Swiss & Austrian Accommodations
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ABOVE: A mother and her children enjoy Schlaf im Stroh ("Sleep in Straw") accommodations in Switzerland.

Farmhouse stays

If you have children, or if you've always dreamed of milking a cow, consider spending a few days or a week on a Swiss or Austrian farm. This obviously works best if you're renting a car, since you can then use the farm as a base for excursions.

The Schlaf im Stroh ("Sleep in Straw") program of the Swiss Farmers Association is another popular option. During the summer, when cows are moved to alpine pastures, many farmers turn their barns into rustic hostels for hikers, families, nature lovers, and youth groups. The rockbottom price includes breakfast.

Camping

Switzerland and Austria offer several hundred campgrounds. Like hotels, they have one- to five-star ratings depending on the services and luxury they offer. Most are open from spring through fall. Local tourist offices can point you in the right direction.

Youth hostels

Nearly every Swiss or Austrian town of any size has at least one youth hostel. These modern, well-equipped establishments typically offer two- to four-bedded rooms instead of old-style dormitory accommodations, and many are surprisingly luxurious. They're a great value for travelers of all ages.

For more information, see these articles:

Travel Planner: Accommodations 
Use these seven illustrated pages of links to find hotel rooms, hostels, farmhouse accommodations, vacation rentals, etc. in Switzerland and Austria. From my Switzerland & Austria Travel Planner.

Swiss Hotel Rooms
Switzerland's beds and bedding aren't designed for hanky-panky, and the toilets can be tricky.

Swiss and Austrian Hostels
On a budget? Stay at 160+ comfortable hostels that cater to individuals, families, and groups of all ages.

Schlaf im Stroh
Who says Switzerland is an expensive country? With the "Sleep in Straw" program, you can hit the hay on 300+ Swiss farms for a few francs per night--including breakfast.

Affordable Zürich Hotels
A guide to three Zürich hotels in the low to medium price range: the Franziskaner, the Du Théâtre, and the Limmathof.

Pension St. Josef and Gästehaus Martahaus, Zürich
Clean, comfortable rooms in central Zürich can be surprisingly inexpensive.

Hotel Restaurant Goldener Schlüssel, Bern
For location and price, this hotel in the Swiss capital's medieval center is hard to beat. Rooms are on the austere side, but you'll get an excellent breakfast in the hotel's attractive restaurant.

Riffelalp Resort, Zermatt
Nearly 40 years after the legendary Riffelalp Grand Hotel was destroyed by fire, a new and more intimate resort hotel occupies its site on a mountain plateau overlooking the Matterhorn and Zermatt, Switzerland.

Charming Small Hotel Guides
The Charming Small Hotel Guides for Austria and Switzerland focus on inns that offer atmosphere with a personal touch. My review includes sample hotel descriptions from both books.

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Photo: © Switzerland Tourism. All rights reserved.

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