Blogs from Interlaken, South-West, Switzerland, Europe - page 11

Switzerland: 28th May - 6th June 2009 We weren't supposed to go to Switzerland, but a few days before we left Florence, it seemed the right thing to do. We found an apartment in a chalet near Interlaken in a small town called Aeshi set among a dramatic landscape and beautiful lakes. We knew immediately that it was a nice place because there were plenty of senior couples seated on park benches blissfully and serenely viewing the lakes...a good sign. With that, we knew that one week here would be too short, so we decided to stay two. Before we arrived, Switzerland conjured images of numbered bank accounts, fondue, and mountains. But, reading a little about the history, I was surprised to learn that this country was another “against-all-odds” story. It started with three regions (“cantons”) ... read more

It may not come as a shock to anyone that I laughed until I cried today. However, I don't remember the last time that it happened about seven times in one day, not to only just me, but everyone who I was with. Our first activity of the day was traveling to Interlaken, a city nearly two hours away from Engelberg. Lucky for us, we had two busses, so there were no disturbances like the ones yesterday. The Victorian Jungfrau is a 5 star hotel located in this city. Gracious, it was immaculate! With rooms starting at 690 franks per night, it has the potential to go up to 5,000 franks/ night. Mere pocket change, of course... After about an hour of a tour throughout the hotel (in my most uncomfortable shoes that I own!) we ... read more

This morning we started out in Interlaken for a tour of a the Grand Hotel, a 5 star hotel in Interlaken. It was a gorgeous hotel, but it confused me because it was grand and luxurious and old on the outside, but inside it was updated and modern in parts, it just didn't seem like anything really went together. It was interesting to me how they had 2 small beds then pushed them together to make a big bed for their double rooms. The rooms were beautiful and had some great views. I wouldn't mind staying there, that's for sure. Lunch was delicious at their Pastateca as well. I had the pasta with garlic pesto and prawns. Then for desert we had some ice cream on a biscotti with rum sauce. Amazing. We then headed to ... read more

PROMPT: Describe the level of service at the hotel we visited. How was your dining experience at lunch? Discuss the zero star hotel concept. If you observed students at the hospitality school, did you notice any differences than the students at SFA? The level of service at the Victoria-Jungfrau hotel was clearly a very high caliber. All of the dining rooms featured real silver utensils which are not usually seen in everyday dining facilities. The rooms were also impeccable and very beautiful, especially the fresh fruit that was left for the guests who were arriving later that day. The service we received during lunch was fantastic. The main host was very pleasant and welcoming when we arrived. He also explained our menu to each table and made his own recommendations. The wait staff was also very ... read more

We took a big bus with a bunch of other students from Florence to Interlaken, Switzerland for a weekend...it's a close tie for my favorite city between Venice and Interlaken!... read more