We must admit that sometimes the hotel we stay in becomes an unmissable attraction of our journey. When the scenery of Lungern failed to meet my expectations, fortunately, Emma’s Hotel stepped in to play a rescue role.
In recent years, one factor I’ve increasingly valued when selecting hotels abroad is their proximity to transportation hubs. If my trip primarily involves train travel, then hotels near train stations become my initial search targets—though admittedly, the safety around train stations isn’t always reassuring. The reasoning behind this consideration is simply the convenience of moving with luggage. As I grow older, my physical endurance isn’t as strong as in my youth, so being able to set down heavy burdens early is truly a blessing.
Emma’s Hotel is located just across from Lungern train station, merely a few dozen meters away—a reassuringly convenient location. The next challenge was the self-check-in process.
I’m not someone who fears unfamiliar machines, so self-check-in wasn’t an issue, though this time I did get stuck momentarily. After entering my reservation number and seeing my booking details appear, I took out my credit card for contactless payment, but the screen prompted me to enter a 4-digit PIN. I understood this was equivalent to a cash advance PIN, but having not anticipated this situation before leaving home, I hadn’t obtained this code from the bank. I tried random combinations several times but was rejected (fortunately without getting my card locked). In my panic, I messaged the accommodation staff, but before receiving their reply, I had a flash of inspiration to try Apple Pay—which surprisingly worked!
Next to the check-in machine was a luggage storage area, free for hotel guests.
I swiped my card to enter the main door and took the elevator to the third floor—actually just one level up. Throughout the entire process, I didn’t encounter a single person or see any other guests—truly an introvert-run, introvert-friendly accommodation.
The room was larger than many budget hotels in typical tourist destinations. I had booked a room with a balcony, and comfortable 7-degree winter sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, complementing the clean white bedsheets with a refreshing brightness.
An antique map at the bedhead cleverly positioned Taiwan, labeled as “Formosa,” right above the pillow.
The room furnishings were clean and straightforward—not particularly design-forward, but functional and color-coordinated in a way that felt both settling and visually interesting.
From the balcony, one could glimpse the distant white mountains, though the view was partially obstructed.
In the other direction lay the road in front of the train station. The train I had just taken had slowly descended from the mountain visible at the horizon. I wondered when I would next be close to the Swiss mountains.
Taking advantage of the excellent weather, I estimated I wouldn’t need a heavy coat and simply put on a light fleece before heading out to explore the town.
The next morning, I went downstairs for breakfast and was surprised to discover that the hotel’s restaurant was truly the impressive part of the establishment.
I wouldn’t say I love this style, but the owner had clearly put thought into the decor. The entire first floor (actually the basement level) was dedicated to the restaurant, which also sold country-style home decorations and kitchen gadgets.
I chose a seat far from the counter, near the floor-to-ceiling windows. As I sat down, I noticed another table of guests having their meal—so there were indeed other guests staying at the hotel.
I finally saw the manager of Emma’s Hotel, though I wasn’t sure if she was actually named Emma. She was a slightly plump, cheerful-looking woman who proactively greeted me, asked what I’d like to drink, and mentioned she would bring it to my table shortly. I ordered a black coffee.
The breakfast selection was quite generous—they didn’t skimp despite having few guests. All the classic Swiss hotel breakfast options were available: various European breads, croissants, assorted jams, butter, cheese, yogurt, sausages, coffee, and tea—everything one could wish for.
There was even a whole honeycomb! The fresh, natural honey flow was truly surprising.
Self-service boiled eggs were also available.
Having grown tired of the bacon served at the foot of Jungfrau, I opted for a simpler meal here.
After finishing breakfast, I wandered around the hotel. Outside the restaurant were various tourism brochures, but what attracted me most was the panoramic view of Lungern—the same view that had caught my eye momentarily from the train.
Summer Lungern has an added vitality, like a blue agate hidden at the foot of Jungfrau. Perhaps that would be the best season to visit this small town.
Each floor had a small space like this—converted from an old elevator shaft—with different themes, such as a grocery display or a mini library.
Back in my room, I packed my luggage and basked in the last rays of Jungfrau’s winter sun from this trip.
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Emma’s Hotel
https://www.emmashotel.com/
Bahnhofstrasse 32, Lungern, Switzerland