I will be coming back over to Switzerland in August visiting friends and attending the Summer Days festival in Arbon. I am considering baseing myself near Lake Thun and would welcome suggestions.

I will probably opt for Interlaken, Spiez, or Thun so that I have easy access to rail routes. I have previously visited Interlaken, but not Spiez or Thun. How do they compare?

I am quite happy with budget accommodation as I will be out most of the time. I have seen Balmers in Interlaken mentioned here. I have also been looking for self-catering but options seem to be very limited. Any other suggestions? Thanks

I would say Thun wins hands down, but then I do live there!

Seriously though, Thun is the nicest town out of the 3, but if it's cheap accomodation you're after, then Interlaken would probably give you more choice.
There is a hostel in Thun that you might want to check out: Herberge zur Schadau or how about the SwissTubes in Gwatt?

A list of all hotels in and around Thun can be found here.

Hope you have a great time, wherever you stay!

Agreed. Thun wins hands down. Interlaken is just a tourist trap. It's a bit like purgatory - between the really majestic mountains and the lovely lake Thun.

Yeap I agree. Thun is gorgeous and the view of the alps once you get out of the train station is like no other!

Cant really help much on accomodation. I stayed in Seepark Thun hotel, if you wish to check that out.

Hi!

I was in Thun 2 weeks ago and we stayed at Parkhotel Oberhofen am Thunersee. Have a look to the website http://www.parkhoteloberhofen.ch/
The rooms were very nice, with a wonderful view of the lake.

I'm sure you will find the perfect hotel.

Enjoy your stay in Switzerland!

Thanks for the suggestions. It sounds like Thun should be my first choice.

I can understand the dislike of Interlaken. It is the most tourist focussed town that I have visited in Switzerland. I guess this has come about due to its convenient location. Last time I was in the area, I stayed in Grindelwald. Whilst it was a great place, it was necessary to go via Interlaken to most other places. My thought for considering it was due to its convenient location. (I was about to say "for its convenience", but that could give the totally wrong impression )

Hotel Restaurant Panorama in Aeschlen ob Guntun over the Thunersee I don't think is very expensive and the view is absolutely stunning. It's a simple hotel with a restaurant. Buses run fairly frequently down to Thun (15mins?) http://panora.ch/

You can have look at the view at their website

This place (a campsite) has a chalet you can rent if you're planning on staying for a week.

http://www.camping-aeschi.ch/info1e.html

there is a really nice youth hostel with double rooms (not sure about singles) in Leissigen, right on the Lake. There are regular train connections to Spiez where most fast trains stop. Not much life in Leissigen though.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Although Thun has got the best recommendations, I have booked the Guest House at Balmers, Interlaken.

The other places that I looked at were either not close to public transport, booked, or added quite a premium for single rooms.

The Swiss Tubes look very interesting for groups looking for the freedom of camping without the risk of drowning or being blown away in a gale.