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Mountain Hostel
Average Rating Out of 5 Thumbs Up:
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Reviewed By:
Sara (September 3, 2005)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
This was a great hostel for a few days, but there were almost no
people there while I was. It was a Friday in July, so I don't know if people
just don't know that it's so nice. Very clean, with a great breakfast in the
morning, big lockers and a nice outdoor kitchen in the back. Not everything
was great though, the showers and washrooms were on the ground floor, so you
have to walk from the second or third floor in a towel. Also the location
wasn't great, since it is in Grund, basically a suburb of Grindelwald, and you
have to walk for twenty minutes uphill or take the train to get into town.
Nice staff though, with a great common area, if I had had more than one or two
people to share it with. I had a great time in Grindelwald though, it's a
beautiful town with amazing views and hiking. It's totally worth a stay at the
Mountain Hostel.
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Reviewed By:
Tane (February 13, 2005)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
Of all the hostels my girlfriend and I stayed in on our 3 month
Europe trek, this was probably our favorite. We were there in July 04. Loved
the snuggly "couples" dorm- and the crazy cow song to wake us up in the
morning. Spectacular views, great people and staff. Very chilled out relaxing
atmosphere with plenty of hikes and climbs to do. Way better than the extreme
sport hostels in Interlaken!
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Reviewed By:
Meg (February 13, 2005)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
The atmosphere here was great! Everyone was cooking dinner together
and hanging out in the evenings. Location can't be beat! It was clean, no
problems at all with bed bugs. The owners have rules and run a tight ship but
were mostly friendly. I can't wait to go back!
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Reviewed By:
Sebastian (February 13, 2005)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
This is a magical place. I can suggest going slightly out of season,
both to have a little more space (less chance of getting woken up first thing
in the morning by groups aiming to catch the first gondola down for their
flight), and because it gives the owners people to chat to. The couple who own
the hostel are exceptionally nice people, especially when you start getting to
grip with the Swiss humor, smile and they'll really look after you. The beds
are your standard bunk affair, some dorms have these sort of double bunks, but
after a days hiking you will sleep like a baby anyway.
Watch out though, the place has a habit of keeping people. My three days turned
to six weeks and I witnessed many similar events. On the plus side if you do
stay for more than a couple of days you'll soon be as strong as a bear as a
little hiking gives sensational views and hard hiking will take you to places
which change you.
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Reviewed By:
Aaron (December 5, 2004)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
first of all...nicolas you judge too quickly
the owners of the hostel are beautiful and kind people. i assure you that you
got the wrong vibe and ran with it. they're swiss, not american. they are
reserved and fair, not arrogant and loud like maybe you are used to.
the bedbug thing you have also blown out of proportion. you make the place
sound dingy and unsanitary. i have been there several times and never had any
experience..directly or indirectly with bedbugs.
the hostel is the best place ive been in europe and one of the best in the
world. balmers in interlaken is a good place to go if you like to hang out
with frat trash team shirt wearing rich kids from the states. If you dont like
that atmosphere, and want a place that is serene, beautiful and picturesque and
where you can meet the best people on earth, go to the mountain hostel.
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Reviewed By:
Chris (December 5, 2004)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
I love the Mountain Hostel!! I came only to stay for two days;
didn't leave for 3 weeks. The issue with bed bugs: entire time I was there no
such thing. I suppose, the luck of the straw and the travelers at the time.
You really can't beat the family atmosphere, not only the people that own the
hostel but the travelers. You become one big family. As for food, there is a
market in Murren that is only 25 min walk, or a few minute cable ride. If you
really want to see the Alps this is the place to come. Remember that being in
a different culture people may seem to have an "attitude" but it's not Disney
World.
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Reviewed By:
Mark (September 26, 2004)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
I would have to agree completely with Nicholas about the owners'
attitude and the bedbugs. I have strong allergic reactions to insect bites, so
I had a horrible time during the 3 nights I stayed at the hostel (Jun 04). My
girlfriend is the complete opposite - absolutely no allergies, yet even she had
large groups of bedbug bites all over and had to see a doctor after we returned
for medication to bring the swelling down.
I had the same experience Nicholas did with the owners - the lady running the
place was happily chatting with the group checking in before us, but once it
was our turn and we asked her something her attitude became very frosty.
On the other hand, the other travellers you'll meet in the hostel are
fantastic, and the views and hiking simply can't be beat. If you do decide to
stay at the Mountain Hostel, just be prepared.
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Reviewed By:
Cheryl (August 1, 2004)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
I think it really depends on what you're looking for. This hostel
has GORGEOUS (can't stress this enough) views, and nice people. On the cons
side is that it's a long (and somewhat expensive) trip down to Interlaken for
food/activities/etc. I stayed there my whole time in Switzerland and looking
back I would probably split it between here and a place IN Interlaken.
That said, I thought the place was very nice. You can leave right from there
and go hiking (we did the hike to Shark's Tooth). The owners were fine to us,
but not overly friendly like a lot of people have mentioned. I think there's a
lot of people that come back each year b/c there was lots of welcoming and
partying from them.
The bed (not bed(s) plural) is one long one along the whole wall, so if you're
not comfortable sleeping next to someone, go elsewhere. We stayed in the
"girls" room, there's also one for guys, a mixed, and a family room. The
bathroom was very clean but basic. They had one mixed bathroom, with a long
feeding trough as the sink :) The showers did cost 1 Franc but I thought it
was worth it b/c they were clean and had hot water.
They have Internet access but it was broken when I was there (and expensive
anyways). They have a little general store, which is good b/c there's no where
else to buy it unless you go back down the mountain. Don't miss the last
gondola or you'll be stuck, they only run during the day.
Nice hostel, gorgeous views, probably not quite what I expected but nice
nonetheless.
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Reviewed By:
Jennifer (October 9, 2003)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
Absolutely breathtaking view, plenty of nice things to
see. The staff is unbelievably knowledgeable, helpful
and friendly. The people there were amazing. It was
spotless clean, the showers were hot, although they were
1 franc. The rooms were good, except for the beds a
little too stuck together. No lockers but safety comes
with the place. It was amazing, I recommend it to
anyone, I'm going back! |
Reviewed By:
Nicholas (October 1, 2003)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
The
hostel is situated in good spot if you like hiking, but
there are a few big problems. First, there are bed bugs.
For those of you who have never had or known anyone who
has had bed bugs, let me tell you that it sucks. You
develop little rashes all over your body, like dozens of
what look like really big mosquito bites. Instead of
owning up though, the owners told me that I must have
allergies, which I don't. This brings me to my second
issue, that being the attitude of the owners, which is
that they are doing you a really big favor my letting
you stay at their hostel. I asked a few questions when I
first checked in, and the woman (it is owned by a
husband and wife couple) was so put off by this. But it
wasn't just this encounter...every time I came in
contact with them...it suffices to say that the
atmosphere is far from friendly. The only reason I gave
this hostel 2 stars is because of it's location. But
there are a lot of small towns in the area with cheap
places to stay, and I recommend you look into one of
those instead, or if you like a party atmosphere, stay
at Balmer's in nearby Interlaken. Never been there
myself, but have heard nothing but good reviews of it.
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Reviewed By:
Marc (May 22, 2003)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
Throughout my 3 months of travelling in Europe, this was
by far my favorite stop. The surroundings were awe
inspiring and the people were just as amazing. Group
meals were cooked together and breathtaking hikes and
skiing occupied the days. I made friends I have seen
well past my stay there. |
Reviewed By:
Amanda (March 22, 2003)
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
AMAZING!!! This was my favorite hostel in Europe. You
arrive by cable car to a remote village completely
surrounded by the Swiss Alps. The hostel is incredibly
clean, the staff are very friendly and make you feel as
if you are part of their family. The people you meet at
this hostel are among the nicest and most interesting
people you will meet on your backpacking trip. The
shower facilities and kitchen are fabulous. They wake
you up with historical music in the morning and it's
such a great experience! Hiking trails go in every
direction right from your door step. ABSOLUTELY
AMAZING!!!!!! |
Reviewed By:
Jeff
Type of Room Stayed In: Dormitory
Rating:
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Review:
This is my favorite hostel in Europe. The hostel is
clean has a great kitchen and nice bathrooms. It is
clean and well maintained. The best part about it is the
location. The scenery is amazing!! I met a lot of great
people here. |
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