Samedan, Maloja, Graubünden, Switzerland Room Only Accommodation

Destinations to base your adventures: Samedan, Maloja, and the surrounding Graubünden

Two villages stand out as ideal bases for a Graubünden getaway: Samedan and Maloja. Samedan sits at the head of the Upper Engadine, just a quick transfer from St. Moritz and the region’s premier slopes. The town blends Swiss‑alp traditions with modern ease: a compact, walkable center, welcoming cafés, a steady stream of seasonal markets, and easy access to both mountains and lakes. Maloja, perched higher up above Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana, offers dramatic panoramas and a different tempo—less bustle, more open skies, and a sense of stepping onto a postcard. Together, these two towns let you experience the Engadin’s contrasts: polished resort amenities and intimate village life, alpine peatlands and glacial lakes, traditional Engadine cuisine and contemporary mountain living.

Staying in Samedan gives you quick access to the Engadin’s most iconic routes and lifts, while Maloja serves as a springboard for dramatic lake‑edge exploration and high‑altitude viewpoints. For families, couples, or groups seeking variety, splitting a stay between Samedan and Maloja creates a dynamic itinerary with different mornings, different light, and different local flavors. It also opens opportunities to experience two ends of the Engadin—one that thrives on accessibility and local community, and another that emphasizes expansive views, wind‑touched lakes, and quiet trails. When you search for vacation rentals or room‑only options in this corridor, you can filter by proximity to the lakes, easy access to the lift network, or a neighborhood feel that matches your travel rhythm.

Beyond Samedan and Maloja, the Engadin is easy to weave into day trips to St. Moritz, Pontresina, and the Bernina range. You can ride the Bernina Express for a scenic rail adventure that reveals snow‑fed ridges and terraced villages from a window seat. You can also plan a circuit across high passes such as Julier or Maloja for breathtaking panoramas and stops at small alpine huts for hot cocoa and local cheese. The region’s connectivity makes it possible to base your entire holiday on two or three properties while venturing outward each day to minimize long drives and maximize outdoor time.

Room Only and other accommodation options in Samedan and Maloja

Room Only is a flexible choice for travelers who want to tailor meals to their own rhythm. In a Room Only arrangement, you have a private sleeping space—often with a comfortable bed, a private or shared bathroom, and some listings offering a small seating area or desk. Breakfast and other meals are not included, which means you can explore Engadine dining options, from rustic bistros to elegant hillside restaurants, and you can also strike out for a picnic by a lake or a lakeside barbecue in summer. This setup is ideal for guests who want to spend more time outdoors and who enjoy discovering new cafés and eateries each day, rather than following a fixed meal plan.

In Samedan and Maloja, many room‑only properties also offer kitchenette facilities, shared lounges, or even a compact dining nook so you can prepare light breakfasts, snacks, or quick dinners when you’re in the mood to unwind with a quiet night in. If you’re traveling with kids or a larger group, there are apartment‑style options near both towns that function just like a Room Only base but with more space, a dedicated kitchen, and separate bedrooms. This flexibility can be a major advantage when you’re balancing long hiking days, ski sessions, or lake activities with downtime for rest and washing gear after adventures.

For travelers who want a broader mix of options, consider adding a few nights in a vacation rental that includes a full kitchen or a living area where everyone can gather after a day of exploration. Room Only stays are easy to pair with day trips to nearby villages, guided tours, or chef‑guided experiences for a taste of Engadine hospitality. If you’re booking online, you’ll often see “Room Only” as a selection alongside “Apartment,” “Studio,” or “Suite”—use these filters to compare listings that fit your budget and space needs. To discover a curated set of Room Only and other accommodation options in Samedan, Maloja, and the greater Graubünden region, visit searchandstay.com, which aggregates listings with clear room configurations and inclusions so you can plan with confidence.

Destinations, activities and local experiences

The Engadin is a living playground—whether you’re chasing speed on the slopes, racing a bike along lakeside paths, or savoring a sunset over a snow‑capped horizon. In winter, Samedan serves as a practical base for ski enthusiasts who want to maximize time on the runs. From here, you can reach major resorts by a short bus ride or a quick drive, glide along well‑maintained pistes, and then retreat to a warm room‑only retreat that’s close to après‑ski options. If you’re new to the mountains, a guided snowshoe or gentle intro ski lesson is a perfect way to start, and many operators offer packages that pair lessons with lift passes or equipment rental so you don’t have to juggle add‑ons separately.

During summer, the Engadin unfolds as a tapestry of turquoise lakes, wildflower meadows, and high‑country trails. Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana invite paddleboards, windsurfing, and leisurely boat trips with stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks. Lake St. Moritz and nearby coves provide gentle swimming opportunities, while longer hikes reveal panoramic ridges and alpine pastures where dairy cows graze a few meters from pine forests. For those who enjoy cycling, the flat lagoons and lakeside loops are accessible to riders of all levels, and you can rent bikes in several villages and take advantage of well‑signed bike routes that link Samedan, Maloja, and St. Moritz with minimal traffic. If you’re seeking a more strenuous ride, mountain bike trails in the region deliver challenging climbs and rewarding descents, with plenty of coffee stops and snack huts along the way to keep energy up.

Engadine cuisine is another essential part of the experience. In Samedan and Maloja you’ll encounter a thoughtful blend of Swiss and Italian flavors, with hearty dishes that reflect the valley’s alpine climate and long‑settled farming traditions. Try capuns (stuffed chard or cabbage wraps), bündnerfleisch (air‑dried meat), and plump dumplings, as well as seasonal soups and fresh cheeses produced by valley farms. Local bakeries offer crusty bread and pastries that pair perfectly with cheeses and pickle accents. For a balanced day, pair a scenic hike with a stop at a lakefront café or a mountain hut where you can taste a regional cheese, a glass of Swiss wine, or a hot drink to end the day with a warm, memorable note.

Practical tips for planning and booking

Timing can shape your experience in Graubünden. The winter season brings reliable snow along with world‑class ski access, while summer offers long days for hiking with comfortable temperatures. Shoulder seasons provide quieter trails, lower prices, and a different kind of solitude that many travelers find appealing. If you’re aiming for a balance of outdoor time and relaxation, consider a plan that alternates days of activity with evenings in a cozy room‑only base. And always check the listing details: some Vacation Rentals labeled as Room Only may still offer a shared kitchen, while others provide private facilities but exclude breakfast, which is great if you want to tailor meals to your taste and schedule.

Transport is part of the experience here. Samedan’s proximity to the St. Moritz area means you can access primo ski zones quickly and return for a relaxing evening. The valley’s rail and bus networks are reliable, making a car optional for many travelers. If you do drive, you’ll find parking in both towns, plus easy access to scenic viewpoints and mountain passes. For a truly seamless experience, book accommodations that are close to bus stops or train stations to minimize transfer times after a long day outdoors.

When searching for the right listing, use keywords aligned with your priorities: “Room Only” for flexible dining, “vacation rentals” for aggregated options, “holiday rentals” for extended stays, and “Graubünden” or “Engadin” for broader discovery. Compare locations by distance to lakes, lifts, and town centers. Look for listings with user reviews that highlight cleanliness, communication, and accurate representations of the room, bathroom, and shared spaces. And remember to confirm any guest cards or local passes included with your stay—these can unlock complimentary or discounted access to public transport and certain attractions in the Engadin region.

How to book and plan your stay

Start with a short list of must‑have features for your Samedan or Maloja stay: a comfortable bed in a quiet room, a reliable shower, convenient access to public transport, and the option to cook or prepare simple meals. If you’re traveling with friends or family, prioritize listings with multiple sleeping areas or apartment configurations. As you refine your choices, use searchandstay.com to compare Room Only listings alongside other accommodations, filtering by price, location, and amenities such as lake views, balconies, or proximity to hiking trails.

When you’re ready to book, read the cancellation policy and house rules carefully, especially if you’re planning a trip during peak season. Keep an eye on seasonal events that might affect availability or price, such as winter world cups or summer lake festivals in the St. Moritz area. If you’re flexible, you can often find better rates by adjusting your dates by a few days. And once you’ve secured your Room Only base, you’ll have the freedom to design daily adventures—from sunrise lake walks to late‑afternoon lifts—without committing to set meal plans or fixed itineraries.

Plan your Samedan and Maloja getaway today

Graubünden’s Samedan and Maloja offer a unique blend of mountain adventure, lakeside serenity, and authentic Engadine culture. Whether you’re assembling a multi‑week vacation rental itinerary or a short break in a comfortable Room Only accommodation, this region rewards curiosity with dramatic landscapes, world‑class cuisine, and a welcoming local atmosphere. The best way to start is by identifying your preferred style of stay and then comparing options for location, price, and inclusions. Remember to verify whether a listing is truly “Room Only” or if meals are included, and to check cancellation policies and house rules before you book.

When you’re ready to search for accommodations in Samedan, Maloja, and the broader Graubünden area, head to searchandstay.com to explore vacation rentals and holiday rentals. You can filter by Room Only, price range, distance to the lake, and access to properties with mountain views, balconies, or kitchen facilities. Use the site to compare multiple listings quickly, review guest feedback, and secure a convenient time to savor the Engadin’s light and air. Once booked, you’ll be ready to craft an itinerary full of outdoor wonder, culinary discovery, and joyful, inclusive experiences that suit travelers of all ages.

Pro tip: plan a two‑location stay within Graubünden. Split your time between Samedan for its quiet charm and proximity to St. Moritz, and Maloja for dramatic scenery and downtime by the lakes. This approach gives you the flexibility to experience both sides of the Engadin without compromising on comfort. And don’t forget to book early—the best Room Only accommodations and holiday rentals in the area often fill quickly, especially during peak winter and summer months. By starting with a flexible Room Only base and then adding day trips to nearby villages, you’ll maximize your time and your enjoyment of Samedan, Maloja, and the Graubünden region.