Grindelwald, 183 Dorfstrasse46.624611,8.041943(Show on Map)
7.8
Good
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
First Lodge in Grindelwald enjoys a prime location that receives high praise from guests for its proximity to the Grindelwald First cable car station, making it a convenient hub for mountain activities, hiking and skiing. Its central position, yet quiet ambiance, offers stunning views, particularly of the Eiger, enhancing the alpine experience. The short walk from the train station or nearby bus stop adds to the convenience, allowing guests to explore the beautiful Grindelwald area effortlessly.
The lodge strikes a good balance with its breakfast offerings. Many guests find the breakfast to be fresh, delicious and well-presented with a variety of options including meats, bread, cheese and espresso-based coffee. However, there are mentions of the breakfast needing more variety and quicker replenishment, suggesting that while generally satisfactory, there is still room for improvement to cater to all preferences.
Rooms at First Lodge are clean and cozy, providing a comfortable stay. Guests appreciate the breathtaking mountain views from their windows and the basic amenities that ensure convenience. Family rooms are particularly favored for their space. However, some rooms are noted to be smaller with limited electrical outlets and somewhat dated decor. Despite these minor drawbacks, the general consensus is that the rooms are functional and add charm to the stay.
Cleanliness is a hallmark of First Lodge with both private and shared areas receiving commendations for their well-maintained and spotless condition. The staff is also highlighted as friendly and accommodating, contributing significantly to the positive experience of guests. Personal touches and a helpful attitude further enhance visitors' stays, although there is a note of limited reception hours which could be improved.
Wi-Fi service at First Lodge shows a mixed bag of experiences. While it works well in communal areas, guests often report weaker signals or difficulty connecting in the rooms, indicating that consistency and reliability of the Wi-Fi could benefit from enhancements.
Parking at the lodge, available at a modest cost, requires advance booking due to limited spaces and a narrow access path. Though convenient when secured, the need for cars to be removed by 10 am can present a slight inconvenience for some guests.
First Lodge is well-regarded by ski enthusiasts, offering immediate access to skiing facilities and easy transportation options. Its super well-located position next to the cable car station is ideal for both short stays and extensive mountain adventures.
Regarding beds, opinions are generally positive with many guests finding them clean, cozy and of the right firmness. However, some feedback points to issues with bed size for taller individuals and occasional discomfort from older mattresses.
Overall, First Lodge is highly appreciated for its exceptional location, cleanliness, friendly staff and comfortable accommodations, making it a great choice for an enjoyable and convenient mountain retreat in Grindelwald. With small tweaks to certain services and amenities, it has the potential to enhance the guest experience even further.
Categories
Ski
Parking
Ski In Ski Out
Dog Friendly
Cheap
Small
Room Types
Double or Twin Room with Shower
Double or Twin Room with View
Single Room
Triple Room with Shower
Double or Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
Triple Room with Private Bathroom
Single Room with Shared Bathroom
Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Review Summaries
Location
Nestled in the heart of Grindelwald, First Lodge boasts an exceptional location that is lauded for its proximity to the Grindelwald First cable car station. Remarkably, the lodge stands right next to the Firstbahn and gondola, offering immediate access to the mountain trails, ski lifts and various First Mountain activities. Guests can enjoy a brief, pleasant walk from the train station or a short ride via the nearby bus stop.
Perfectly central, yet peacefully quiet, the location is described as being accessible to everything, from hiking paths to restaurants. With the First cable car entrance just a stone's throw away, guests emphasize the convenience and ease of moving between the lodge and the attractions. The views from the rooms, especially those facing the Eiger, are particularly praised, allowing for an immersive alpine experience in the heart of Grindelwald.
Despite occasional concerns about parking and additional costs, visitors find the hotel clean, cozy and equipped with friendly, helpful staff. Breakfast and comfortable beds contribute to a pleasant stay, making First Lodge ideal for both short visits and longer vacations. The prime, central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the stunning Grindelwald area, ensuring an enjoyable and convenient mountain retreat.
Breakfast
The breakfast at First Lodge has received a mix of reviews with a noticeable divide between positive and negative feedback. On the positive side, many guests have praised the breakfast for being delicious, fresh and nicely presented. Numerous reviews highlight the breakfast as a high point of their stay, noting a good selection of meat, bread and cheese, as well as espresso-based coffee. Descriptions such as fantastic, outstanding and excellent frequently appear, suggesting that for many, the breakfast exceeds expectations. Some found the breakfast to be plentiful and varied with enough to satisfy different preferences.
However, there are also notable criticisms. Several guests felt the breakfast options were limited, describing it as simple, basic or modest and some even found it disappointing. Issues such as a lack of variety, limited seating and food not being topped up quickly enough were mentioned. A few reviewers found the breakfast to be not satisfactory with comments about stale bread and late-arriving croissants detracting from the overall experience.
Overall, while the breakfast at First Lodge generally meets and sometimes exceeds expectations with its freshness and good quality, there is room for improvement in variety and consistency to cater to all guests' preferences.
Rooms
First Lodge offers a range of rooms that, while modestly furnished, maintain a good level of comfort and cleanliness, which many guests appreciate. The rooms are generally clean and cozy with some being quite spacious and others on the smaller side. Families will find the family rooms convenient, while those seeking a quieter experience might enjoy the rooms located away from the main building.
A highlight for many is the breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains and the iconic Eiger from the room windows, adding a touch of charm to the stay. The presence of basic amenities such as a sink/basin in the room, tables and chairs makes the rooms functional and convenient, although some guests mention the inconvenience of having only one electrical socket and limited luggage storage.
However, some drawbacks mentioned by guests include small and dimly lit bathrooms, occasional musty smells and dated decor. The rooms sometimes feel stifling hot, making it difficult to sleep comfortably and there are mentions of limited outdoor seating areas and nearby bike storage options.
In general, First Lodge provides a comfortable and clean lodging experience with stunning mountain views, suitable for both families and solo travelers, though it has room for some modern improvements.
Beds
First Lodge offers a mixed experience when it comes to their beds. Many guests highlight that the beds are very comfortable with excellent bedding that feels clean and cozy. A good number of reviews praised the beds for being just the right firmness—not too soft and not too hard—making for a restful night's sleep. However, several complaints were noted regarding the bed size, particularly for taller individuals, as the beds appeared to be quite short, leading to discomfort for those nearing two meters in height. Some guests also pointed out issues with old and uncomfortable mattresses, saggy beds and occasional noise from the bed frames. Despite these negative remarks, the general consensus leans towards a positive experience with comfortable, clean beds that mostly ensure a pleasant stay.
Cleanliness
First Lodge consistently impresses guests with its cleanliness, making it a reliable choice for those who prioritize hygiene. The shared restrooms and bathrooms receive frequent praise for being well-maintained and spotless. Cleanliness extends throughout the entire property with guests noting that both the private and shared areas are kept very clean. The rooms, although occasionally noted to be not as clean upon arrival and suffering from a musty smell, generally receive positive remarks for their tidiness and comfort.
Despite the building showing signs of age, it remains well-maintained, ensuring that all facilities, including the bathrooms, are clean and functional. The bathrooms, both private and shared, are described as clean, albeit small. The shared spaces add to the overall pleasant and clean atmosphere of the hotel.
Guests appreciate the quality of the bedding and the thoughtful provision of towels and toiletries. The friendly staff and excellent service further enhance the experience, contributing to an overall atmosphere of cleanliness and comfort at First Lodge.
Staff
First Lodge is praised for its friendly and accommodating staff with numerous guests highlighting their positive interactions. The staff is often described as very friendly, polite and always ready to help with any questions or needs, even going the extra mile to ensure guests are satisfied with their stay. This friendly and helpful attitude is consistently noted by guests, making their interactions with the team a standout aspect of their experience.
However, some guests have noted areas for improvement. The limited reception hours and the lack of a 24-hour staff presence can be inconvenient and a few reviews mention instances where the staff appeared uninterested or lacked enthusiasm. Despite these occasional criticisms, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards a very positive impression of the staff’s dedication and kindness.
Guests appreciated the personal touches, such as helping with late check-ins or heating up food when a microwave wasn't available. The combination of a friendly demeanor and willingness to assist has left many visitors feeling well cared for during their stay at First Lodge.
Wi-Fi
At First Lodge, guests generally reported a mixed experience with the hotel's Wi-Fi. While some found the Wi-Fi to work exceptionally well, particularly in the communal area downstairs, many encountered issues. Several reviews mentioned that the Wi-Fi signal was weak or not functioning at all during their stay. Some guests found the Wi-Fi access to be overly complicated and there were multiple reports of the Wi-Fi not working in specific rooms or entirely disabled at times. Additionally, some guests noted technical difficulties such as certificate issues on their devices when trying to connect. Overall, while there are areas where the Wi-Fi performs well, it appears that the service requires significant improvements to ensure consistency throughout the hotel.
Parking
First Lodge offers parking at a reasonable cost of 10 CHF, which can be considered convenient if secured in advance. The option to reserve a parking spot directly at the lodge is available, ensuring guests do not have to transport their luggage over long distances. However, the parking situation does come with challenges. The driving path to the car park is narrow and with very few spaces available, pre-booking is essential. Some guests have encountered difficulties finding parking or had to park far away when spots at the lodge were fully booked. Additionally, cars must be removed by 10 am, adding a time constraint for guests. Overall, while parking is attainable at a modest price, it requires careful planning and advance reservations to avoid complications.
Ski
First Lodge enjoys an enviable location for ski enthusiasts. Positioned right next to the Grindelwald First cable car station, the lodge allows guests easy access to the slopes with the convenience of skiing straight to the entrance. It's also adjacent to the gondola station and valley station First, ensuring easy and quick access right from the hotel. The proximity to public transport, including the bus station, adds another layer of convenience for guests. Many highlighted the super well-located and sensational situation of the lodge, perfect for both short stays and mountain adventures. The accessibility to the cable car and trotti bike return location right in front of the lodge makes it an ideal spot for those eager to explore the mountain without any hassle.
FAQ
No, First Lodge doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at First Lodge.
Yes, First Lodge welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at First Lodge.
