You know maybe this very famous little hotel/ guest house in Appenzell. It's really a must if you are in the Alpstein area. If you want to avoid the crowds I truly recommend you to start your hike early in the morning (in order to be there before 8AM. So you have the place for about 20min for yourself :)

I did the hike from the Ebenalp valley station towards Äscher / Alp Bommen which will save you some time instead of going to Seealpsee first. It's 3.1km, and takes 1:30h for 588m ascent.

The place is great to have a coffee after your early morning hike :) further note: the place is great to continue your hike towards Seealpsee or also Schäfler. If you do not want to hike much or even get up as early: the Ebenalp Bahn brings you up too and then it's just a 15 min walk to Äscher or also called Wildkirchli