Escape to Paradise: Hotel Appenzell, Switzerland Awaits
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Appenzell – My Swiss Adventure (With a Few Hiccups!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Hotel Appenzell, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. The kind you can’t quite put into words, the kind that leaves you craving more cheese, and possibly a therapist. But hey, that’s travel, right? Let's dive in, shall we?
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First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and let me say, Hotel Appenzell mostly delivered. They tout themselves as accessible, and things like elevators and ramps were present. HOWEVER. Getting around the sprawling property felt a bit like navigating a treasure hunt designed by a mischievous leprechaun. Some paths were a tad too… rustic (read: cobblestone, uneven) for easy wheelchair maneuvering. The front desk was great about providing assistance, though – HUGE props to them.
(Accessibility: Partially accessible, needs some improvement. Big shout out to the staff!)
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges: I managed to access the main restaurant, which felt like something out of a fairytale – exposed beams, twinkling lights… and the aroma of fondue! (More on THAT later). The Poolside Bar, however, was a bit of a trek. Needed a bit more signage to truly take advantage of.
Speaking of the Restaurant (and Food, Glorious Food!)
The Dining, drinking, and snacking situation was where this place really shone, then sometimes stumbled. Let's break it down:
- Restaurants: Multiple! That's a win. From the formal dining room (where I swear, I saw a chandelier winking at me) to the more casual Coffee shop.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Oh. My. God. The breakfast. Forget the diet. Forget your worries. We're talking mountains of Swiss cheese (of course!), perfectly cooked eggs, fresh fruit, pastries that vanished faster than my common sense. It was international cuisine; I felt like I had to try some Asian cuisine.
- A la carte in restaurant: Was also available, which was a good option on certain days (or if I'd overdone the buffet, which…happened). Shoutout to the Chef with the fantastic Asian food, he knew what he was doing!
- Bar: Cocktail hour was a must. The bartenders are magicians, crafting concoctions as beautiful as the scenery. They even had Happy hour! Score!
- Snack bar: Was there, which was ideal when you're in between spa treatments and need a quick bite. The Desserts in restaurant were a work of art.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They happily catered to dietary needs. Bless their hearts.
- Bottle of water: Plentiful. Hydration is KEY, folks.
(Dining: Generally fantastic, a highlight! Breakfast is legendary. 10/10 would recommend, and I did over-recommend to some people, so they kept coming back!)
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pools, and… Saunas?!
Okay, this is where the "Paradise" part really kicked in. Honestly, I did not think I was a spa person. Wrong!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool with a view? Yep. It offered some of the most relaxing views you've ever seen
- Spa: The Spa/sauna experience was simply divine. I wanted to try the Body scrub, Body wrap.
- Sauna: I'm not sure I'm a sauna person, but I gave it a shot.
- Steamroom: I'm not a steamroom person, but I gave it a shot, too!
- Gym/fitness: I saw people using it - honestly, I was too busy eating cheese.
(Ways to relax: Pure blissful indulgence. The spa experience alone is worth the trip!)
Rooms… My Castle (Mostly!)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub…All the basics were covered.
- Room decorations The rooms were lovely, the décor was classic, clean and minimalist (maybe a touch too minimalist for my tastes, but hey, I'm not complaining!). The Blackout curtains kept the light out while I slept.
- Internet access [free]: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! (Okay, let's be real, I’m a digital nomad at heart). The Wi-Fi was pretty reliable, which was a lifesaver when I needed to check emails or post photos to Instagram (because, duh).
- In-room safe box: Thank goodness, because Switzerland is famously safe, but better safe than sorry!
- Mini bar: Well-stocked with the usual suspects. Let's be honest, I used it.
- Soundproof rooms: Crucial for the party animal across the hall.
- Wake-up service: Was in place!
(Rooms: Comfortable, functional, with a few extra touches.)
Cleanliness and Safety – Did Someone Say OCD?
Now, this is where Hotel Appenzell really impressed me. With the current climate, I'm perpetually a bit worried and I was so happy with this place.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: EVERYWHERE.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Absolutely.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to have it down pat.
- Safe dining setup: Everything was spaced and sanitized effectively.
(Cleanliness and Safety: Top marks! I felt safe and cared for, which makes a huge difference.)
The "Things to Do" List (Besides Eating Everything)
- Bicycle parking: They encouraged cycling. Good for the environment and a chance to burn off some cheese calories.
- Car park [free of charge]: A huge bonus. Parking in Switzerland can be a nightmare.
- Concierge: Super helpful, arranging tours, and giving local advice.
- Gift/souvenir shop: I might have bought a cuckoo clock. Don't judge me.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for a post-spa cocktail.
- Terrace: Enjoy a drink, enjoy the view.
- Family/child friendly: Kids meal included! Babysitting service!
(Things to do: Plenty to keep you occupied, from exploring the local area to simply relaxing by the pool.)
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Truth:
Okay, here's the messy, imperfect truth. The hotel wasn't perfect. There were moments when service felt a tad stretched (perhaps not enough staff at peak times?). The cobblestone paths, as I mentioned before, could be tricky. And while the décor was lovely, it occasionally felt a little… stuffy.
But honestly? That's part of the charm. It makes it feel less like a sterile hotel and more like a genuine experience.
(The Verdict: Hotel Appenzell is well recommended)
Final Word:
Would I go back? Absolutely. Hotel Appenzell offers a unique blend of luxury, relaxation, and Swiss authenticity. It's a place to escape, to indulge, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Just… maybe pack some comfy shoes for those cobblestones. And definitely, definitely go for the breakfast. You won't regret it.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Appenzell adventure at the Hotel Appenzell – a place that, frankly, I'm hoping lives up to the hype. This is less a perfectly-plotted itinerary and more a chaotic, glorious tapestry woven with cheese fondue, breathtaking scenery, and the inevitable existential crises only a solo traveler can truly embrace.
Day 1: Arrival & Appenzeller Apologies (and a Cheese-Induced Crisis)
- 12:00 PM: Landed at Zurich Airport. Swiss efficiency? Honestly, they practically expect you to breeze through. I almost felt…underwhelmed? (Don't tell anyone I said that). The train to Appenzell was a dream – rolling green hills, cows with ridiculously fluffy ears, and that smell of fresh mountain air. Breathe it in, they tell you. I, of course, inhaled deeply, almost tripped over my luggage, and landed in a slightly undignified heap. Note to self: practice grace before arriving in the land of… well, practically everything that's elegant.
- 2:00 PM: Hotel Appenzell Check-in. Sweet baby Jesus, the view from my room! Mountains, clouds…it's like a Bob Ross painting, but, you know, real. The hotel is, like, impossibly charming. Think gingerbread house meets Swiss chalet sophistication. Felt immediately at peace, which is a dangerous thing.
- 3:00 PM: Wander through the town. Appenzell is… tiny. Like, postcard-perfect tiny. Cobblestone streets, painted building facades, and cows, cows everywhere. Found myself talking to a grumpy cat sitting on a windowsill. He seemed unimpressed. I get it, grumpy cat. Travel is stressful, even when it's beautiful. Also, purchased a ridiculously overpriced cowbell. Don't judge.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a Tradional Restaurant. The recommendation from the hotel! First, the cheese fondue. Oh. My. God. It was an experience. Dipping crusty bread into molten cheesy heaven? Pure bliss. Then I had an existential crisis. Am I just a cheesy bread-dipping machine now? Is this all my life has led up to? And why am I already feeling so full? This is the type of food I will have here, and that's more than perfect.
- 8:30 PM: Stumbling back to the hotel. Possibly a little too much Kirsch. Found myself humming a Swiss yodeling song I’d just learned. Now I'm pretty sure people are going to start avoiding me. I don’t blame them.
Day 2: Hike, Hisses, and High Altitude Hilarity (and possibly a breakdown)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Hotel. Fresh bread, local jam, and, of course, more cheese. Started to feel more confident I could survive the world after a coffee.
- 10:00 AM: Hike to Säntis. Decided to be ambitious and take the cable car up to the peak of Säntis. The panoramic views from up there are absolutely surreal. Truly breathtaking. Had a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. Until the wind picked up, and I almost blew away. Seriously, felt like Mary Poppins, minus the umbrella and the… well, the charm.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Säntis summit restaurant. Tried the sausage and rosti. A hearty meal, perfect for warming up after almost being blown off a mountain. The altitude, however, was getting to me. Felt a bit lightheaded, and started questioning my life choices (again). Why Switzerland? Why now? Why am I so incapable of looking cool on top of a mountain.
- 3:00 PM: Descending the Säntis. The cable car ride back down felt eerily quiet. I was not ready to go down.
- 4:00 PM: Wandering through the town. Found a tiny chocolate shop and bought a ridiculously expensive chocolate cow. Fell in love with it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Hotel. More traditional food. I ate more cheese and drank some Appenzeller Bier. I tried to be a local, it's just to hard.
Day 3: Farewell Fondue & Flight
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Farewell to all the cheese I've eaten, I think. I had enough of everything for a few days.
- 10:00 AM: Wander and shopping. One last stroll through town to pick up some (more) souvenirs. Tried to barter for a cuckoo clock but failed miserably. Swiss efficiency, remember? And now I have to pack everything.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. Got advice from another tourist about packing more souvenirs.
- 2:00 PM: Head to the train station. It's a long way back. Oh. My. Gods.
- 3:00 PM: Going to the airport. I can do it. It will be fine!
Final Thoughts:
Appenzell, you magnificent, utterly charming, occasionally wind-blasted, cheese-filled paradox. You were a trip. A glorious, messy, occasionally anxiety-inducing trip. Would I go back? Absolutely. Though next time, I'm bringing a parachute, a personal cheese-fondue sous-chef, and a serious dose of zen. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn to yodel before I get there. Wish me luck.
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Okay, So... Appenzell? Where *Even* Is That? And Why Should I Care?
Alright, so picture this: You're tired. Like, *bone-deep* tired of the same old, same old. Work's a grind, the news is depressing, and your social media feed is just a parade of filtered perfection. That's where Appenzell comes in, baby. It's in Switzerland. Yes, *Switzerland*. That place that looks unbelievably perfect in all the travel brochures. But Appenzell? It's Switzerland's slightly-less-polished, more-charming little sibling.
Think rolling green hills, cowbells serenading you with their gentle clang, and houses that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale (seriously, the painted facades are *amazing*). It's a little slice of heaven, basically. And you should care because... well, sometimes you just need to escape and remind yourself that beauty still exists. Plus, the cheese. Oh GOD, the cheese.
The Hotel: Is it Actually Paradise? Or Just... Expensive?
Look, I’m not gonna lie. "Escape to Paradise" is a *bold* name. And, yes, it’s Switzerland. So, be prepared to spend a little. But the Hotel Appenzell itself? I'd say it leans more towards 'idyllic getaway with a side of slightly-less-skinny wallet' than 'bank-breaking nightmare'.
The rooms are charming, not necessarily palatial, but definitely comfortable and clean. I had a room with a balcony overlooking the town... *chef's kiss*. Waking up to that view? Priceless. Kidding! Probably not. But the point is, it's *worth* a little extra, especially if you're stressed and need a proper reset. You know, the kind where you actually feel the stress melt away, instead of *just* telling yourself you are. However, the tiny elevator and the slightly dated decor? Well, it adds to the charm... *eventually*. Embrace the imperfection!
Cowbells. Seriously? Won't I Go Insane?
Okay, the cowbells. Yes, they're a thing. And yes, at first, it's kind of like that kid at school who *never* stops tapping their pen. Annoying. You're like, "Seriously, cows? All day? ALL NIGHT?".
My first morning, I jumped out of bed, convinced a herd of rogue bovine were about to invade my room. Turns out, it was just the gentle *dong* of a nearby bell. But here's the catch -- after a day or two? It becomes strangely… soothing. It's the soundtrack to slow living. You start to *expect* it. Before you know it, you’re actually *missing* when the cows are off grazing, and silence reigns. It’s a bizarre form of acoustic Stockholm Syndrome, I tell ya!
There's also the added benefit of being able to tell the time by the sound of the cowbells. The 10 o'clock bell always sounds different somehow, maybe its a bit more resonant... It helps if you are a bit neurotic like me, I should know.
Food, Glorious Food! What's the Grub Situation? (And Are We Talking Cheese Fondue Every Night?)
Alright, about the food. First things first: YES, you *will* eat cheese fondue. At least once. Maybe twice. Possibly three times. And it's gonna be *amazing*. Beyond that cheesy goodness, the Hotel Appenzell has a pretty solid restaurant.
I remember *this one night*. Ugh, the memory alone makes my mouth water. I ordered the... (searches furiously through mental files) ...the *Kalbsgeschnetzeltes*. Veal in cream sauce, with rosti potatoes that were crisp on the outside, fluffy inside. Seriously, the best potatoes of my LIFE. And the wine? Perfect pairing, I swear! Okay, I'm rambling. The point is, the food is hearty, flavorful, and uses local ingredients. Prepare to loosen your belt a notch (or three).
The breakfast buffet is also a win, with a decent selection of meats, cereals, fruits, and, of course, more cheese. (See? I told you.) Just... pace yourself. It's tempting to stuff your face at the beginning, but you're there for more than just a food coma. Though that's definitely a bonus.
What's There To *Do* Aside From Eating and, Well, *Existing* Happily?
Okay, so "doing" stuff in Appenzell involves a different kind of energy. It's not about rushing around, ticking off tourist traps. It's about *slowing down*. Think scenic hikes, leisurely bike rides, and simply wandering around the incredibly charming town. There’s a little museum in the town square that’s surprisingly engaging. I wasn't expecting to love it, but I found myself completely fascinated by the local crafts and customs.
But honestly? My best memory of the trip was just *sitting*. Sitting on a bench, overlooking the valley, reading a book. Or just *staring* at the ridiculously perfect scenery. Taking a nap in a meadow (yes, really). It was pure blissful nothingness, and I needed it more than I knew.
Also, there is a cable car that takes you up to some very high peaks. Do that! The views are phenomenal. I wish I was better at hiking. Actually, I might need to work on my fitness before I go back. But it really doesn't matter if you are athletic or not - I mean, just be up in the mountains, and that is enough!
The Staff! Are They Friendly? Or Just... Swiss?
Okay, cultural stereotype time! The Swiss? They have a reputation for, shall we say, *efficiency*. And sometimes, a touch of reserve. But at the Hotel Appenzell? The staff were genuinely lovely. I swear, they all had like… permanent smiles. Not the creepy, forced kind, but the authentic, "we-actually-enjoy-working-here" kind.
The receptionist was super helpful with tips on where to go and what to see. And the service in the restaurant was impeccable. I think my biggest hurdle was ordering. Speaking German? Nonexistent. Smiling and pointing? Expert level. Somehow, everyone understood me. It was a marvel. They made me feel genuinely welcome. Maybe it's the fresh mountain air, or maybe they’re just inherently nice people. Either way, it made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Any Dealbreakers? What Could Go Wrong?
