Housing in Switzerland: real experience from chats
Real experience of people from chats on «Housing» in Switzerland — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
When booking accommodation, compare prices between booking platforms (like Booking.com, which may offer Genius discounts) and direct hotel websites, as direct bookings are often cheaper. Booking.com can provide customer support for disputes. A booking strategy involves reserving a flexible rate and rebooking at a lower price if rates drop closer to the date, though availability is not guaranteed. Consider room views and amenities (like balconies) when choosing; rooms with less desirable views or no balcony are usually cheaper and might be a practical choice if you only need a place to sleep.
The rental market in Geneva is highly competitive. Standard rental requirements include a minimum one-year contract, proof of financial solvency, and a security deposit of three months' rent. Short-term rentals are difficult to find through traditional local channels; alternatives include Airbnb, corporate housing platforms, or flat swapping websites.
Geneva faces a severe, long-term student housing shortage. Students are advised to search 6–12 months in advance. Primary resources include the University of Geneva's housing office (offering dorms and homestays) and considering accommodation in nearby French border towns due to lower costs and availability.
When booking accommodation in Switzerland, check hotel websites directly as they often offer lower prices than booking platforms like Booking.com. For example, Villa Sonnennhof in Interlaken was cheaper when booked directly. Consider budget options like Ibis Budget, but be aware that prices for accommodation, even in campsites, can be high (e.g., 25-70 CHF for a tent pitch). Unique stays like hostels in former prisons (e.g., Barabas Hotel in Lucerne) exist but may still be costly. Always compare prices and cancellation policies.
The "Prize by Radisson, Bern City" hotel is recommended for its good views of Bern and a 5-minute walk to the city center. Be aware that prices can exceed 15,000 RUB during summer dates.
For a car-free trip in Switzerland focused on nature, consider base towns like Thun, Spiez, Meiringen, or Brienz instead of the heavily tourist-populated Interlaken. Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald are excellent hubs for mountains and waterfalls. Public transport allows for easy day trips to Zermatt or Bern from these locations.
For Swiss visa applications, hotel booking confirmations from standard travel aggregators may be considered insufficient. It is recommended to contact the hotel directly to request an official invoice or a confirmation letter with the hotel's stamp to satisfy consular document requirements.
Lucerne has become significantly more expensive and popular since 2012. Hotel prices, like at Hotel des Alpes (known for mountain views), have increased, often exceeding 200 CHF per night unless booked far in advance. Cheaper alternatives like Barabas Hotel or Glandon apartments exist. Parking in Lucerne is limited, making walking the primary mode of transport. Be aware that it gets dark early in Lucerne. Optimal views are typically seen at sunrise.
In Switzerland, a budget of 150 CHF typically secures a 2-3 star hotel with small rooms, often without breakfast. For booking, use platforms like Booking.com. If international cards are an issue, consider Russian platforms like Ostrovok.ru, which may list some hotels.
Hotel accommodation in Bern and Zurich is high-priced. A budget of 15,000 CHF per night is significantly above market standard, but users often mean 150-200 CHF when asking for '15k' (local currency conversion error). Advise users that 200-300 CHF is the standard starting point for mid-range hotels in major Swiss cities.
Campsite prices in Switzerland can be surprisingly high. Expect to pay anywhere from 17-25 CHF per night for a tent pitch in some locations (e.g., Andermatt) to as much as 70 EUR per night in popular areas like Lauterbrunnen. These prices often do not include additional charges like parking. While campsites may offer excellent facilities, it's crucial to budget accordingly for camping trips in Switzerland.
In Switzerland, it is common for individuals to act as their own real estate agents for renting or buying properties, especially if they are not high-net-worth individuals, due to the associated costs. While real estate agents ('риэлторы') do exist and can provide assistance in specific, complex situations for 'adequate money', engaging one for both parties (e.g., tenant/buyer and landlord/seller) is often considered financially inefficient due to the double commission structure, making it 'inadequate' for many.
In Swiss real estate, competition is high. While official listings are common, there is a secondary market where brokers (agents) use personal connections with 'regies' to prioritize candidate applications for a fee (usually one month's rent).