Paid
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful views
Friendly staff
Impeccable cleanliness
Unique atmosphere
Cons:
Small room sizes
High dinner prices

Categories

Cleanliness
9.25
Most reviews praised the cleanliness of the hotel, highlighting impeccable cleanliness in various areas.
Service
9.25
Staff were often described as friendly and professional, going above and beyond for guests.
Location
9.25
The location received positive comments for its beautiful views and magical ambiance.
Room Quality
8.25
Some rooms were noted to be small, affecting the overall comfort.
Amenities
9.25
Amenities like the restaurant and historic features were positively received.
Value for Money
8.75
While some found it a bit expensive, most reviews suggested that the experience was worth the price.
Food and Beverage
8.75
Food quality was generally praised, although some specific dishes received mixed reviews.
Overall Experience
9.25
Overall, guests had an unforgettable experience, with minor complaints not detracting from the enjoyment.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-07 22:47

Property Description

Historic Charm and Scenic Views

The Grandhotel Giessbach, a historic house from 1874, offers a secluded retreat on a hill above Lake Brienz. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and the majestic Giessbach Waterfall.

Luxurious Amenities and Dining Options

Indulge in the outdoor pool, two restaurants - one with a charming summer terrace, and free parking. Immerse yourself in the carefully restored 19th-century charm of the guest rooms.

Culinary Delights and Convenient Location

Savor modern cuisine at the two restaurants and don't miss the included 4-course dinner with half board. Conveniently located at the foot of the Giessbach Waterfall, with direct access to the Giessbach ship pier via Europe's oldest funicular.

Book now to experience a blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty at Grandhotel Giessbach.

Important information:

If you require an extra bed, please inform the property at least 3 days in advance. Contact details are stated in the booking confirmation. Please note that a surcharge may apply if extra beds are not ordered at least 3 days in advance.

Please note that drinks are not included in the half-board menu.

This property does not have air conditioned rooms or a spa. The outdoor pool is not heated.

When booking 4 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements may apply.Swimming pool: Closed from Mon, Dec 7, 2026 until Wed, Mar 31, 2027
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: BRN

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 1221 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.25
Service: 9.25
Location: 9.25
Room Quality: 8.25
Amenities: 9.25
Value for Money: 8.75
Food and Beverage: 8.75
Overall Experience: 9.25
A
Agnes family_with_children fr
10
Pros:

Tout. Gentillesse du personnel, situation plus qu'exceptionnelle, calme (pour les chambres côté lac). Voyage dans le temps.

Cons:

Les lits ne sont pas très confortables.

2026-08-29 via Nuitee
P
Pablo family_with_children ch
10
2026-08-29 via Nuitee
I
Ibrahim solo_traveller ae
4
The location is absolutely beautiful, and the staff are friendly and always smiling. However, the service needs improvem
Pros:

The place is very beautiful and imaginary, and the staff are very kind

Cons:

The hotel feels very outdated and belongs to another era. It needs major renovation to meet modern standards.

2026-08-29 via Nuitee
C
christian family_with_children fr
9
Pros:

Emplacement exceptionnel

Cons:

Les chambres qui méritent d’être rénovées et les espaces de reception

2026-08-28 via Nuitee
A
Anne couple fr
9
Au temps d'Agatha Christie....
Pros:

L'hôtel est magnifique, avec une vue superbe sur le lac. La décoration et l'ambiance donne l'impression de vivre en 1930... On adore !
La piscine est très grande et naturelle.
Petit déjeuner parfait et accueil excellent.

Cons:

Chambre avec vue sur la forêt (arrière de l'hôtel), choix décidé par rapport au prix...
Dommage que les bords du lac ne soient pas aménagés pour la baignade... mais cela ne dépend probablement pas de l'hôtel....

2026-08-27 via Nuitee
S
Silvia extended_group ch
10
sehr erholsam und wohltuend für das Auge überall auf schöne Landschaft oder Einrichtung zu blicken
Pros:

Die Lage ist super, die Bedienung sehr zuvorkommend, die Kaffeemaschine im 3. Stock toll für den frühen Kaffee, der Pool war sehr schön, wenn auch wegen der Hitze etwas rutschig.

Cons:

es war alles gut

2026-08-27 via Nuitee
G
Georg Alex family_with_children ch
9
Zurückversetzt in die 150 Jahre zurückliegende „Belle Epoque“ fühlt man sich an diesem geschmackvoll und behutsam restau
Pros:

Die einzigartige, geradezu dramatische Lage des Hotels ist fantastisch - bei schönem wie bei schlechtem Wetter. Die Küche lässt mit einfallsreicher Abwechslung und perfekter Qualität keine Wünsche offen, die Hotelbar ist ideal gelegen und die Cocktails in grosser Auswahl professionell (heute selten!) gemixt. Hunde sind willkommen!

2026-08-27 via Nuitee
A
Abeer couple sa
7
Spectacular Location and Views, but Far Below Four-Star Standards
Pros:

My husband and I stayed at the hotel for two nights in a room overlooking the waterfall. The location is truly extraordinary, and the view is absolutely breathtaking. The surroundings are magical and were the main reason we enjoyed our stay.

The female restaurant staff were very pleasant, polite, and kind. The staff working on the funicular railway were also very friendly and helpful.

Cons:

However, apart from the exceptional location and scenery, the hotel did not meet our expectations for a four-star property, especially considering the high price. The level of service was very limited, and the facilities and guest services were almost nonexistent.

There was no air conditioning, despite the hot weather. Keeping the windows open at night was not a practical solution because the sound of the waterfall was extremely loud. This made the room uncomfortable and gave us the impression that maintenance throughout the building was inadequate.

Some members of staff were very kind and welcoming, while others displayed a noticeable lack of courtesy. Our first experience at the restaurant was particularly disappointing. Although we had made a reservation in advance, the waiter assigned us one of the least desirable tables and explained that the better tables were reserved for guests who visit the restaurant repeatedly. This was a very strange and disappointing policy. As hotel guests who had made a reservation, we expected to be treated fairly and offered a suitable table, regardless of whether we were repeat customers.

The hotel also did not provide an iron in the room. My husband requested a steamer, which was eventually delivered to our room. At check-out, the receptionist asked him to bring the steamer to the front desk because she believed that he had received it from there. He explained that it had been delivered directly to the room and that he had left it there, which is the normal thing to do. The receptionist then appeared annoyed and had to contact the housekeeping staff to confirm that the steamer was in the room. This kind of conversation should not take place in a four-star hotel and reflects a lack of attention to basic guest-service standards.

The receptionist was otherwise helpful and explained that the hotel is owned by a charitable foundation and relies on donations, which is why it does not offer a high level of service.

2026-08-27 via Nuitee
J
Jean Christophe solo_traveller fr
8
Pros:

L'emplacement exceptionnel
Le batiment historique
La vue grandiose
Magnifique petit dejeuner

Cons:

Equipements chambre pour un 4 *
Prix élevé restaurant

2026-08-26 via Nuitee
K
Keith couple gb
9
Expensive even by Swiss standards but to be charged 15FR to park the seems excessive
Pros:

Old world charm

Cons:

Lack of choice for evening dining
2 very similar excellent upscale restaurants could do with a simpler option/ no room service
No A/c
Other similar old buildings manage to fit it?

2026-08-25 via Nuitee
M
Michael extended_group gb
9
2026-08-24 via Nuitee
C
Christian couple ch
10
2026-08-23 via Nuitee
E
Elisabeth solo_traveller ch
10
Charmant retour dans le temps
Pros:

Magnifique endroit, vue sur le lac de Brienz, cascade à proximité de l'hôtel, funiculaire charmant pour descendre au lac. Personnel très à l'écoute. Petit déjeuner pantagruelique et excellent. Service à l'ancienne très agréable.

Cons:

Rien

2026-08-23 via Nuitee
K
Kaja couple pl
10
2026-08-21 via Nuitee
K
KEIKO couple jp
8
2026-08-21 via Nuitee
K
KEIKO couple jp
10
2026-08-21 via Nuitee
H
Hossam extended_group at
7
2026-08-19 via Nuitee
G
Gilles couple fr
10
Séjour dans un endroit merveilleux !
Pros:

L'emplacement de l'hôtel est exceptionnel avec une magnifique vue sur le lac et la cascade.
Le personnel est au petits soins et très réactif. Nous avons beaucoup apprécié les 2 restaurants et le petit déjeuner très copieux et varié.

2026-08-19 via Nuitee
R
Rashed couple qa
10
رائعة
Pros:

المكان رائع ونظيف والموظفين خدومين ونفسيتهم حلوة والإفطار رائع ومتنوع

Cons:

لا يوجد

2026-08-19 via Nuitee
N
Nicola couple gb
10
Beautiful place!
Pros:

Incredibly beautiful place. Very comfy beds and pillows…wonderful staff for the most part. Great breakfast buffet. Wonderful location. Loved the natural pool and we found a tiny beach to swim from about 10 minutes along the path to Isaltwald. The hotel won’t recommend it because it is rocky but perfectly safe if you are careful and have water shoes. Beautiful hike up to the top of the waterfall takes about an hour and a half with photo stops (wear hiking boots because it’s a steep descent). We walked to Isaltwald where you can hire kayaks and paddle boards - it’s about an hour and half each way but a gorgeous hike with a beach bar to refresh

Cons:

The daily influx of tourists from the boat can get a bit annoying, but without them it’s unlikely the hotel could sustain itself. We were out most of the day when they are present (from about 10 ish to about 5 ish). It’s a beautiful place so it’s great that lots of people get to enjoy it. If you start your hike up the waterfall between 8 and 9 you’ll likely be mostly on your own on the way up. 8.50ch is too much for water! Please stop charging this at dinner!

2026-08-19 via Nuitee