My mother is from St. Gallen and I spent many summers there as a child. This summer I decided it was time to take my daughters (ages 11 & 8) to Switzerland, but needed an affordable place to call home, as my relatives are getting on in years and I didn't want to impose.

I booked us into the Hotel Vadian, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The hotel is a 10 minute walk from the train station (no public transit access) in the historic Alt Stadt. Everything is within walking distance...and St. Gallen has a wonderful compact, pedestrian-only, city center. Just around the corner from the hotel is a lovely little square with a fountain (a low key flea market takes place there on weekends) and the entrance to the cathedral and Stiftsbibliotek. The Muehleggbahn (funicular) is a minute or two from the hotel--ride it up the hill, turn right, go up the stairs, and access a wonderful path with a wonderful view of the entire city.

The hotel might strike some as a bit quirky. Parts are ultra modern in that Swiss way, others older. But everything is *spotlessly* clean and we were very comfortable during our stay. Our room was for three, located at the end of the corridor on the second floor, facing the street. It was comprised of a smaller room with a single bed, small armoire, sink, in-room shower/toilet, and a larger second room with two twins forming a queen/king bed, a desk, and an armoire. Bedding was heavenly. TV in the larger room. Wood flooring. Large windows. There was some occasional street noise at that level and location, but tolerable.

Given the prices in Switzerland, the Hotel Vadian was extremely reasonable (we contemplated staying in Zurich, but my aunt assured me that it would be impossible to find a decent room at anywhere near the price we paid in quieter St. Gallen). Breakfast was included and served each morning downstairs in a breakfast room: tea, coffee, croissants and breads, cheeses, cold cuts, juices, jams. Excellent service.

My sense is that this hotel doesn't receive a lot of English speaking visitors. I can't guage the staff's English abilities, as I spoke German. Almost all of the tourism information was only available in German.

Another interesting note...the hotel is alcohol free, run as part of a cooperative, and a member of the Swiss Christian Hotel Association. The proceeds of the hotel support mental health programs in Switzlerland. So you're also doing good by staying here!

St. Gallen is often overlooked by visitors to Switzerland, but the city and the region have a lot to offer. And with distances being what they are (50 minutes to Zurich, 2 hours to Lucerne) it's a wonderful base to explore from.

Enjoy!