Bern - Luzern info

1. Does the train from Zurich airport to Bern go straight through to Bern? Or will I need to change trains in Zurich?

It entirely depend on which train you use. You can check the times here on the website: sbb.ch

1. Does anyone have suggestions for areas of Bern I should be looking at for a hotel?
   

Sorry I live here and have no experience of hotels in Bern.

1. What is the public transportation like in Bern?

Excellent! What are you actually looking for? This is the website, but it seems to only be available in German! Since you mention Paul Klee here is the time table for that bus no. 12.

linda,

Regarding your questions......

1. There are numerous trains from the Zürich airport direct to Bern, with a travel time of 1H:15M. You can see the various solutions using the SBB link provided in the previous reply or the Bahn.de website.
2. I find the most convenient areas are close to the train station (more info below in #4).
3. Like most Swiss cities, the public transportation in Bern is excellent.
4. I found Hotel Continental to be very comfortable, and it's within walking distance from the rail station. It's located in a multi-use building and the hotel is on the second floor. As I recall, the elevator was a bit "quirky" with entry on the front but exit from the side.

One alternative you could consider would be to stay in Lucerne but take a day trip to Bern to visit the Museum. Travel time is about an hour if using the direct trains.