Hate to be boring but why do you not call the tourist office in Crans?

Thanks Paul. perhaps worth a try, I've just never had much luck with tourist offices - prefer to get tips from objective travelers.

It is just that at short notice the chances are v. low of 1) finding someone who can make a proposal who has not already left for the long weekend and 2) that recommended accommodation being available.  I find that tourist office websites are not bad and you just have to persevere and ring round.  Also people's tastes differ and so one glocals perfect hotel is not necessarily yours.  Good luck - cannot help as do not know the area. 

Hi all.   We ended up a bit further than Crans in a little village called Blatten - just over on the German speaking side.  We stayed at the Hamilton Lodge. The hotel is lovely and wonderful for families.  You need to go up the cable car and leave your car way down below but this makes for a fantastic car-free holiday. 

When you're ready to go home, right near the car park at the base of the mountains  is a lovely playground for children that also offers (for a fee) mini golf and parcours (climbing between the trees).  http://www.brig-belalp.ch/seilpark/  Across the street ia another hotel/restaurant where you can get a pizza and sit outside whlst your children play in a little private playground.  A lovely place for a short break.

http://www.hamiltonlodge.ch/

Although the information is of no use to me - different interests, no small kids, i think it is excellent that you took the time to post this information for all to see.  I think you can also post it under 'guides' and hotels