Bern: Your Recommendations

Just got back from Bern last week. if you like - and have time - there is a "Clock Tower" tour at 14:30 right outside the door. I had the guide all to myself for a private tour - only about 45 min. There is also a cool multi media show for 30min in the TI at the bear pits. A walk up the hill to the Rose Garden (right above - and to the left) of the bears is nice on a clear day - then walk down around the old old town!
I stayed in the "Goldener Schlusel" and it was fine - ask for a back room as the bars have fun until 12. Its a god location 1 street over from the clock - and in the AM a sleepy street.
For restaurants - i enjoyed these: The "Della Casa" - tradition swiss food - and great service - 2nd floor on a street behind the huge "Vatterland" Organic store... or ask. Also - right in the same are on the "Bernerplatz" - the Trum (tower) restaurant - itlalian. very good. nice patio - or up on second floor. Right under the "Dutch Tower".
Running around the old street archades too.

I don't stay with the relatives while in Bern for various reasons I won't mention. I, too, have stayed in Goldener Schluessel before, and had a street room and loved it, because the fun outside goes on until 2 and 3 and 4 am, especially on the weekends, and then you do get an earful and an eyeful of the true local nightlife, no tourists there. If you need to sleep, close the windows, they are very tight and cut the noise out completely. If you don't want to sleep, go outside, it is fun at night! So many weirdest people out there, but it is completely safe. The rooms themselves are dingy, smelly, old, dark, but clean. The restaurant at the hotel is always full of locals, too. I agree, the Rosengarten is a must, views from there to die for, and the garden itself is big and beautiful. Nice cafe there, tasty food. The streets of the old town are gorgeous and so inviting. I love Bern, I always wish I could have a few more days there.

More about Bern. Another option is Ibis hotel in the area of Bern called Wankdorf. It is cheaper than the Schluessel, more modern, with A/C. And even though it may seem far off on the map, it is actually only 8-10 minutes on Tram 9 from the main railroad station and the old city, very easily accessible.

Tom & Natasha: Thank you for the suggestions!!