Hotel Belvedere

My wife and I have stayed in the Belvedere Hotel before (nine times), but always in summer. We decided that we would like to experience it in winter, and particularly over the New Year period. We booked for one week, arriving the weekend after Christmas. We were picked up at the station by Emmanuel and it was nice to see a smiling face who we recognised. He took us the short distance to our hotel, where we were greeted by Salvo at the reception desk and Vincenza the hotel manager, and who always has an infectious smile. After being given the key to our room, we took the elevator to the third floor to discover that our luggage had already been delivered for us. Our room was as beautiful as ever. It's bright, warm and cosy, very clean, comfortable beds, plenty of room in the wardrobe for our clothes, and the view from the balcony to die for. Looking straight down the Lauterbrunnen Valley at the waterfalls. Mountains to the left, to the right and also straight ahead. There is also a writing desk with folders containing hotel and area information. The room also has tea and coffee making facilities and a bowl of fruit to welcome us. There is also free wi-fi in each room. The bathroom was also shining, with two wash hand basins, and a bath with an overhead shower. Ample towels were also provided. We opted for half board rather than bed and breakfast. As I have a Gluten intolerance, this was catered for by Pepe the chef, who would tell me each evening what I could and could not have, and if necessary would cook a special meal for me, though most evenings, there was ample choices provided. Breakfast had many choices, from cereals, fresh fruit, tinned fruit, cold meats, cheeses, eggs, cooked bacon, various types of bread, rolls, teas, coffee and fruit juices. As I have already touched on evening dinner, suffice to say that there was a starter of soup, various salads, and a main course with a choice of meats, fish, vegetables and starch in the form of potatoes, pastas etc. This would be followed by a choice of dessert. All in all, the best choice of meals I have ever had in the many hotels I have stayed in during my travels in various countries around the world. The Restaurant is managed by Peter Majoros, who has a good rapport with all the guests, and is also a hands on manager. He is a wealth of information on what to do in the area. In the evenings, there is a small bar to relax in, which also leads into a quieter area of seating and a reading room. On New Years Eve, there was a drinks reception before dinner, which was a special menu for the occasion. After dinner, we were entertained by a local group of cow bell ringers who came into the restaurant with their "special music". After they had dispersed, we made our way to the bar, where we were serenaded by a singer with a great voice, who had us all up dancing and even the Conga, led by Luigi the Bartender. As the clock struck 12, we were joined by the staff to welcome the New Year. What a week we had, and all thanks to the great staff in the Belvedere, who are so welcoming and friendly. A big thanks to the Restaurant staff, Pepe the chef, Peter the restaurant manager, Roberto, Michael, Christian and Francesco the waitring staff. Thanks also to Mannuela who cleaned our room every morning, Emmanuel to took us from and to the train station, Luigi the bar tender, and Salvo and Fabienne at the front desk at reception, all are very welcoming. Finally, a big thank you to Vincenza Franschinni the hotel manager. Not only a good team leader, but is very welcoming and helpful to all hotel guests. Above all she is hard working, friendly and an infectious smile. Will we return? You bet.

We spent a fantastic two weeks and found everything was up to the usual excellent standard. The staff are friendly and always very helpful from manager to humble cleaner. There is always a smile and greeting when you pass. The service is probably the best of any hotel we have stayed at and so is the food. There is a wide choice at both breakfast and dinner so guests should rarely have any problems. If there is then Peter the restaurant manager is always attentive and helpful.

The hotel is lovely and the staff wonderful! Views are incredible and our room was spacious, comfy and clean. The breakfast and service were great. Will definitely stay again on any return visit to the area.