The Canton of Bern is Switzerland's second-largest canton, stretching from the UNESCO-listed medieval capital city to the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Home to the federal capital of Switzerland, picturesque alpine lakes, and world-class ski resorts, Bern blends political significance with breathtaking natural beauty.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Bern Backpackers / Hotel Glocke
One of Bern's most central and popular hostels, the Glocke sits right in the heart of the Old Town on Rathausgasse. Dormitory and private rooms share clean facilities, and the location—steps from the Zytglogge—is unbeatable for exploring on foot.
Check rates on Booking.comStay KooooK Bern City
A modern budget concept hotel near Bern train station offering self-service compact rooms at city-centre prices. Everything is designed for efficiency—contactless check-in, co-working spaces, and a communal kitchen make it ideal for digital nomads and budget travellers.
Check rates on Booking.comLandhaus Hotel Bern
The Landhaus is a well-run budget hotel and hostel combination in Bern's artsy Lorraine district, a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. The riverside setting, organic breakfast buffet, and multicultural atmosphere make it a favourite among independent travellers.
Check rates on Booking.comJugendherberge Bern (Youth Hostel)
Bern's official HI Youth Hostel is situated in a converted building in the Weissenbühl neighbourhood, 15 minutes from the centre by tram. Clean dormitories and private rooms, an excellent self-catering kitchen, and a budget-friendly atmosphere make it popular with backpackers.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Marthahaus Bern
A clean and friendly budget hotel run by a Christian foundation in central Bern, the Marthahaus offers good value accommodation with a pleasant garden courtyard. Simple but comfortable rooms and a generous breakfast make it excellent value for money.
Check rates on Booking.comBackpackers Villa Sonnenhof, Interlaken
Consistently rated among Switzerland's best hostels, the Sonnenhof is a beautiful Victorian villa in Interlaken surrounded by gardens with jaw-dropping Jungfrau views. Private rooms and dormitories are available with an exceptional communal atmosphere.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Hotel Savoy Bern
The Hotel Savoy offers excellent value in a prime position adjacent to Bern's main train station. Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed with modern amenities, and the breakfast buffet is one of the most generous in town. A consistent guest favourite with a rating above 9.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Ambassador Bern
A well-established 4-star hotel close to the Bundeshaus and the historic centre, the Ambassador offers spacious rooms with modern Swiss design and reliable service. The Wintergarten restaurant is popular with business travellers.
Check rates on Booking.comSORELL Hotel Ador
The Ador occupies a quiet location in the Kirchenfeld museum district, just a short walk from the Bern Historical Museum and Swiss Alpine Museum. Rooms are comfortable and contemporary, and the hotel is well-regarded for friendly, personal service.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Bristol Bern
Conveniently located steps from the train station, the Bristol offers modern rooms at competitive prices for central Bern. The helpful staff and excellent transport connections make it a popular base for day trips to the Bernese Oberland.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Jardin Bern
A charming mid-range hotel in the Länggasse university district, the Jardin has a pleasant garden, friendly atmosphere, and easy access to the city by tram. It attracts a mix of academics, families, and independent travellers.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel National Bern
A reliable and centrally located hotel near the Bern train station, the National offers clean, well-maintained rooms at accessible prices. The lively bar is a local favourite and the hotel has a convivial, no-nonsense Swiss atmosphere.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel du Théâtre
Tucked away beside the Stadttheater, this compact boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms with a theatrical flair. Steps from the Bundeshaus and the Kirchenfeld museum district, it's a well-priced option for culture-focused travellers.
Check rates on Booking.comInterlaken Hostel by Swiss Hostels
An excellent quality hostel with private rooms available, centrally located in Interlaken with mountain views. Popular with adventure travellers and families, it offers a friendly common area, self-catering kitchen, and easy access to the Bernese Oberland activities.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
Bellevue Palace
The official guesthouse of the Swiss government since 1913, Bellevue Palace combines grand Belle Époque architecture with contemporary Swiss luxury. Every room offers sweeping views across the Old Town rooftops toward the Bernese Alps.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Schweizerhof Bern
With over 160 years of history, the Schweizerhof is Bern's most storied luxury hotel, ideally positioned opposite the main train station. Jack's Brasserie within the hotel is a Bern institution for traditional Swiss cuisine.
Check rates on Booking.comMandarin Oriental Palace, Bern
The newest jewel in Bern's luxury scene, the Mandarin Oriental Palace opened in a restored 19th-century palace and is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants: Restaurant Colonnade (2 stars) and Restaurant Minamo (1 star). The design blends Swiss heritage with contemporary Asian elegance.
Check rates on Booking.comVictoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Interlaken
The grande dame of Bernese Oberland hotels, the Victoria-Jungfrau has welcomed royalty and celebrities since 1865. Directly facing the Jungfrau massif in central Interlaken, it features a world-class spa, multiple restaurants, and outdoor pool with alpine views.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Innere Enge
A boutique gem above the Aare River, the Hotel Innere Enge pairs Victorian charm with a celebrated jazz bar—the Marians Jazzroom—one of Europe's finest intimate jazz venues. Its garden terrace with Bernese Alps views is outstanding.
Check rates on Booking.comRomantik Hotel Kreuz Bern
A historic townhouse hotel in the heart of Bern's Old Town, the Kreuz has been welcoming guests since 1489. The elegant rooms blend contemporary Swiss design with heritage charm, and the restaurant specialises in classic Bernese cuisine.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Lindner Berne Grand Casino
Connected directly to the Grand Casino Bern, this sleek hotel offers stylish contemporary rooms, a modern spa, and convenient access to the casino's entertainment. Well-located for both the Bundeshaus and the Kirchenfeld museum district.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Old Town (Altstadt)
The UNESCO World Heritage heart of Bern with arcaded streets, medieval fountains, and landmark buildings. Walking distance to all major sights.
Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers, and those wanting to be in the thick of it
Kirchenfeld
Bern's museum quarter across the Kirchenfeldbrücke, with wide tree-lined avenues, embassies, and the city's finest museum cluster.
Best for: Culture seekers, museum lovers, and those wanting quiet sophistication
Länggasse
The student and academic quarter west of the centre, with independent cafés, bookshops, and a young, creative atmosphere. Excellent restaurant scene.
Best for: Budget travellers, digital nomads, foodies, and younger visitors
Lorraine
A vibrant, diverse neighbourhood north of the Aare with street art, organic markets, and a creative community. Bern's most multicultural district.
Best for: Independent travellers seeking authentic local life
Interlaken
The adventure capital of Switzerland, nestled between two lakes with the Jungfrau as backdrop. Excellent for outdoor enthusiasts and those exploring the Bernese Oberland.
Best for: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, and Bernese Oberland explorers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Bellevue Palace
The official guesthouse of the Swiss government since 1913, Bellevue Palace combines grand Belle Époque architecture with contemporary Swiss luxury. Every room offers sweeping views across the Old Town rooftops toward the Bernese Alps.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Schweizerhof Bern
With over 160 years of history, the Schweizerhof is Bern's most storied luxury hotel, ideally positioned opposite the main train station. Jack's Brasserie within the hotel is a Bern institution for traditional Swiss cuisine.
Check rates on Booking.comMandarin Oriental Palace, Bern
The newest jewel in Bern's luxury scene, the Mandarin Oriental Palace opened in a restored 19th-century palace and is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants: Restaurant Colonnade (2 stars) and Restaurant Minamo (1 star). The design blends Swiss heritage with contemporary Asian elegance.
Check rates on Booking.comVictoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Interlaken
The grande dame of Bernese Oberland hotels, the Victoria-Jungfrau has welcomed royalty and celebrities since 1865. Directly facing the Jungfrau massif in central Interlaken, it features a world-class spa, multiple restaurants, and outdoor pool with alpine views.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Innere Enge
A boutique gem above the Aare River, the Hotel Innere Enge pairs Victorian charm with a celebrated jazz bar—the Marians Jazzroom—one of Europe's finest intimate jazz venues. Its garden terrace with Bernese Alps views is outstanding.
Check rates on Booking.comRomantik Hotel Kreuz Bern
A historic townhouse hotel in the heart of Bern's Old Town, the Kreuz has been welcoming guests since 1489. The elegant rooms blend contemporary Swiss design with heritage charm, and the restaurant specialises in classic Bernese cuisine.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book 2-3 months ahead for peak summer (July-August) and ski season (December-March)
Midweek rates are typically 20-30% lower than weekend rates
All registered accommodation guests receive the Bern Ticket for free public transport
Check hotel websites directly—many offer 10-15% discounts over booking platforms
Hostels in Interlaken fill extremely fast in summer—book at least 6 weeks ahead
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.