This guide examines Hotel Metropole Interlaken as a 4-star city-center property (Hotel Metropole Interlaken official site) that anchors its identity around panoramic Alpine views and a location 500 metres from Interlaken West train station. The hotel’s 96-room inventory (official property website), built in 1971 (TravelWeekly) and last renovated in 2014 (TravelWeekly), positions it as a practical choice for travellers prioritising walkability and scenery over traditional luxury pampering. Below is a detailed, source-backed assessment of its features, pricing bands, and how it sits alongside other accommodations in Interlaken.
Last checked: 2026-05-24
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Name: Hotel Metropole Interlaken · Star rating: 4-star · Location: Heart of Interlaken, 500 m from train station · Notable views: Panoramic views of Jungfrau mountains · Number of rooms: 96 · Unique architectural feature: All rooms offer a beautiful view due to unique construction
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-24.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, Expedia listing, TravelWeekly hotel directory, Trip.com guest reviews, Tripadvisor reviews.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification across all booking channels.
Hotel Metropole Interlaken at a Glance
- 4-star classification, rated First Class by TravelWeekly (Hotel Metropole Interlaken)
- 96 rooms total; 84 feature a balcony with Jungfrau view (official property website)
- Approximately 500 metres, about a 7-minute walk from Interlaken West (Hotel Metropole Interlaken contact page)
- Standard rooms from approximately $133–$275 USD per night; suites from $578–$646 USD (TravelWeekly)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Hotel Metropole Interlaken |
| Star rating | 4-star (First Class designation by TravelWeekly) (official property site) |
| Address | Höheweg 37, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland (hotel contact page) |
| Location | Heart of Interlaken, 500 m from train station |
| Notable views | Panoramic views of Jungfrau mountains (84 of 96 rooms) (official property site) |
| Number of rooms | 96 (official property website) |
| Rooms with Jungfrau view | 84 rooms with balcony (official property site) |
| Chain affiliation | Swiss Quality Hotels International (TravelWeekly) |
Is Hotel Metropole Interlaken a Luxury Hotel?
The short answer is that Hotel Metropole Interlaken carries a 4-star classification rather than a 5-star rating, which places it in the upper-midscale tier by Swiss hotel standards. Its official website confirms the 4-star designation (Hotel Metropole Interlaken official site), and TravelWeekly independently lists it as a “First Class” property within the Swiss Quality Hotels International portfolio (TravelWeekly). The term “luxury” in hospitality typically implies 5-star amenities, dedicated concierge services, high-end spa facilities, and upscale dining experiences—features more commonly found in boutique hotels or resort-style properties in the surrounding Bernese Oberland region.
That said, the hotel occupies a distinctive niche: it was built in 1971 (TravelWeekly), underwent renovation in 2014 (TravelWeekly), and its architecture stands out as a modern 17-story high-rise amid Interlaken’s more traditional chalet-style properties (TravelWeekly). Agoda (Agoda) and Trip.com (Trip.com) guest summaries describe the rooms as fairly large and modern with impressive mountain views when facing the Bernese Alps, indicating that the property delivers on comfort and scenery even if its interior finish does not match the full suite of 5-star services. Tripadvisor (Tripadvisor reviews) reviewers have occasionally noted that decor and bathrooms feel dated, suggesting a gap between the property’s view-centric appeal and its perceived luxury finish.
Star Rating and Luxury Classification
The 4-star rating reflects the amenities on offer: free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, sauna, massage services, an on-site restaurant (Top o’Met), and meeting facilities with 11 conference rooms (TravelWeekly). These are serviceable rather than aspirational features. The hotel explicitly markets itself as the highest building in the heart of Interlaken, with the rooftop vantage point and mountain vistas serving as its primary draw. Inghams (Inghams), a specialist Swiss holiday operator, describes it as a “high-rise hotel in the centre of Interlaken offering stunning views from every room,” which aligns with how the property positions itself.
How Hotel Metropole Interlaken Compares to True 5-Star Luxury
TravelWeekly’s rate data shows standard rooms in the $133–275 range and suites around $578–646 (TravelWeekly), which sits above budget accommodation but well below the pricing typical of ultra-luxury Alpine resorts. For travellers seeking a pampered, full-service experience with extensive spa treatments, private concierge support, or Michelin-star dining on-site, the property does not advertise those offerings. Luxury alternatives in Interlaken do exist through Trivago listings and other aggregators, typically featuring higher price points, more extensive facilities, or boutique-scale personalisation that the Metropole’s 96-room inventory does not pursue.
What this means: Hotel Metropole Interlaken functions as an upper-midscale city hotel that leverages its elevation and view orientation to punch above its star category in terms of scenic appeal, but it does not qualify as a traditional 5-star luxury property.
How Far Is Hotel Metropole from Interlaken Center?
Hotel Metropole Interlaken sits at Höheweg 37, 3800 Interlaken (hotel contact page), placing it directly along the town’s main shopping street in the city centre. Booking.com (Booking.com) notes that the property is approximately 200 metres from the centre of Interlaken, meaning most town amenities—restaurants, shops, the Harder Kulm funicular station, and lakeside promenades—are reachable within a short walk. The hotel’s own contact page states that Interlaken West train station lies about 500 metres away, roughly a 5-minute walk (Hotel Metropole Interlaken contact page), which TravelWeekly (TravelWeekly) corroborates as approximately 500 metres’ distance.
Distance from Interlaken Train Station
The Interlaken West station is a primary arrival point for visitors coming from Bern, Lucerne, or other Swiss cities via regional rail. The hotel’s proximity means guests can arrive by train, drop luggage at the property, and begin exploring the town on foot without needing a taxi or rideshare. Interlaken also hosts Interlaken Ost station, which connects to mountain railways such as the Jungfraubahn heading to Jungfraujoch, but Interlaken West is closer to the Metropole. The hotel’s contact page emphasises the town’s excellent rail connections, including ICE trains, and positions the central location as convenient for excursions into the Bernese Oberland region (Hotel Metropole Interlaken contact page).
Walking Time to Main Attractions
Interlaken is widely regarded as a walkable town by visitors and travel guides. The compact layout between Lakes Thun and Brienz means that from the hotel, guests can reach the lakeshore promenade in roughly 10–15 minutes, the Harder Kulm viewpoint via the funicular in about the same timeframe, and the main pedestrianised shopping streets in under 5 minutes. This walkability is a material advantage for travellers who prefer not to rent a car or rely on public transit within the town itself.
The implication: The hotel’s 500-metre distance from the train station and 200-metre proximity to the town centre make it one of the most conveniently positioned properties in Interlaken for travellers prioritising foot-based exploration.
How Many Rooms Does Hotel Metropole Interlaken Have?
Hotel Metropole Interlaken has 96 rooms in total (official property website), a figure confirmed by multiple booking platforms. Of those 96 rooms, 84 are configured with a balcony and offer a direct view of the Jungfrau mountain—a design feature the hotel highlights as a key differentiator (official property site). The hotel’s promotional video (Hotel Metropole Interlaken – YouTube video) describes the rooms as “fashionably furnished,” and guest summaries from Agoda (Agoda) and Trip.com (Trip.com) echo this, noting that rooms are “fairly large and modern” with “impressive views when facing the mountains.”
Room Count and Categories
The inventory spans 14 floors of guest rooms within a 17-story building (TravelWeekly), according to TravelWeekly, indicating that not all levels are dedicated to accommodation—some house back-of-house facilities or public spaces. The property operates two on-site restaurants: Top o’Met and Bellini, the latter presumably offering Italian-style fare (Booking.com). Breakfast is served as an American-style buffet and listed as an add-on rather than included in standard room rates (Booking.com), per TravelWeekly’s notation that “No Meals Included” is the default. Check-in time is from 3:00 PM, with check-out until 11:00 AM (Booking.com; Expedia).
Unique View Design
The hotel’s architecture is explicitly designed so that most rooms face the mountains. The “unique construction” referenced on the official site (Hotel Metropole Interlaken official site) and in promotional materials means that the high-rise form factor, unusual for a town known for chalet-style architecture, enables an uninterrupted sightline over Interlaken’s rooftops toward the Bernese Alps. This vertical orientation effectively trades traditional Alpine charm for panoramic scale—a trade-off noted by Inghams (Inghams), which frames the Metropole as distinct from the chalet properties more common in the area.
What to watch: The majority of rooms (84 of 96) are view-optimised, but guests should confirm their specific room assignment if a Jungfrau-facing balcony is a priority.
Is Interlaken a Walkable City?
Interlaken consistently earns high marks for walkability from visitors and excursion guides. The town stretches roughly 2 kilometres end to end, with the main commercial district and tourist amenities concentrated in the centre. From Hotel Metropole Interlaken, the lakeshore, shopping streets, and transport hubs are all accessible on foot without need for transit or vehicles. Hotels.com (Hotels.com) and other aggregators describe the hotel’s location as “excellent” or “central,” underscoring that walkability is a deliberate feature rather than an incidental benefit of the town’s size.
Walkability for Hotel Guests
The pedestrian-friendly layout means guests can leave the car at home—or skip renting one entirely—and still access dining, retail, and outdoor activities. The Harder Kulm funicular, which departs from a station near the town centre, is reachable on foot in under 15 minutes from the hotel. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offer lakeside walks that start within a similar radius. For guests relying on public transit, the train stations (West and Ost) and regional bus stops are within a short walk of the property.
Proximity to Transit and Attractions
Interlaken’s rail links extend well beyond the local stations. TravelWeekly notes the property is approximately 47 kilometres (about an hour’s drive) from Bern Belp Airport (TravelWeekly), and the town itself is served by regional and intercity rail connections that make car-free arrivals straightforward. The hotel’s contact page emphasises that Interlaken’s rail network, including ICE trains, makes it a convenient hub for excursions into the Bernese Oberland (Hotel Metropole Interlaken contact page), positioning the Metropole as a base for mountain exploration rather than a destination in itself.
The catch: Interlaken’s walkability is high for the town centre, but guests planning day trips to mountain attractions like Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn will need to use rail or coach transport, which are readily available from the nearby stations.
Where to Stay in Interlaken in Luxury?
For travellers specifically seeking 5-star luxury in Interlaken, alternative properties do exist. Trivago and other aggregators list several luxury-oriented hotels in the area, many of which offer larger spa facilities, private balconies with extended mountain vistas, and higher staff-to-guest ratios. These properties typically command nightly rates above the Metropole’s upper band and may include half-board or full-board meal packages as standard rather than add-ons. A UK tour operator, The Swiss Holiday Company (The Swiss Holiday Company), cites guide prices for a 4-night stay at Hotel Metropole Interlaken from £1,117 per person on bed and breakfast, illustrating that the Metropole’s pricing sits comfortably below the luxury tier.
Top Luxury Hotels in Interlaken
While this article focuses on Hotel Metropole Interlaken, the broader Interlaken accommodation landscape includes properties that blend traditional Alpine aesthetics with high-end amenities. These alternatives often feature chalet-style architecture, on-site wellness centres with pools, and proximity to ski lifts or hiking trailheads. The trade-off relative to the Metropole is typically location: many luxury properties are slightly outside the town centre, offering quieter settings and direct mountain access at the cost of walkability to shops and restaurants.
How Hotel Metropole Fits Among Luxury Options
Hotel Metropole Interlaken occupies a middle position: it is not a budget property, but neither does it claim 5-star status. Its strengths—central location, mountain views from most rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness centre with sauna—cater to travellers who want reliable comfort and scenery without paying for full-service luxury. For visitors whose primary criteria are “walkable base + panoramic view + 4-star comfort,” the property hits those marks. For those prioritising spa depth, extensive dining options, or personalised concierge services, a dedicated luxury property would be the better fit.
The bottom line: Hotel Metropole Interlaken works well for travellers who value location and views over pampering; those seeking ultra-luxury will find better-equipped alternatives in the Interlaken area.
Which Month Is Best for Interlaken?
Interlaken’s suitability varies by season, and the optimal visit window depends on what the traveller wants to experience. For clear mountain views and outdoor activities, the summer months of June through August offer the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, making hiking, paragliding, and lake-based activities most accessible. However, this is also peak tourist season, meaning higher rates and larger crowds. The shoulder seasons of May and September tend to deliver a balance of reasonable weather, fewer visitors, and more competitive pricing.
Seasonal Weather and Peak Travel Times
Winter (December through March) transforms Interlaken into a snowsports destination, with nearby ski resorts in the Jungfrau region drawing visitors for skiing and snowboarding. The hotel’s views remain a draw during winter, as snow-capped peaks often create dramatic scenery, but outdoor activities shift from hiking to snow-based pursuits. The pricing band documented by TravelWeekly ($133–275 for standard rooms) (TravelWeekly) may fluctuate seasonally, with winter weekends and summer peak weeks at the higher end of the documented band.
Best Months for Mountain Views
Clear-weather months—typically May through September—offer the best visibility for the Jungfrau views that are central to the hotel’s appeal. Travellers for whom view quality is the primary motivation should consider booking in the late summer or early autumn window, when clear skies are most reliable.
The pattern: June through September provides the best combination of weather and view clarity, but travellers seeking lower costs or winter activities may find value in off-peak periods—understanding that the trade-off is either crowds and higher rates or colder temperatures.
Location and Getting There
Hotel Metropole Interlaken’s location at Höheweg 37 (hotel contact page) places it squarely in the pedestrianised town centre, adjacent to the main shopping drag and within sight of Interlaken’s key landmarks. The hotel’s official site confirms its position as a central landmark, and the 500-metre distance from Interlaken West station means most guests will not require transport beyond their own feet for daily activities. For those arriving by air, Bern Belp Airport is approximately 47 kilometres away, roughly a one-hour drive or train journey (TravelWeekly), per TravelWeekly’s distance data.
The property offers parking for guests: CHF 9.00 per day for outdoor parking and CHF 16.00 per day for the underground garage (Hotel Metropole Interlaken contact/parking section), according to the hotel’s contact page. For guests arriving by car, these rates are moderate by Swiss urban standards and represent a practical option rather than an incentive to skip the vehicle.
The implication: The hotel’s central address and minimal distance from the train station make it one of the most accessible properties in Interlaken for car-free travellers, while its on-site parking addresses the needs of guests who do arrive by vehicle.
Hotel Metropole Interlaken: Pros and Cons
Strengths
- Central location: 500 metres from Interlaken West station and approximately 200 metres from the town centre (Booking.com, hotel contact page)
- Mountain views: 84 of 96 rooms feature a balcony with Jungfrau views, a design feature the hotel markets as a core selling point
- Walkability: Interlaken’s compact layout means most attractions, dining, and transport are reachable on foot
- Rate accessibility: Standard rooms from approximately $133 USD per night position the property above budget options but below ultra-luxury tiers
- Leisure facilities: Fitness centre, sauna, massage services, and tennis court provide off-peak entertainment without leaving the property
Limitations
- Not 5-star luxury: 4-star classification means no dedicated concierge, limited spa depth, or high-end dining on-site
- Interior aging: Tripadvisor (Tripadvisor) reviewers have cited dated decor and bathrooms, reflecting the 2014 renovation date versus more recent property updates
- Urban setting: The high-rise architecture lacks the traditional Alpine chalet character that some travellers seek in the region
- Street noise potential: The central location on a main shopping street can bring ambient noise, per some guest feedback on travel platforms
- Meals not included: Standard rates do not include breakfast or other meals, adding to per-stay costs
Typical Price Range at Hotel Metropole Interlaken
TravelWeekly documents standard room rates in the range of approximately $133–$275 USD per night and suite rates around $578–$646 USD (TravelWeekly), reflecting a mid-to-upper price level rather than ultra-luxury positioning. A UK tour operator, The Swiss Holiday Company (The Swiss Holiday Company), cites guide prices for a 4-night stay from £1,117 per person on bed and breakfast, which translates to roughly £4,468 for a couple on a half-board basis. Rates vary by season, with peak summer weeks and winter holiday periods commanding the higher end of the documented band.
The pricing structure indicates that the hotel serves travellers who want above-budget comfort without reaching 5-star price points. Guests should note that meal inclusions are typically add-ons, meaning the effective per-night cost rises when breakfast or half-board is factored in. On-site dining at Top o’Met provides an in-property option, but guests seeking lower-cost alternatives have access to multiple restaurants within the immediate walking radius.
Pricing data reflects published rates and is subject to seasonal fluctuation, availability, and channel-specific discounts. Travellers are advised to compare rates across multiple booking platforms before confirming a reservation.
Luxury Alternatives in Interlaken
While Hotel Metropole Interlaken occupies a practical middle tier, several properties in the area target travellers seeking luxury-level amenities and service. Trivago lists multiple top-tier options in Interlaken, many of which are affiliated with international luxury chains or positioned as boutique properties with higher staff-to-guest ratios. These alternatives typically feature more extensive spa facilities, on-site fine dining, and proximity to ski lifts or hiking trailheads.
The trade-off for luxury-oriented properties is often location: many are slightly outside the town centre, providing quieter environments and direct mountain access at the cost of the walkability that the Metropole offers. For travellers whose priority is pampering over centrality, these options merit comparison. For those who want to be in the middle of Interlaken’s shops and restaurants with a view-oriented room, the Metropole remains a competitive value proposition within its tier.
Our Pick
Hotel Metropole Interlaken earns its recommendation for travellers who want 4-star comfort with a view-focused stay in the heart of Interlaken. The 96-room inventory, 84 view-optimised balconies, and 500-metre proximity to the train station make it a practical choice for visitors who prioritise walkability and scenery over traditional luxury pampering. The pricing band, while not budget, sits comfortably below ultra-luxury levels, offering good value for the location and amenities provided.
The property works best for solo explorers, couples seeking panoramic Alpine scenery, and budget-conscious travellers who want reliable comfort without paying for services they may not use. Families or guests expecting full-service spa treatments, extensive dining options, or concierge-level personalisation should consider the luxury alternatives listed above or adjust their expectations accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotel Metropole Interlaken a 4-star or 5-star hotel?
Hotel Metropole Interlaken is a 4-star hotel. It is also rated as “First Class” by TravelWeekly (TravelWeekly), which places it in the upper-midscale tier by Swiss hospitality standards. It does not hold a 5-star classification.
How many rooms are in Hotel Metropole Interlaken?
The hotel has 96 rooms in total. Of those, 84 rooms are equipped with a balcony that offers a view of the Jungfrau mountain, a feature the property markets as a core differentiator (official property website).
What is the walking distance from Hotel Metropole to Interlaken train station?
The hotel is approximately 500 metres (about a 7-minute walk) from Interlaken West train station, according to the property’s official contact page (Hotel Metropole Interlaken contact page). Booking.com (Booking.com) also lists the distance to the town centre as roughly 200 metres.
Does Hotel Metropole Interlaken have mountain views?
Yes. The hotel’s unique high-rise construction means that 84 of its 96 rooms feature a balcony with a view of the Jungfrau mountain (official property site). The property describes itself as the highest building in the heart of Interlaken, with panoramic views over the mountains and town.
What is the typical price range for a night at Hotel Metropole Interlaken?
TravelWeekly documents standard room rates from approximately $133–$275 USD per night and suite rates around $578–$646 USD (TravelWeekly). Rates fluctuate seasonally, with peak periods commanding the higher end of the band. Package tour pricing from The Swiss Holiday Company (The Swiss Holiday Company) cites 4-night stays from £1,117 per person on bed and breakfast.
Is Interlaken walkable without a car?
Yes. Interlaken’s compact town centre and pedestrian-friendly layout make it highly walkable. Hotels.com (Hotels.com) and other aggregators consistently rate the hotel’s location as “excellent” or “central.” The train stations, lakeside promenades, and main attractions—including the Harder Kulm funicular and lakeshore—are all reachable on foot from the property.