When someone asks me to share my views on winter trips, the first hotel that comes to mind for winter and summer trips is Hotel Regina, Wengen (elevation 1274 m), in the "Berner Oberland". Together with my wife, family and friends, I have stayed there many times in the past years. Wengen, a village, has no cars, except for one or two taxis and farmer utility vehicles. However, it is easily accessible in 14 minutes by train from Lauterbrunnen (elevation 796 m), close to the end of the breathtaking "Weisse Luetschine" valley. The train stops virtually at the foot of a hill crowned by the Regina. The Meyer family competently manages the Regina. Following a telephone call from the train sttaions in either Lauterbrunnen or Wengen, the Regina will send someone with an electric wagon to transport passengers and luggage.

The Regina is located on a promontory at the foot of the Jungfrau massif and has arguably the best and breathtaking view on the massif and the "Weisse Luetschine" valley. It is close to the Lauberhorn, since 1930, the venue for the "Internationale Lauberhornrennen Wengen" in January one the Supercombination World Cup ski races. It is very accessible by train from the Regina.

The Regina exudes wonderful old-world charm. The beautiful main restaurant "ChezMeyer's suffers from one draw-back - the view of the Jungfrau Massif and the "Weisse Luetschine" Valley down below. Why is it a draw-back? It tends to preoccupy the guests' eyes at the expense of their stomachs’ demands. The four-course meals, served on fine china, are first-class. They are imaginative and very competently prepared and served (!!). The Regina has an excellent wine list, and thanks to Mr. Guido Meyer, it is centred on Swiss wines. I have never had lunch in the Regina, because I always book half-board (breakfast buffet and dinner). It took a bit of arm-twisting on my behalf to be finally served " Schweizer (Swiss) Muesli", the quintessential ingredient of a Swiss breakfast. While the buffet is very good, I was never impressed with the selection of meats.

We have always enjoyed rooms with balconies overlooking the valley and the Jungfrau Region. I like especially the French beds. Although I have always been most comfortable in the hotel, the lighting levels in the bathrooms could be improved. Liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner could be in wall-mounted containers, but this will hopefully happen.

A few years ago, the Regina opened a boutique. Also, it has a spa offering excellent massages.

The levels of Swiss accommodation and meal prices have always been high, but we enjoyed reasonable rates whenever we visited the Regina.

A comfortable walk from the Regina leads to Café Mary, a.k.a. "Hexe Huesli" (owned by the Regina), a former farm hose converted into a cozy restaurant. Apart from the legendary, I have always enjoyed the "Schlachtplatte", a very delicate and tasty assortment of meats with excellent local rye bread. The coffee with or without "Schlag" (whipped cream) and with or without "Kirschwasser" (cherry Schnaps) is a wonderful "stomach-warmer", especially in winter. In the warmer seasons, it is nice to sit outdoors on the verandah and enjoy the scenery, and watch the neighbour’s goats play-fight and to look into the cows’ contented eyes on the meadow next door.

Of course, the entire Berner Oberland is a skiers' and hikers' paradise. There are more ski slopes, it seems, than there is tea in China. It is also excellent for cross-country skiing, which I prefer to downhill. Although I won't be returning to the Regina this year, I am definitely planning to do so in the future.