Arva – Chalet am Oeschinensee — Restaurant in Kandersteg

Great hospitality. Very clean room.||But –||We were not prepared for the crush of people who visit the Oeschinensee during the day and how close they are to the property. The public restaurant terrace was just outside our door/window, and the lake trail is just on the other side of the terrace. A little farther down the trail are picnic areas with wood fire pits and campfire smoke. There are thousands of people here, and it feels more like a theme park than a place to relax in nature.||We had a balcony room, which is on the lower floor of the new building. It was noisy – you can hear voices and movements from the guests next door and above. The walls are thin and there are no rugs or other soundproofing. Plus the noise from the mobs of people at the restaurant and lakefront made it hard to rest during the day.||Food at the restaurant was good but expensive. At this price point, and given that there is nowhere else to go, they should include dinner in the cost of the lodging.||All in all, I do not think it is worth the high cost, both the direct cost of the room and also the indirect cost of having to deal with the crowds of tourists. Instead of staying overnight, I would recommend catching the first gondola in the morning, spending a few hours at the lake (hiking, having lunch, whatever), then going down to Kandersteg where you can stay in a nice hotel and eat a good meal for...

Our night at Arva was incredible, from the moment we walked onto the patio. Nicola, her family and everyone there works with so much heart to make the experience beautiful and welcoming. When we stayed for the night it felt like we were included in the family and the history of this majestic place. Nothing compares to the stillness after the crowds leave, getting to feel humbled by the mountains and lake while eating artisanal food made with love. This was our favorite night in all of Switzerland. Be sure to ask Nicola about her family’s history, they are so gracious to share such a meaningful place with everyone who visits. The bed and room were incredibly comfortable and I slept better than I have in a long time. Breakfast was also above and beyond. Nicola and her family work hard to give everyone a wonderful experience, please show them the same kindness they show all! We dream of coming back and will always remember...

Our night at Arva was incredible, from the moment we walked onto the patio. Nicola, her family and everyone there works with so much heart to make the experience beautiful and welcoming. When we stayed for the night it felt like we were included in the family and the history of this majestic place. Nothing compares to the stillness after the crowds leave, getting to feel humbled by the mountains and lake while eating artisanal food made with love. This was our favorite night in all of Switzerland. Be sure to ask Nicola about her family’s history, they are so gracious to share such a meaningful place with everyone who visits. The bed and room were incredibly comfortable and I slept better than I have in a long time. Breakfast was also above and beyond. Nicola and her family work hard to give everyone a wonderful experience, please show them the same kindness they show all! We dream of coming back and will always remember...