WHERE TO STAY IN BERN – HOTELS FOR ALL BUDGETS IN 2023
If you are looking for the best places to stay in Bern, this post is for you. Find out about where to stay in Bern – here are the top areas and hotels for all budgets.
It may surprise many to discover that Bern is Switzerland’s capital city. It may be because it looks so tiny compared to Zurich and Geneva. But make no mistake – Bern is a beautiful city with tons of activities and a great base to discover other areas in the canton of Bern.
There are so many wonderful things to do in Bern. So, it’s essential you get a comfortable (yet affordable) place to rest your head after a long day of exploring the city and the stunning surroundings. Thankfully, Bern has plenty of unique places to stay that fit every budget — from luxury hotels to hostel dorm rooms.
But how will you know which option is best for your travel needs and budget? Keep reading this comprehensive guide and discover where to stay in Bern, no matter the price. By the end, you’ll have a base perfect for exploring Bern’s old town as well as the gorgeous mountains of the Bernese Oberland.
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BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BERN, SWITZERLAND
Let’s dive into the best hotels in Bern, Switzerland. Though I mention Bern accommodations for all budgets and mention a couple of areas, I highly suggest staying in the beautiful old town of Bern if possible.
LUXURY HOTELS IN BERN
If you enjoy the fancier things in life on your travels, you’ll want to stay at one of these opulent 5-star hotels in the city.
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is located just next to the train station, making it a perfect location if you want to explore the old town and go on a few day trips.
This hotel has everything you need for a luxurious stay in the city. It has a Turkish bath, sauna, and hot tub to relieve stress. There is also a cigar lounge, a sky terrace, and a restaurant on-site.
Rooms are elegant and come with a Nespresso machine, rain showers, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems for a cozy stay.
➡️ Click here to get the best rates at Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern
Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern is about a 10-minute walk from the train station right in the old town. You cannot miss this giant Art Nouveau building in the heart of Bern. It’s the official guesthouse of the Swiss government and has seen many celebrity guests.
The en-suite rooms are elegant yet simple, with each offering amazing city views. The hotel also has two restaurants, two bars, a nightclub, and a wellness center to ensure you have the best stay in Bern.
➡️ Click here to get the best rates at Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern
MID-RANGE HOTELS IN BERN
These hotels are a great way to still be comfortable on your travels without feeling like you’re paying an arm and a leg.
prizeotel Bern-City
If you want to stay close to the city center but not directly in the old town, prizeotel Bern-City might be the perfect choice as it is close to attractions like Bear Park, the Old Town and more – all sights which can be reached after a 10 to 15-minute walk.
This stylish hotel doesn’t shy away from color. Everywhere in this hotel is a treat for the eyes, from the rooftop to your room. Rooms are fun and slightly retro, with bright yellow accents along the black and white walls.
Here, you’ll find a TV, desk, and en-suite bathroom. You can also see this vibrant take in the shared lounge, lobby, and dining areas.
➡️ Click here to get the best rates at prizeotel Bern-City
Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel
Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel is conveniently located in the old town – it takes just 5 minutes to get to the train station or other sights like the Bern Cathedral.
Look no further than Kreuz Bern for a no-frills hotel at an affordable price in Old Town. The en-suite rooms are modern, with a TV, a small desk, and air conditioning.
The bathroom has a shower and bath, so you don’t have to compromise. Downstairs, you’ll find Restaurant Bärenhöfli, which offers high tea, cocktails, lunch, and dinner.
➡️ Click here to get the best rates at Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel
Goldener Schlüssel
Goldener Schlüssel is just located a stone’s throw from the Bern Cathedral and the Zytglogge – there are not many accommodations in Bern that are closer to the main sights of Bern.
One of the top things to do in winter in Bern is to explore the sights—or stay in them. Goldener Schlüssel is the oldest inn in Berne’s Old Town, so it’s an attraction as much as it’s an accommodation.
While you might be able to tell its age from its archaic facade, the inside is relatively modern, with simple white and wood finishes. Most rooms have a bathroom and desk flowing from an open-space design.
➡️ Click here to get the best rates at Goldener Schlüssel
BUDGET HOTELS IN BERN
Bern’s Old Town is a UNESCO heritage site. As a result, it’s popular and expensive, meaning budget options are found further and further away from the city center. If you have never been to Switzerland, do not be surprised to see the rates for a budget hotel – I know, it is still expensive compared to most parts of the world but for Switzerland…these are budget-friendly hotels.
Ibis Budget Bern Expo
About 3,5 kilometers from the train station in Bern, you have Ibis Budget Bern Expo – a budget hotel. Thanks to great public transportation, its „remote“ location is not a problem and you can get to Bern´s city center or train station in about 20 minutes.
The pet-friendly Ibis hotel has a rustic yet modern feel. The rooms may be small but still fit a desk, TV, and private bathroom. While there’s no on-site restaurant, guests can still order drinks and snacks at the bar 24/7. It’s also in a great location so you won’t have to walk far to find a restaurant anyway.
➡️ Click here to get the best rates at Ibis Budget Bern Expo
Hotel Marthahaus
Hotel Marthahaus may be about a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, but it is in a quiet residential area perfect for a peaceful stay. It also offers a complimentary breakfast for an even sweeter stay.
Rooms are compact and simple, with a bathroom, desk, and TV. The big windows also offer fine views of the neighborhood and nearby restaurants and cafes.
➡️ Click here to get the best rates at Hotel Marthahaus
Moxy Bern Expo
The Moxy Bern Expo hotel is about a 20-minute bus ride away from the Old Town, but it is a great option to save some money. It’s especially great for art lovers as the communal spaces are full of artwork, stickers, and spray-painted walls.
While the bedroom walls are bare, there are still quirky design pieces in the private bathroom, as well as a TV and desk.
➡️ Click here to get the best rates at Moxy Bern Expo
Hostels in Bern
Hostels are a great way to meet new people, make friends, and save some coins.
Youth Hostel
The Youth Hostel in Bern is one of the top places to stay in Switzerland’s Bern for budget travelers. It is just a stone’s throw away from the city’s top attractions, and after a renovation, it now has a tranquil garden and terrace.
Guests can choose between private or shared rooms. Each space has beautiful wood finishes with pops of colors now and then. Breakfast is always included and for quite a little money (about 20 CHF) you can additionally book dinner, which is quite ample.
However, here you do not have access to a kitchen and cannot cook your own food.
➡️ Click here to get the best rates at Youth Hostel
Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke
While it’s usually quite challenging to get affordable accommodation in Berne’s Old Town, sometimes you luck out, like with this backpacker hotel, Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke. It’s a simple space with shared rooms, bathrooms, and a shared kitchen.
Over in the communal lounge, you can enjoy TV, a movie, or score a few goals at the foosball table.
➡️ Click here to get the best rates at Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke
FINAL THOUGHTS ON WHERE TO STAY IN BERN
Though Bern is surely no budget destination, there are places that offer good value for money. There’s really no excuse not to visit the capital city now, along with so many thrilling things to do in Bern. So, what are you waiting for?
