The Best Budget Hotels in Zermatt, Switzerland

Are there really Budget Hotels in Zermatt? Ok, we get it, Zermatt isn’t precisely what you would call a budget destination. But there are many affordable options for the budget-conscious traveller.

From centrally located spots, spa hotels and even ski-in ski-out accommodation, we’ll break down the best places to stay in Zermatt that are a little more friendly on the purse strings. Here are our top choices for a more affordable stay in Zermatt.

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Fantastic Spa & Pool at Zermatt Budget Rooms, Alpen Resort

This spot is one of our top picks for budget stays in Zermatt. The Zermatt Budget Rooms are part of the Alpen Resort, and honestly, they give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to affordable places in town. You still get all the modern perks of the Alpen Resort Hotel.

Heads up: the Budget Rooms are underground. They’ve got windows, but you won’t get a view from them. For the price, though, that’s totally fine—there are plenty of spots around the hotel where you can take in those epic Matterhorn views anyway.

The Alpen Resort itself is tucked away in a quiet part of town, right near the train station. That’s super handy if you want to be close to the station but not right in the hustle and bustle. We’re big fans of their pool and spa, plus the cosy lounge with giant windows showing off that classic Matterhorn backdrop.

Design & Lifestyle at Hotel Carina

Hotel Carina is such a hidden gem! If you’re all about stylish vibes and not breaking the bank, this is the spot for you. Plus, their restaurant is one of the best in town. Carina’s super close to the Sunnegga funicular station, so getting up the mountain is a breeze. 

It’s the perfect base for skiers and hikers, especially if you’re new to the snow and want to avoid lugging your gear across town. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or the trails, you’re set for adventure right from your doorstep.

Hotel Carina is a top choice for a stylish yet budget-friendly bed and bite in Zermatt.

Garni Testa Grigia a Zermatt Hotel with a View of the Matterhorn

Hotel Garni Testa Grigia is right smack on the main high street, so you’re perfectly placed for hopping on trains, grabbing the Gornergrat cog, or jumping on buses to get around—or hit the slopes.

Being in the heart of it all means you’re steps away from shops, bars, and restaurants, making it ideal for lazy wanders down Bahnhofstrasse (that’s the main strip) or exploring the old town charm on Hinterdorfstrasse.

You’ll get a tasty breakfast buffet to kick off your day, and 12 out of 33 rooms give you a Matterhorn view. The vibe here is relaxed but efficient, and the team always makes you feel right at home.

Hotel Ambience near the Famous Kirchbrücke

If you’re planning to get out for some sunrise and sunset shots of the Matterhorn from the Kirchbrücke viewpoint, Hotel Ambiance is the perfect hotel nearby. 

You’re a short stroll from the main street and just a few minutes to the public/ski bus, so getting to Sunnegga or Gornergrat is easy on both legs and wallet. 

The rooms are cosy-chalet rather than flashy, many offering mountain or Matterhorn views. Add friendly hosts and little perks like an outdoor whirlpool, and you’ve got great value in a town that’s famously pricey.

Perfect for Skiers at Plateau Rosa Hotel

Plateau Rosa is a savvy budget base on the quiet edge of Zermatt, a stone’s throw from the Matterhorn Express and hiking trails. 

It’s the perfect option for those wanting almost ski-in ski-out access to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, without the hefty price tag. 

Rooms are simple-cosy with cracking Matterhorn views, there’s a hearty breakfast to fuel big days, and post-adventure you’ve got a sauna/fitness corner to reset. Friendly, unfussy, and convenient: spend less on the stay, more on the fun. 

Arca Spa Hotel near the Zermatt Train Station

ARCA Spa Hotel is the budget-friendly sweet spot if you want Zermatt convenience without Zermatt prices. You’re a few minutes’ walk from the station, Gornergrat and Sunnegga lifts, and every room comes with a kitchenette—so you can knock up breakfast or a quick pasta and save your francs for the mountain. 

After a day packed with mountain adventures, treat yourself to a session in the freshly revamped spa—one of our absolute favourites in town. Float around the 34° brine pool, sweat it out in the sauna or steam room, then kick back on your balcony (grab a south-facing room for a cheeky Matterhorn view). Bliss!

Modern & Welcoming Base Camp Hotel

Base Camp Hotel hits that sweet spot for thrifty travellers who still want a cosy Zermatt base. It’s in a quiet, central pocket, close to the Kirchbrücke and about 4 minutes to the village centre and just 2 to the ski bus, so you’re on the lifts fast without faff. 

Inside, think snug rooms and a relaxed, lived-in vibe: lounge with a fireplace for nightcaps, a small sauna to unkink ski legs, proper ski storage with boot dryers, and a simple breakfast buffet that actually fills you up. 

The Best Hostels in Zermatt

There are only two hostels in Zermatt, each offering both private and dormitory rooms, along with shared facilities like a kitchen and lounge area—perfect for preparing meals and meeting fellow travellers.

Hotel Bahnhof with Hostel Dorm Rooms & Facilities

Hotel Bahnhof is a winner for budget travellers who want both comfort and convenience. Practically next door to Zermatt train station, you’re sorted whether you’re rolling solo or showing up with friends—take your pick between cosy private rooms, a classic dorm bed and female-only rooms.

You’ll love the useful extras: whip up your own feast in the communal kitchen, do some quick laundry, or stash your skis for the night—all without blowing your budget. Plus, you’re only a hop, skip, and a jump from shops, restaurants, and all the main sights, making this the perfect pocket-friendly launch pad for your Zermatt adventure.

Zermatt Youth Hostel with Matterhorn Views

If you’re all about keeping things affordable without missing Zermatt’s epic mountain views, Zermatt Youth Hostel is calling your name. Just a short stroll from everything, it’s spot-on for adventurers who love a central base and a sociable atmosphere.

You can choose between cosy private rooms or go full backpacker in a shared dorm. The buzzing common spaces are perfect for swapping stories (or ski tips), and with big breakfasts and the ability to make packed lunches, you’ll never head up that mountain on an empty stomach.

Buses in Zermatt are free, and the youth hostel is close to the Winkelmatten bus route in a quiet part of town. If you choose to walk, just FYI, there is a pretty hefty set of steps to tackle to reach the accommodation.

The Best Budget Apartments in Zermatt

There are many options when it comes to apartments in Zermatt, but these are the two standout choices for affordable accommodation.

Ski In Ski Out at Chalet Alm

If you’ve always dreamed of ski-in ski-out accommodation, right on the slopes, but worried about the cost, Chalet Alm is an excellent and affordable option. Conveniently located at the start of the Moos 43 yellow slope, and close to the Riffelberg and Matterhorn Express. 

The two-bedroom apartment is perched above Restaurant Alm, an ideal spot for authentic Swiss cuisine and their renowned local trout. In summer, mountain bikers will appreciate the apartment’s close access to the Moos flow trail and mountain lifts, while hikers can step straight onto the trails from the doorstep.

Inside, you’ve got a proper kitchen for self-catering (hello, fondue night without restaurant prices), a cosy living area with a fireplace, and a balcony for big mountain views. Just note the last lift down is early evening—grab groceries beforehand and you’ve got an affordable, adventure-first base with all the peace and fresh air you came for.

Spectacular & Affordable Artist Apartments

Artist Apartments is a cracking pick for budget travellers who want space and views without the price shock. The 2-4 bed flats are self-catering (hello, pasta night), each styled after an artist and most with proper Matterhorn panoramas, so you get cosy character plus savings. 

It sits in a sunny, quiet spot about a 7-minute walk from the centre and to the Matterhorn Express Cable Car, with a bus stop roughly 100 m away—easy for lifts and groceries—plus handy perks like on-site laundry. 

Affordable, artsy, and functional: exactly what you need for Zermatt days done right. 

How to Get to Zermatt

To reach Zermatt, the easiest and most cost effective options are to fly to Zurich, Geneva or Milan and take the 3.5 – 4 hr train journey via Visp or Brig.

We highly recommend the Swiss Travel Pass, for train travel within Switzerland, it gives you unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat.

Vehicles can also be hired from all major cities and airports. As Zermatt is a car free village, all cars must be parked in Täsch, the most convenient parking is the Matterhorn Terminal Täsch at the train station.

If you don’t want the hassle of driving yourself or taking the train, private transfers can be arranged with Kiwi Taxi.

Getting Around Zermatt

Getting around Zermatt is easy. The village is car-free, so you’ll mostly wander on foot, but when you need to go further there are free little electric buses and paid taxis zipping about.

Want to head up the mountains? The Sunnegga funicular, Gornergrat Railway, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lifts will get you there in no time. And if you fancy something a bit different, you can even ride through town in a horse-drawn carriage.

The Swiss Travel Pass also gives you 50% off mountain railway and cable cars in Zermatt.

Budget Hotels in Zermatt FAQs

These are the most commonly asked FAQs about budget hotels in Zermatt:

What is the Best Budget Hotel in Zermatt?

Zermatt Budget Rooms at the Alpen Resort is hands-down our favourite pick for a budget-friendly hotel in Zermatt! Located in a quiet area, but close to amenities, bus routes and the train stations, with all the facilities of a hotel, spa and pool.

How to do Zermatt on a Budget?

You can absolutely “do Zermatt” without rinsing your bank account: time your trip well, sleep smart, cook a few meals, and focus on the free or low-cost mountain fun that makes this place special.

• Travel off-peak: late spring, autumn, or early December—and book early for the best hotel and lift prices.
  
• Go self-catering: choose apartments or kitchenette rooms; cook breakfast and a couple of dinners.
  
• Shop smart: stock up at Denner, Coop, or Migros and pack picnic lunches for slopes or hikes.
  
• Move for free: use the village buses, walk between lifts, and carry a reusable bottle for fountains.
  
• Cut train costs: grab Saver Day Passes/Supersaver fares or a Half Fare Card to/from Zermatt.
  
• Match your pass: pick lifts to fit your plans (Sunnegga/Gornergrat only, partial-day, or dynamic deals).
  
• Sort gear early: reserve rentals in advance, compare shops, and skip locker fees by storing at your hotel.
  
• Pick free fun: hiking, village viewpoints, the churchyard, and aimless wanders through town.
  
• Plan one splurge: a standout meal or spa session—keep everything else simple and scenic.
  

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Zermatt on a Budget?

Staying near the train station means you have access to all amenities, buses, and lift stations, reducing the need to spend on taxis. Hotels with breakfast, like Zermatt budget rooms, and affordable apartments save tonnes on eating out. 

Pick a value-friendly area and a self-catering setup: Winkelmatten (near the Matterhorn Express), Spiss/Zen Stecken (flat, easy walk to the station), or Steinmatte (quiet streets just outside the centre) all deliver lower rates than the main drag—especially if you choose an apartment or a hotel room with a kitchenette.

• Best value areas: Winkelmatten (lift access), Spiss/Zen Stecken (station side), Steinmatte (calmer, short walk to town).
  
• Room type: Breakfast included, Apartments or kitchenette rooms to save on meals.
  
• Logistics: Stay near a ski bus stop or within 7–10 minutes’ walk of Sunnegga/Matterhorn Express to cut transport time and cost.
  
• Extras to check: Free breakfast, spa/sauna access, ski storage with boot dryers, and on-site laundry—small perks that stretch your budget.

Is Zermatt Expensive?

Yes—like most of Switzerland, Zermatt is generally expensive, but it doesn’t have to drain your savings. Prices are high for hotels, lift passes and mountain restaurants. Yet, you can cut costs by visiting off-peak, staying in value areas and choosing apartments or kitchenette rooms, cooking a few meals with groceries from Denner/Coop/Migros, and using the free village buses. Pick lift passes to match your plans and save your splurge for one special meal or a spa session.

Final Thoughts on Budget Hotels in Zermatt

Zermatt has a luxe reputation, but this guide proves you can stay here for less without skimping on the views or the vibe. 

We’ve rounded up value stays like Hotel Ambiance, Plateau Rosa, and Chalet Alm, plus shown you the smartest areas to base yourself and the simple tricks that cut costs fast: travel off-peak, choose self-catering, stock up at Denner/Coop/Migros, use the free village buses and buy only the lift access you’ll actually use. 

Pick one splurge, keep everything else simple and scenic, and you’ll leave with full hearts, happy legs and francs left for your next trip.