Quaint! That's the first word that comes to my mind for Les Pensieres. Located in a 15th century…read morebuilding, as part of the Merieux Foundation, Les Pensieres hosts public health related conferences. We were supposed to meet in Geneva for a meeting. However, the meeting organizers did not realize the fact that the Motor show is happening during the same week. Most hotels in Geneva were sold out, or ridiculously expensive. While the organizers panicked at not being able to get hotel rooms for the attendees, the Merieux Foundation graciously stepped in and agreed to provide a venue for our meeting. So, off we went to Annecy! Don't be fooled by the 15th century old school charm. Les Pensieres boasts of hi-tech facilities with video conferencing capabilities. The rooms are beautifully done, as no room is alike another. Breakfast was glorious with an assortment of cheeses (we are in the Haute-Savoie after all), charcuterie, and breads. Every lunch was an ornate 3 course affair and we tried hard to stay awake for the afternoon meetings. Les Pensieres could be an ideal location if you are vacationing in the Annecy region, but they do not let individuals rent a room to stay. You can only stay if you are part of a public health conference or organization meeting. Too bad, because I would travel to Annecy to stay here for a long weekend.

Absolutely gorgeous lakeside estate setting. It feels like you are in some show on the BBC when…read morestrolling the grounds. I was there for a scientific conference for three days and hated to leave. The food was classically French, with lunch and dinner three course menus that left you happy. The town of Annecy is a very pleasant 6km walk along the lake with many sections comprised of a boardwalk. If you ever get a chance to visit it is well worth it.

Five Stars is in the context of a traditional Swiss German Restaurant…read more Ambiance, a 10. The place is frozen in the late 1800's with a few updates like an exposed knob and tube electrical system, at least for the dining room lighting. The wait staff are dressed in traditional Haut Valais garb but unlike many places where the outfits seem too theatrical, here they just seem to naturally blend with the place and the aromas of traditional Swiss fare wafting from the kitchen and every table. If you have never eaten a Swiss rösti you must have it here because it is perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious. Once tried you will have your rösti benchmark from which to criticize all others. The meat dishes we ordered, veal, sliced cured local ham, calf's liver, were all delicious with a clean taste that told of locally raised stock. We were driving back to the Goppenstien from Zurich Airport with some tired travelers so we didn't stay for desert but what I saw looked like another trip to Reichenbach would soon be necessary.

This was a fantastic stay in Lugano. The bus station is right outside and is super convenient. It…read moretakes you all over the city. You can also walk as everything is very accessible. Our apartment was spacious and comfortable and we were very satisfied with everything. Would highly recommend!

From the owner: "Travelling is like dreaming: the only difference is…read morethat not everyone, once awaken, can recall their dream. Whereas, everyone has a vivid memory of the trip from which he has returned. " (Edgar Allan Poe)

This alpine hut is in one of the most picturesque and dramatic alpine settings you can imagine…read more The 2 hour hike to get to the hut was one of the most beautiful hikes we have ever been on--waterfalls everywhere, green, lush foliage along steep cliffs overlooking the town of Grindelwald below, groups of black and white sheep grazing on the mountainsides, four peaks of over 4000 meters looming above you... when you get close to the hut, you then have a gigantic glacier that appears to be moving down the mountain right to you. It's indescribably in words. The nice Swiss couple who run the hut are very helpful and maintain a very orderly and clean atmosphere (observe the rules!). Dorm-type room was simple but cozy--bring a sleeping bag liner sheet. Dinner was delicious, too. Highly recommend! If you are fit, love to hike, like be away from it all (no Wifi here) and love amazing mountain scenery, this is the place for you.

I am in absolute heaven! I'll have to give a more detailed review upon my return home because I…read moreonly have a few days left to enjoy my tranquil spot in the hills above Lake Como Italy.