We are spending 2 nights in Bern in early June and are wondering where to stay. There will be 2 couples. Any special accommodations you have found? We would like to be near to train station and old town but how important is that in regard to in town transportation options? Thank you!
Take a look at Hotel Bern (a Best Western Plus) and Hotel Savoy.
We have stayed at the Hotel Bern, and will be returning for 2 nights in September. Friendly staff, nice modern rooms, and a rooftop bar where you could meet with your friends for a beverage before dinner. It is in the Old Town a few blocks from the train station (we walked it) and an easy stroll from the Oldtown shops, restaurants, and sights.
Do not be put off by the “Best Western” designation. This does not mean it is an American “chain hotel”. Best Western is an international franchise and the hotels are individually owned and operated, and not cookie-cutter copies of American hotels. But the hotel is popular for conferences and business meetings, and on occasion the rooftop bar may be closed for a few hours for private use by the conference attendees.
Note that the lower-priced and very modern Boutique rooms are in an annex, with separate access, and have “courtyard views”.
Hotel Savoy is a block or so closer to the train station, and is recommended by a forum member who lives in Switzerland. It gets a slightly higher rating on booking.com (8.8 vs 8.6—both qualify as “fabulous” in the booking.com system).
The City am Bahnhof Hotel is closer to the train station, but not as highly-rated. I would give that one a miss.
We are staying at the Best Western in August. I picked that one because it has AC and last summer it was so hot in Europe. I didn't want to risk our first two nights of jet lag to no AC.
Thank you for your recommendations of Hotel Bern Best Western. It looks great and I was able to book it!