carte in restaurant was good, but I was really there for the fondue, you know? I'm pretty sure I consumed my weight in melted cheese. The International cuisine in restaurant also had some good choices. They even offered Alternative meal arrangement. The Soup in restaurant was a definite hit! The Desserts in restaurant? Sinfully delicious. I probably put on five pounds just looking at them.
The downsides? The service in the evening felt a little… slow. One night, getting a simple salad felt like an epic quest. The Coffee/tea in restaurant wasn’t amazing, felt it was probably from a machine. Oh, and the Happy hour was happy, but the cocktails were a little on the… potent side. (Whoops!)
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID Concerns & Comfort.
I'm a bit of a germophobe, so I was super impressed with their COVID precautions. The Rooms sanitized between stays, they had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They offer Cashless payment service. I saw the staff using Professional-grade sanitizing services and they offered Room sanitization opt-out available. They also have Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Safe dining setup, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. To be honest, I felt safer there than I did at my local grocery store! Also, they had a First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call, but thankfully, I didn't need either! The Hygiene certification really puts your mind at ease.
Services & Conveniences: Beyond the Fondue, a Helping Hand.
The hotel had a surprising number of services. The concierge was helpful, and the Daily housekeeping kept things tidy. They offer Invoice provided, a Food delivery, and the Luggage storage was a lifesaver. The Laundry service was great, and the Dry cleaning came in handy. The location has a Gift/souvenir shop. I didn’t use the Babysitting service, but it's there if you need it! I didn’t go to any Meetings either.
Oh, and that terrace! Perfect for an afternoon Aperol Spritz, soaking up the sun (when it appeared!), and just generally contemplating the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Honestly, it’s moments like those that make travel worthwhile.
For the Kids: Family Fun?
I didn’t bring any offspring, so I can't personally vouch for the Kids facilities. But they had a Family/child friendly vibe, so I imagine it would be a great place to bring the little monsters.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Getting around was super easy. The hotel offers Airport transfer and Taxi service, as well as Car park [on-site].
Overall: Worth the Trip? Absolutely!
Look, the Hotel Kreuz & Post isn't perfect. The evening dining service could be snappier, the cocktails could be a little less potent, and I could probably live without the five extra pounds. But honestly? I loved it. The location is unbeatable, the spa is pure bliss, and the staff, despite the occasional service hiccup, were genuinely friendly and helpful. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. This hotel is a true hidden gem in Grindelwald.
My Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Fondue Pots (and maybe a slightly-too-strong cocktail).
Unbelievable Cloud Views in Gapyeong-gun: South Korea's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-planned Swiss itinerary. This is a diary of my, shall we say, unconventional adventure at the Hotel Kreuz & Post in Grindelwald. Be warned: it's going to get messy.
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and Absurd Breakfasts
Morning (aka, the Great Zurich Debacle): Landed in Zurich. Thought I was smart, pre-booked the train to Grindelwald. Turns out, I’m about as spatially aware as a goldfish on a bender. Missed my connection. Cue mild panic, followed by a frantic scramble for the next train, fueled by lukewarm instant coffee and the crushing realization that I'd already spent more on Swiss chocolate than my daily food budget. Note to self: Learn basic German phrases, especially the ones involving "train delays" and "where's the blasted bathroom?"
Afternoon (finally, Grindelwald!): The journey got better, I have to admit. The scenery? Jaw-dropping. Majestic mountains, fluffy clouds kissing the peaks, cows with bells bigger than my head. I mean, come on, Switzerland, you're showing off! Rolled into Grindelwald, finally, after what felt like an eternity. The Hotel Kreuz & Post is… well, it's charming. "Rustic charm" is the politically correct term. I'm going with "slightly creaky, but undeniably cool." Checked in, breathed in the crisp mountain air (felt like instant detox, honestly), and collapsed on the bed.
Evening (Breakfast Buffets and Existential Dread): Dinner was okay; they have a lot of meat, cheese, and potatoes. Oh, god, the breakfast, though. The buffet! This is where things got interesting. The vastness of the breakfast buffet. I thought there was freedom, but I was wrong, was very wrong. And I began to understand the dark heart of travel after consuming approximately eight different types of cheese and a croissant the size of my face. Existential moment: Is this what my life has become? Grazing on dairy products in a Swiss hotel? Is this peak human existence? I still don't know, but boy, was that cheese good.
Day 2: Mountain High, Valley Low (and Lost Gloves)
- Morning (Eiger Dreams and a Near-Miss): Decided to be an adventurous one today. Gondola up to Eiger Glacier? Yes, please! Woke up giddy, ready to conquer the world. Got on the train, but it was cold, oh so cold. Why didn't I bring gloves? Where are my gloves?
- Afternoon (Adventures): After a minor freak-out and a borrowed scarf that smelled faintly of pine, I started hiking. The views were, quite frankly, insane. Seriously, photos don't do it justice. The scale of the mountain… it's humbling. I wandered around, marveling at the immensity of it all, and fell again and again. It's exhilarating. Found a tiny, hidden waterfall, sat there for an hour just listening to the sound of the water and the wind. Pure bliss. Got back to the hotel with legs that felt like overcooked spaghetti and a heart full of something that felt like pure joy.
- Evening (Alpine glow, plus the Great Glove Mystery): Back at the hotel, nursing sore muscles. Ate dinner. Looking out the window, I saw the mountains lit up with the alpine glow. It was like something from a fairytale, and I felt really peaceful. Where are my gloves? Where did I leave them?
Day 3: Interlaken, Chocolate, and the Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing
- Morning (Interlaken: Tourist Central): Day trip to Interlaken, the adventure capital of the world! Or so they say. It was… busy. Very, VERY busy. Dodged selfie sticks, endured the sounds of a million languages, and felt a general sense of overwhelm. Found a quiet spot by Lake Thun and just watched the ducks. They looked very relaxed.
- Afternoon (Chocolate Heaven): Found a chocolate shop! The best chocolate shop. Swiss chocolate is not a myth, people. It’s real, and it's glorious. Ate more chocolate than I'm prepared to admit. Felt utterly, wonderfully decadent.
- Evening (Hotel and the Art of Doing Nothing): Back at the hotel, feeling slightly chocolate-buzzed and strangely peaceful. Did absolutely nothing. Sat in the lounge, watched the fire, and read a book. It's important to incorporate moments of nothingness. My mind was blank, my body relaxed. The joy of doing absolutely nothing.
Day 4: Farewell to Grindelwald and Chocolate Dreams
Morning (One Last Breakfast): Said goodbye to the breakfast buffet with a mixture of relief and sadness. One last croissant, just to be sure. One last cheese. You know, for research.
Afternoon (The Long Goodbye and the Glove Search Continues): Train back to Zurich. The views were just as stunning as on the way in. Thought about Grindelwald and a certain hidden waterfall. Note to self: Find gloves.
Evening (Zurich and Departure): Final moments in Zurich. Ate dinner. Then, just like that, it was over. I flew home, and my mind was still buzzing with the memories of the Swiss Alps and the joy of doing nothing. My gloves are still missing, and I'm sure I'll return to Switzerland someday.
Final Thoughts: Switzerland, you magnificent, slightly strange, and incredibly beautiful place. I will be back – once I've mastered the art of packing. And maybe after I've learned to find my gloves.
Grindelwald's Hidden Gem: Hotel Kreuz & Post - FAQ (Because I needed to rant... I mean, inform!)
So, is the Hotel Kreuz & Post REALLY a "Hidden Gem"? Or just... hidden?
What kind of rooms are we talking about? Are we sleeping on a cow's backside, or... ?
How's the food? Because, Switzerland. Chocolate and cheese, basically, right?
What about the staff? Are they frosty like the glaciers, or… actually friendly?
Is there a spa or any sort of relaxation facilities?
What kind of activities are available around the hotel? Hiking? Skiing? Cow-tipping (just kidding... mostly)?
Any downsides? Because, you know, *nothing* is perfect.
