Sleeping in Bern

Telling us you're disheartened doesn't give us a big enough clue as to what you're looking for (or unhappy with). Be more specific in your request and maybe we can help.

I'm guessing you mean disheartening because of cost? Even decades ago there wasn't much in the budget range in Switzerland. On the other hand, every place I ever stayed was nice.

Have you checked booking.com? I see a number of options around $150/night for the random 4-day period I selected in late July. They might not be long on charm, but they should be perfectly fine. For most of us, Switzerland is not a place we can afford to look for a really special place to stay.

Do you have to stay in Bern specifically? The cost might drop quite a bit if you stayed in one of the surrounding towns. Of course, you might give all the savings back in train or bus fares. (Not necessarily true if you're buying some sort of transit pass.)

I can't offer any specific suggestions since I've only stayed in Bern myself--a long time ago when ordinary mortals could afford Switzerland.

"I have checked Rick Steve's book and trip advisor."
Are these the only options to use to make hotel decisions in Bern?
I agree with the previous posters suggestions.
But also try Ibis
http://www.ibis.com/gb/booking/hotels-list.shtml

Marie,

I've stayed at Hotel Continental in Bern and thought it was very comfortable and in a great location. The staff were great, the rooms were clean and modern and they served a nice breakfast. Hopefully nothing has changed.

Anything against airbnb? There are (not many but) a few private apartment options with good reviews under $100/night even after all the fees.

I've only used airbnb a few times but found that overall they are pretty OK as long as you pick some place well-reviewed (in number of reviews as well as what the reviews say) and keep your expectations low-ish.

For example: a studio apartment in the middle of Kotor for $19/night instead of the $100/night hotel was up 4 flights of concrete, unlit stairs with no railing, and it had a turkish toilet/shower combo thing and no curtain on the window, but we had a full kitchen and a comfy bed and saved a ton of money. plus the hallways smelled kind of funky but I think that comes with the territory when renovating a 16th century building. I figure if there are 50 good reviews, it's probably fine, but all I really need is clean, safe, well-located, and cool in the summer.

Stayed in an apartment in Amsterdam as well, couch was a little dingy but it was otherwise lovely and half the price of all the equally well-located hotels.

Hi Marie, we did the RS Best of Switzerland tour in Sep 2016 (great tour!). In Bern we stayed at the Hotel Allegro Kursaal Bern Kornhausstrasse 3. Nice rooms, great breakfast.

Switzerland is more expensive than other places you might visit in Europe but so worth it. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your response.
I guess what I was disappointed was that Rick Steve had very few suggestions in Bern.
In the meantime we decided to stay in Murten and then take the train in to Bern. We will be in Murten for 4 nights.
Again thank you.
Marie