Hotel Eiger

Nestled atop the breathtaking Jungfrau region, unusual cable car approaches can be challenging, but train connections from them drop travelers right outside the hotel. The shooting location for 1969 James Bond's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", Murren remains unspoiled despite its international fame, and an alpine-loving leisure crowd here come for winter skiing and summer hiking. Behind chalet facades, interiors are typically Swiss -- from carved, beamed, or paneled woods, warm-toned fabrics, and hallways sporting wall-mounted muskets. Lodge vibes pervade throughout, from the restaurants' exposed stone, to the warm family welcome. Kids have a toy-filled playroom, and the pampering spa's indoor pool and whirlpool overlook the hotel's greatest asset -- the views (triple mountain vistas here encompass the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau). While exploring the region generally tops agendas, those wanting to stay put can gaze at the view on great Alp-facing sun terraces.

At the foot of the mighty Schilthorn peaks, Murren is a small village, only 900 meters (0.6 miles) long. Bordered by alpine paths and snowy hillsides, it's picturesque, and the hotel occupies a convenient spot opposite its train station. Car-free, the nearest possible parking location is Lauterbrunnen. Cable cars from here connect to trains dropping guests opposite the hotel. The Schilthornbahn gondola is a 10-minute walk, and a famous landmark is the mountain's revolving James Bond restaurant. The Allmendhubel mountain elevator is a similar distance, and 40-minute downhill hikes back are great in summer. The village itself has some restaurants, plus a COOP supermarket (seven minutes on foot). Bern Airport is close to three hours via (very pretty) trains and gondolas.

Rooms renovated in 2015 have a modern alpine design -- think light woods, neutral walls with mountain photography, and tidy beds with warm golden yellow and russet tones. Note that beds may be two twins pushed together (common in region). They range from Standard Rooms, which lack views, to peak-facing Superiors and Suites. Amenities include phones, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, hairdryers, and safes, but there are no electric kettles or AC. Brushed-wood desks are also provided, and upgraded rooms have seating areas and alpine-facing balconies or terraces, although these aren't always furnished. The 431-square-foot (40-square-meter) Suites with living rooms have a second bathroom, and the leopard-print James Bond Suite really ups the ante. Bright bathrooms with shower/tub combos are nothing special, but they're spotless, and toiletries are provided. Rooms can be fitted with cribs, and all are reached by elevators.

Guests can fuel up for free at the morning buffet, where scrambled eggs and bacon have continental and Swiss counterparts from fresh rolls and pastries, muesli, fruits, cheeses, and smoked salmon, plus prosecco. Tea, coffee, and juice come standard. The Eiger Stubli and Eiger Staal restaurants have large, mountain-facing windows, and their cozy woods turn romantic in evenings when tables are candle-lit. Gourmet Swiss and European cuisine includes regional specialities, and a la carte and tasting menus accompany fine wines. The cozy Tachi Bar serves a variety of alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic fare like hot chocolate. Guests can relax in the chandelier-clad lounge, but mountain-facing indoor/outdoor terraces are hands-down favorites, especially for meals. Relaxation areas around the indoor pool have loungers (with yet again more fantastic views), plus a sauna, whirlpool, and solarium. Massages are available for a fee. There's also a gym with modern cardio and weight-training machines. An indoor playroom with books, toys, and games keeps little ones happy, and a 2016-added conference room caters to functions or meetings. Wi-Fi is free throughout.