My trip to Interlaken, Switzerland, was the first overnight trip I’ve taken since arriving in Italy, so I did a lot of research to make sure that I chose the perfect place to stay. And my research definitely paid off. I booked a room for three nights at Hotel Rugenpark, a small B&B run by a young couple, Chris and Ursula. Chris is American and Ursula is dual nationality (British-Swiss); they have been married for about three years and are really living the dream by running this delightful inn in Interlaken.
I was given a single room on the first floor (which in Europe is actually the second floor). My room, simply decorated, had the feel of a cabin, which I really liked. I had a small balcony with a table and chairs, complete with a view of the snow-covered Alps. Wow! The hotel is a short walk from the train station, away from town, meaning that it’s off the beaten path, making it much quieter. But Interlaken is so small that I could walk everywhere.
I slept like a baby the first night, and when I awoke, I went down for breakfast. The spread was wonderful: breads, jams, butter, cheeses, meats, nutella, fruit, juice, and other treats. And best of all was cereal with milk. I know that sounds crazy, but it had been five weeks since I’d had cereal and milk for breakfast. What a treat!
Yes, my room and the breakfast were great. But what makes this inn really special are the owners, which I already knew through my research. The moment I walked through the door, there was Chris greeting me with a smile and a glass of, and this I couldn’t believe, sweet iced tea! (You see, it turns out that Chris is from Virginia and, therefore, knows how great sweet tea is!) After showing me around the place, he then proceeded to help me out with things to do. I had decided to take the train the next day to Jungfraujoch (more on that later), and Chris arranged everything, including printing my train ticket. I’ve never had such personal service in any place I’ve ever stayed.
And I would be remiss not to mention Monty, Chris and Ursula’s dog. When it comes right down to it, Monty is really the one who runs the place! And Monty is one cool dog; as Chris described him, he’s a “traveling dog.” Here’s his story:
Monty was a stray who began hanging out with a group of travelers in Montreaux (hence the name). He became so attached to these travelers that he followed them onto a train bound for Switzerland. Somehow, he even made it over the border, no questions asked. When the travelers arrived in Interlaken, they stayed at a hostel. Although they liked hanging out with Monty, it was time to move on, and they knew they had to leave him behind. They asked the owners of the hostel what they should do. Fortunately, the hostel owners knew Chris and Ursula, gave them a call, and now, two years later, Monty is part of the family!
I loved having Monty greet me every time I walked in the door; sometimes he would even escort me up to my room. And on my last morning? Well, Monty even helped himself to some of my breakfast. I love that dog!
My only regret? That I wasn’t able to meet Ursula. She was visiting family in England. But you can bet that anytime I return to Interlaken, I will stay at the Rugenpark. Chris and Monty, you guys were great! And, Ursula, I can’t wait to meet you someday!
I was given a single room on the first floor (which in Europe is actually the second floor). My room, simply decorated, had the feel of a cabin, which I really liked. I had a small balcony with a table and chairs, complete with a view of the snow-covered Alps. Wow! The hotel is a short walk from the train station, away from town, meaning that it’s off the beaten path, making it much quieter. But Interlaken is so small that I could walk everywhere.
I slept like a baby the first night, and when I awoke, I went down for breakfast. The spread was wonderful: breads, jams, butter, cheeses, meats, nutella, fruit, juice, and other treats. And best of all was cereal with milk. I know that sounds crazy, but it had been five weeks since I’d had cereal and milk for breakfast. What a treat!Yes, my room and the breakfast were great. But what makes this inn really special are the owners, which I already knew through my research. The moment I walked through the door, there was Chris greeting me with a smile and a glass of, and this I couldn’t believe, sweet iced tea! (You see, it turns out that Chris is from Virginia and, therefore, knows how great sweet tea is!) After showing me around the place, he then proceeded to help me out with things to do. I had decided to take the train the next day to Jungfraujoch (more on that later), and Chris arranged everything, including printing my train ticket. I’ve never had such personal service in any place I’ve ever stayed.
And I would be remiss not to mention Monty, Chris and Ursula’s dog. When it comes right down to it, Monty is really the one who runs the place! And Monty is one cool dog; as Chris described him, he’s a “traveling dog.” Here’s his story:Monty was a stray who began hanging out with a group of travelers in Montreaux (hence the name). He became so attached to these travelers that he followed them onto a train bound for Switzerland. Somehow, he even made it over the border, no questions asked. When the travelers arrived in Interlaken, they stayed at a hostel. Although they liked hanging out with Monty, it was time to move on, and they knew they had to leave him behind. They asked the owners of the hostel what they should do. Fortunately, the hostel owners knew Chris and Ursula, gave them a call, and now, two years later, Monty is part of the family!
I loved having Monty greet me every time I walked in the door; sometimes he would even escort me up to my room. And on my last morning? Well, Monty even helped himself to some of my breakfast. I love that dog!My only regret? That I wasn’t able to meet Ursula. She was visiting family in England. But you can bet that anytime I return to Interlaken, I will stay at the Rugenpark. Chris and Monty, you guys were great! And, Ursula, I can’t wait to meet you someday!
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