Hotel Savoy Bern

Hotel Savoy Bern sits on the Neuengasse, one of the streets that link the railway station to the start of the Old Town, which makes it a convenient choice for anyone who wants to be central without paying a premium for a famous address. The hotel is a city hotel in the plain sense: it offers a bed, a bathroom, a breakfast and a position that lets you walk almost everywhere. Arriving by train, you can be at the front desk in a few minutes, and the arcades of the Spitalgasse and Marktgasse are just beyond. For a short stay of one or two nights, especially one built around a day in the Old Town and an evening meal, that is exactly the kind of base that works.

Expect rooms that are functional and clean, with the kind of furnishings you find in many central European city hotels. Room sizes vary in older buildings, so look at the category you are booking and think about luggage and the number of people. If you are travelling as a couple and want a little more space, a larger category is often worth the small difference in price.

Breakfast is generally available, and an early start pays off in Bern, because the Zytglogge clock show, the Minster tower and the Bear Park are all quieter in the morning. Check whether breakfast is included in your rate, and ask about luggage storage if you arrive before check-in or leave after check-out.

The surrounding streets have bakeries, small shops and restaurants, and the Old Town begins within a few minutes on foot. Trams and buses stop close by, so you can reach the Gurten, the Zentrum Paul Klee or the Bern Rose Garden with a single ride. The station is the real advantage here, because the Swiss rail network is the easiest way to see the Bernese Oberland, Lake Thun, Fribourg and the Emmental. Leaving your car at home is sensible, since parking in the centre is limited and expensive.

Hotel Savoy suits travellers who want to spend their money on food, tickets and day trips rather than on the hotel itself. It is a sensible option for couples on a city break, solo travellers and visitors passing through Bern on a longer Swiss rail journey. It will not offer the spa, river views or historic grandeur of the upscale hotels, and the station area can be busy at rush hour, so ask for a quiet room if noise matters.

Prices rise during parliamentary sessions and fairs, so book early, compare flexible and non-refundable rates and ask whether guests receive a local transport pass. Check the check-in and check-out times as well, particularly if you are arriving on an early train or leaving late in the evening.