We envy Bern’s marketing department. The city has loads of medieval architecture, is small and walkable despite being a capital city, and has a bear park.
It must be a cakewalk to get visitors — and even easier to convince them to stay — thanks to the best hotels in Bern, Switzerland, serving up exceptional Gastfreundschaft (hospitalité).
From efficient hotels to luxurious lodging, these Bern hotels are the best.
Image Credit: Hotel Bellevue Palace
Hotel Bellevue Palace
Best hotel in Bern for the presidential treatment
Closest station: Bern Hbf
Hotel Bellevue Palace is the official guesthouse of the Swiss government, but you don’t need the Federal Council’s approval to stay in the Presidential Suite. You’ll be sworn into this suite the minute a profane phrase of bewilderment leaves your lips as you see the unrivaled view of the Alps. And do be sure to carry out your duties properly with a visit to the Finnish sauna.
Hotel Schweizerhof Hotel & Spa
Best hotel in Bern for wellness
Closest station: Bern Hbf
The wellness wonderland at Hotel Schweizerhof Hotel & Spa invites you to relax however you please: a full workout with Techno Gym equipment and a private trainer; a full body massage in the relaxation room; a steam bath after a dip in the vitality pool; there’s no wrong way to recharge in this haven.
Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke
Best hotel in Bern for backpackers
Closest station: Bern Hfb
Full disclosure: it’s very easy to spend money in Switzerland, so save as many Swiss francs as you can by staying at Hotel Glocke. You don’t have to shack up with strangers in a dorm, but it’s the best way to cut your rate. The private rooms — even those with private bathrooms — aren’t punishing on the wallet.
Swissôtel Kursaal Bern
Best hotel in Bern for backpackers
Closest station: Bern Kursaal (Tram)
Count yourself lucky with a room key to the Swissôtel Kursaal (and not because it has a casino on-site). This Bern hotel is on the north side of the Aare, putting you right beside the convention center where the annual Fernwehfestival takes place. Panoramic views of Old Town and the Alps await on your room’s balcony.
Image Credit: Zollhaus - One Suite Hotel
Zollhaus — One Suite Hotel
Best hotel in Bern for beer and bear lovers
Closest station: Bern Hbf
Can you bear having a hotel all to yourself? Zollhaus is a one-suite-hotel, which is exactly how it sounds. They call this two-story suite with a bedroom, two bathrooms, a living space, and dining area a “boutique suite” — and we’re not here to argue. With an included mini bar, breakfast, river view, and private terrace in the famous BearPark, they could call it a Bernese palace and we wouldn’t bat an eye — mainly because our gaze is transfixed on our furry neighbors.
Alpenblick Bern
Best hotel in Bern for a one-of-a-kind-of-stay
Closest station: Breitenrain (Tram)
You’ve stayed in a hotel, and you’ve not stayed in a hotel, but have you kind of stayed in a hotel? Alpenblick Bern (which, despite its name, does not have even “kind-of” an alpine view) is quite the intriguing accommodation. Rooms of varying sizes come with private kitchenettes and the amenities are just as useful. A skateboard to explore the city? A hairdresser to fix your helmet hair? A Sunday roast that sends home-sweet-home vibes through the hotel? It’s all here at the Alpenblick.
Unique Hotel Innere Enge Bern
Best hotel in Bern for a jazzy stay
Closest station: Bern Felsenau
Unique is a spot-on adjective that separates Hotel Innere Enge from other Bern hotels. Outdoor amenities include a mini-golf course, a playground for kids, a pump track, and easy access to the forest. Inside is a much more musical affair. Marians Jazzroom welcomes international acts from September to May and hosts an international jazz festival each year.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Sean Pavone. Image Location: Bern, Switzerland
Getting to Bern, Switzerland by train
Travelling by train is the best way to see Europe — especially Switzerland. Getting to Bern is simple:
🇨🇭 Zürich HB to Bern Hbf: 56m
🇨🇭 Genève to Bern Hbf: 1h 44m
🇮🇹 Milano Centrale to Bern Hbf: 3h 49m
🇩🇪 Stuttgart Hbf to Bern Hbf: 3h 44m
🇫🇷 Paris Gare de Lyon to Bern Hbf: 4h 29m
And staying at the best hotels in Bern is so easy, you’ll literally do it in your sleep. Download the Trainline app and let us help you make your Swiss slumber as perfect as you could dream.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, joe daniel price. Image Location: Bern, Switzerland
