Holiday Inn Bern-Westside

Holiday Inn Bern-Westside is a different kind of Bern stay. Instead of cobbles and arcades, it offers space, modern comforts and an easy drive for visitors who arrive by car. The hotel stands in the western suburb of Brünnen, close to the Westside complex, a large modern development with shops, restaurants, a swimming and spa centre and cinemas. From there, regional trains and buses reach the city centre in about a quarter of an hour, so you are close enough to see the Old Town in the day and return to a quieter base in the evening. For families, groups and travellers who want parking and larger rooms at a fairer price than the central hotels, it is a sensible alternative.

Rooms in a modern hotel of this type are usually roomier than those in historic Old Town buildings, with space for a family, desks for working and bathrooms that feel up to date. Family rooms and interconnecting rooms may be available, which can be helpful when you are travelling with children.

A hotel restaurant and breakfast buffet make it easy to start the day, and the surrounding complex offers plenty of choice for an evening meal without needing to travel. Check what is included in your rate, including breakfast, parking and any local transport pass, and compare flexible and non-refundable options.

The trade-off is distance. You will not be able to step out of the door into the Old Town, so allow time for the ride in and out, check the last evening services before you plan a late dinner, and note that the journey is simple but not instant. Arriving by car is easy, with motorway access close by, and parking is generally simpler here than in the centre. That makes the hotel a good choice if Bern is one stop on a road trip that also includes Lake Thun, Fribourg and the Emmental valley.

Holiday Inn Bern-Westside suits families, groups, road-trippers and visitors who value space and parking over atmosphere. It is also handy if you plan to use the swimming and leisure facilities nearby on a rainy day. It is less suited to travellers who want to walk to the Zytglogge and sit in a cafe in the arcades after dinner, who are better served by a central hotel. Prices are often lower than in the Old Town, especially midweek, but they can still rise during events, so book early and check the cancellation terms before you confirm.

If you plan to use public transport heavily, ask whether a regional travel pass is included, and compare the total cost of the ride into town against the savings on the room, because for a stay of several nights the lower rate usually wins comfortably.