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Swiss Alps Retreat (Chalet Martin)Gryon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Location/Contact Details
Ratings & Comments
I've never been to such a beautiful place in my entire life. I went thinking I'd stay for only three days, I ended up staying five and that's only because I had to. I'm going back to that same place, that little cottage in the middle of the Swiss Alps, whenever I get the money!
One of the most amazingly scenic places I've ever been! Stayed here when I was backpacking in 1993. We saw the flier for it when we were in hostel in Geneva and thought, why not? When we arrived it was December and it was in the middle of a white-out blizzard. We walked down a tiny snow-covered street to this cozy hostel. When I awoke the next morning, the view out the window next to my bunkbed was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! We were only going to stay one night and instead stayed three. We spent our days walking around and taking pictures of the lovely little chalets and the snow-covered mountains. We also made our way over to the small ski town of Villars. It is still one of the highlights of all of my travelling. Don't miss this experience!
Well what can I say. Although I've neglected Chalet Martin for the last couple of years, I have a lot to thank it for. I've had so many great times in Gryon and met so many fantastic people -- including one unlucky Australian who I'm now planning to marry. The place is more relaxing than you can prepare yourself for, and seems to attract a good mix of people. I'm now old (read 26) and well out of the backpacking lifestyle but that won't stop me going back -- it's more like a second home than a hostel.
The place was a bit like a cult for people who acted like they were pro snowboarders, including the staff. The place is beautiful and has tons of potential, but we really never knew who the actual staff were there. And, the few that we did encounter were rude and always acted like we were wasting their time... it was weird. We met some cool people that made up for the lack of warmth, which made up for the atmosphere.
I visited this hostel in the summer of 2005. It was by far the best hostel that I visited in my 9 week tour of europe. I had originally intended on only staying here for 3 days, but it turned into 5 and then into 7 because I just couldn't force myself to leave.
Immaculately clean.
Super friendly workers
Amazing kitchen
Great beds/dorms and private rooms
Really fun hostel sponsored activites (Chocolate Tasting, Wine Tasting, Rock Climbing)
Great atmosphere. Not always a party, but with the right people, it may happen
Groceries on stock with the front desk for a very reasonable price
STAY HERE!!! Do it.
its kinda tricky to figure out how to get there, but visit the hostel's website and their train directions will be helpful. Oh ya, that reminds me, they have big binders with all the destinations that you could want to go to from there with the train times all mapped out for you. nice bonus.
I'll be back as soon as I get to europe again.
I stayed here 1.5 years ago, and had an amazing time. One of the most memorable experiences of a 2 month trip. I've sent my brother and a another friend that way, and I am going back myself in a few weeks. An incredible, unspoiled, gorgeous place. Do everything you can to make it here!
When we stayed here we felt like we were on holiday from our travels... does that make sense? We really liked it a lot here.
Sorry that your visit wasn't the cleanest, we were away for a while and have since got onto all the bits needing some extra help, thanks for your honesty and we hope you visit again sometime.
Happy travels!
Robyn
It is not the cleanest, but then who cares? The people are great, the bedrooms are lovely and everything is just so nice!!! We loved it! Be careful not to go to Solalex unless you are used to walking, it is very tiring!!! Don't miss the thermal baths, though. They are pretty amazing.
We were at Chalet Martin in July 2004. It was the BEST PLACE EVER!!! It was our favorite hostel and Switzerland was our favorite country. Don't plan ahead of time because that means you'll have to leave Chalet Martin earlier than you want. Go and expect to stay there at least a week.
I spent four days here, and met some really cool people. Make sure you go rock climbing with that crazy Aussie, (sorry, dude, I forgot your name) and do the wine tasting! Make sure you have a good story, though ... the consequences are brutal!!
BEST EVER HOSTEL! We booked for two nights and stayed seven! The only reason we left is because we had little money left, and we needed to get home! The people here are REALLY nice, and the scenery is incredible. If you want to meet other travelers then come here. Even the shyest person will make many friends. After just a few days, we made some friends whom we are already arranging to meet again. It's just that kind of place. Its a definite must-do thing!
This is by far the best hostel I have ever stayed at! You cannot come to Switzerland and not stay at this hostel! I was only planning on staying two nights and I stayed for a week because I just never wanted to leave. The atmosphere is what makes it so great. It rained the whole time I was there and I still loved it. The people I met were like my family. There is so much to do, even though the town is so small. It is also so reasonably priced. I just left there and I already want to go back. If you never stay at this hostel you are missing out. I will definitely be back to the Swiss Alps Retreat!
Comment from the owner: I would just like to say thank you to all of our lovely guests who have said such wonderful things about us. Remember, without you we would have nothing. So thank you very much, and come see us again.
Cheers from Robyn, Bertrand, Amber (5 years), and Yasmine (2 years) :-)
I traveled Europe for 3 months -- Chalet Martin was BY FAR the best memory of my friends and I! We're still in touch with some of the friends we made and miss relaxing on the porch! Have you visited this Hostel? Post your comments here.
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4.8 Average from 17 Ratings
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