12 best hotels in Bern, Switzerland

Switzerland’s charming capital city offers a perfectly unique blend of rich history, culture, and abundant natural beauty – plus there are a handful of wonderful hotels in Bern to choose from. 

Bern’s history dates back to the 12th century, giving rise to numerous museums, galleries, and landmarks that showcase its cultural heritage. 

The city is lucky to be surrounded by vast mountain ranges and plenty of natural wonders for a truly magical landscape – it’s one of the reasons I think this city holds so much appeal.

For those planning a trip to Bern, choosing the right hotel is essential if you want to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Despite being Switzerland’s capital city, I’ve found that Bern just doesn’t have the same extensive range of luxury hotels that other Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva boast. 

Although Bern is a great day trip from Zurich, there are a couple of notable five-star hotels in Bern that beckon you in. As well as a number of charming boutique hotels with bags of character.

Discover my pick of the best hotels in Bern from my own experiences and local recommendations that are sure to make your stay in the city a memorable one.

1. Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa

Address: Bahnhofpl. 11, 3001 Bern

Best for: Luxury spa break

Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is a luxurious five-star establishment located in the heart of Switzerland’s capital.

Offering luxury combined with comfort, the hotel welcomes guests from all over the world.

The hotel offers 99 elegantly furnished rooms and suites. I especially love that each is adorned with classic French charm and a touch of English understatement.

You’ll find a unique room that oozes sophistication while still having all of the amenities you’d expect in a luxury hotel. 

One of the highlights of Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa has to be its exclusive spa. The boutique spa offers a wide range of treatments and services for you to enjoy. These include massages, facials, and body treatments.

You can relax and unwind in the sauna and steam room, or take a dip in the indoor pool after a day of exploring the city – that’s where you’ll find me!

This hotel in Bern also has several dining options, including the Jack’s Brasserie, which offers French cuisine, and the Lobby Lounge Bar, which serves delicious cocktails and light bites. 

Insider travel tip: I’d really recommend visiting the hotel’s Sky Terrace, as it offers breathtaking views of the capital. Time it right and you’ll catch a glorious sunset across Bern. 

Book with ASMALLWORLD for VIP benefits like free room upgrades and late check-outs.

Discover more of the best spa hotels in Switzerland in my guide.

2. Bellevue Palace

Address: Kochergasse 3/5, 3011 Bern

Best for: Elegance and style

The epitome of elegance and luxury, Bellevue Palace is easily one of the most iconic hotels in Bern.

Located in the heart of the city, I love that the hotel overlooks the beautiful Aare River and the towering Swiss Alps. 

With a variety of different – yet all decadent – rooms and suites, there’s somewhere at this establishment for everybody.

Each room has its own unique design and quirks. Spacious with all the amenities you need, the suites are even more luxurious, with separate living areas and gorgeous views of the city.

Bellevue Palace is also home to two exceptional restaurants: the Michelin-starred VUE and the Bellevue Bar & Brasserie.

The VUE offers a simply exquisite dining experience, with a menu that features the finest local and international cuisine; trust me, it’s well worth a visit.

While the Bellevue Bar & Brasserie is a more casual dining option, serving classic brasserie dishes and delightful cocktails.

Good to know: The hotel also has a fitness centre, sauna, and a steam room. Here you can relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing or meetings. 

Book with ASMALLWORLD for perks like free room upgrades and late check-outs.

3. Hotel Savoy

Address: Neuengasse 26, 3011 Bern

Best for: A sustainable stay

Hotel Savoy is located just a few minutes away from the main train station, so I’d recommend it as an ideal choice for travellers who want to discover all the best things to do in Bern.

With light and spacious rooms, the hotel makes for a perfectly comfortable stay in the Swiss capital.

As a certified ‘Swisstainable’ engaged company, it’s committed to helping Switzerland become the leading destination for sustainable travel, and is one of the most sustainable hotels in Bern.

By staying at this hotel, you can be sure you aren’t compromising on your environmental ethics.

The restaurant at the hotel serves delicious local and international cuisine to guests each day. Against a cosy ambience that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a business lunch.

The hotel also has a bar that serves a wide range of delicious drinks and snacks.

Guests can also make use of a fitness centre that is equipped with modern equipment. That’s if you find that exploring Bern on foot or by bike isn’t enough exercise for your liking – I’ll pass! 

Good to know: Hotel Savoy has a spa where you can book a range of treatments. Think relaxing massages and rejuvenating facials, as well as body scrubs.

4. NH Bern The Bristol

Address: Schauplatzgasse 10, 3011 Bern

Best for: Central location

Located in the heart of Bern’s historic old town NH Bern The Bristol is a wonderfully convenient hotel close to some of Bern’s most iconic sites.

From the Zytglogge and Bern Cathedral to the iconic fountains and BärenPark, this establishment is near Bern’s top attractions. 

This Bern hotel boasts a plethora of rooms and suites that are spacious and well-equipped with all the necessary amenities you might need.

Each room features classic nods to traditional British design – so Brits like me, you’ll feel right at home!

In my opinion, the best part about NH Bern The Bristol has to be its wonderful location. Not only are you a stone’s throw from the charming old town, but also the great transport links of the capital.

It’s easy to explore all Bern has to offer or venture further afield for a day trip. 

5. Best Western Plus Hotel Bern

Address: Zeughausgasse 9, 3011 Bern

Best for: Rooftop bar

With a modern yet minimalist feel, Best Western Plus Hotel Bern is one of the best hotels in Bern for travellers looking for a comfortable stay in the city.

Conveniently located just a short walk away from the main train station, I found this hotel to be easily accessible for arriving by train, and a great base to travel further afield. 

The hotel offers a variety of room types to suit different needs and budgets, from standard rooms to spacious elegant suites.

A delicious breakfast buffet is served each morning to start the day off properly. Choose from a range of hot and cold options to choose from.

The hotel also has a lovely restaurant and bar, which serves tasty international cuisine and a selection of mouth-watering drinks.

For anyone looking to stay active during your stay, the hotel has a fitness centre equipped with modern equipment.

There is also a sauna and steam room, which I think adds the perfect touch of luxury.

Insider travel tip: The hotel has a lovely rooftop bar. I spent my evenings sipping on a cocktail here and gazing across the cityscape. 

6. Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz

Address: Schauplatzgasse 4, 3011 Bern

Best for: Longer stays

Delightfully cosy and in a prime city-centre location, Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz is one of the best hotels in Bern for travellers needing to stay in a central location in Bern.

The hotel is a popular choice for tourists and business travellers alike, with the views of Bern alluring guests. Modern, tastefully-decorated rooms welcome you with open arms. 

You can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet in the hotel’s restaurant, which also serves a range of traditional Swiss and international dishes for lunch and dinner. There is also a cosy bar where you can relax with a drink in hand.

I’d recommend this hotel for business travellers, as it offers a range of useful facilities, including a conference room that can accommodate up to 40 people. 

Good to know: Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz also offers long stay apartments as well as their standard rooms and suites. 

7. Swissotel Kursaal Bern

Address: Kornhausstrasse 3, 3013 Bern

Best for: Minimalist style

In my opinion, the Swissotel Kursaal Bern is one of the best hotels in Bern for elegant minimalism.

All of the hotel’s 171 rooms and suites are designed to use natural and sustainable materials. But that doesn’t mean they lack style!

Each room is designed with contemporary furnishings and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

The rooms offer breathtaking views of the city and the snow-capped Alps, making it an ideal place to stay for both business and leisure travellers.

If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll love it here. The hotel has three restaurants including an Italian restaurant, an Asian restaurant and a rooftop grill with a bar.

They also serve up a selection of Swiss wines and delicious cocktails to quench your thirst. 

Good to know: The Vitality Suites on the fourth floor are designed to improve the wellness of guests with carefully designed spaces and hidden technology.

8. Los Lorentes Hotel Bern City

Address: Murtenstrasse 147, 3008 Bern

Best for: Great transport links

Los Lorentes Hotel Bern City is a modern and stylish hotel that offers guests a comfortable stay in one of the quieter areas of the city.

Just a short walk from the hotel, you’ll find one of the main train stations, connecting you to nearby Swiss towns and cities.

Guests can make use of impressive fitness facilities, with a fully equipped gym for guests of the hotel to use.

The hotel’s restaurant serves a variety of international and local dishes, and you can also enjoy a drink or two at the bar. 

I love that rooms at Los Lorentes Hotel Bern City are stylish and full of home-comforts. If you’re lucky, you’ll glimpse the stunning Swiss Alps from your room as you wake up.

Good to know: The hotel has 24/7 self check-in, so you can show up at any time of the day or night!

9. Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf

Address: Trüsselstrasse 4a, 3014 Bern

Best for: Studio stays

Located in the Wankdorf district of Bern, Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf is a modern aparthotel that offers a stylish yet comfortable stay for its guests.

The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Wankdorf train station. So it’s easy to explore the Swiss capital and its many attractions from here.

I love the quirky studios whicg characterise this stay, owing to its unique and modern style. Each room type features a kitchenette making eating well easier. 

The aparthotel prides itself on their backyard – spoiler, it’s indoors! This is a meeting point, cooking space, lounge and hang out area rolled into one.

Only you, your guests and other residents have access to the backyard, meaning you can enjoy privacy and security. 

Good to know: Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf is also open for longer stays, and has studios suitable for families. 

10. Boutique Hotel Belle Epoque

Address: Gerechtigkeitsgasse 18, 3011 Bern

Best for: Terrace breakfasts

Boutique Hotel Belle Epoque is a charming Bern hotel with character. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, which I feel adds to its unique personality.

It’s just a short walk away from the city’s main attractions, including the gorgeous Old Town.

The hotel features individually designed rooms and suites which have been elegantly furnished with antique furniture and modern amenities. Some rooms also offer stunning views of the city.

Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet every morning in the hotel’s cosy breakfast room. Or I’d recommend heading out to the terrace for a real treat. 

11. Hotel Jardin Bern

Address: Militärstrasse 38, 3014 Bern

Best for: Family-run establishment

Hotel Jardin Bern is a charming boutique hotel situated in a historic building that has been beautifully restored and renovated.

Maintaining its historic character with a modern flare, the hotel is a great option for your stay in Bern. 

The rooms at Hotel Jardin Bern are elegantly decorated with a mix of modern and traditional furnishings.

Some rooms offer stunning views of the UNESCO world heritage site, Bern’s old town.

Here, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet in the hotel’s cosy breakfast room, which features a beautiful garden terrace.

The hotel also offers a bar where I’d recommend relaxing with a well-earned drink after a long day of exploring the city’s sights.

The family-run establishment is ideally located for visitors hoping to explore Bern’s many attractions. 

Good to know: The hotel offers free parking, but spaces are limited. 

12. Hotel Marthahaus

Address: Wyttenbachstrasse 22a, 3013 Bern

Best for: A budget-friendly option

Hotel Marthahaus is a cosy boutique hotel that offers a comfortable stay for its guests. The hotel is situated in a quiet residential area, just a short walk away from the city centre and the main train station.

I think it’s perfect for travellers hoping to be close to the action but still able to unwind. The rooms at Hotel Marthahaus are well-appointed, with the modern amenities you’d expect.

The hotel also offers a range of services to make guests’ stay more comfortable, including guest kitchens and a free coffee machine.

For those looking to explore the city, Hotel Marthahaus is ideally situated to visit many of Bern’s top tourist attractions.

These include the UNESCO certified world heritage site of the old town, the iconic Bear Park, and the intriguing Zentrum Paul Klee museum. 

Good to know: The hotel allows pets, so feel free to bring along your four-legged friends. 

Do you have any favourite hotels in Bern? Do let me know your own recommendations in the comments!

If you’re planning a trip to this part of the world, read my guide to the best things to do in Bern, discover the prettiest towns in Switzerland, or seek out the best Swiss spa resorts.