Schweizerhof Bern and the Spa

Hotel Schweizerhof stands on Bahnhofplatz opposite the main railway station, which makes it one of the most convenient upscale hotels in Bern for anyone arriving by train. The building has a long history as a grand city hotel and has been updated to offer a spa, several restaurants and a bar. For a visitor, the position is the main advantage, since you step off the train and are at the door within a couple of minutes, and the Old Town begins just beyond the station square. Rooms are comfortable and well soundproofed in the main, with business-style desks, and the hotel attracts a mixture of leisure and corporate guests. It is a good base for day trips by rail, since the Gruyères, Thun and Fribourg excursions all leave from the same station, and for visitors who want a calm retreat with spa facilities after a day on cobblestones.

The spa is a draw in the colder months, with relaxation areas, a pool and treatments that can be booked in advance. Check the current spa facilities and opening hours before you travel. The hotel's restaurants serve Swiss and international dishes, and breakfast is generally substantial, though inclusion depends on the rate. Rooms range from standard doubles to suites, and higher floors may have better views over the rooftops of the city.

The location also means that noise from the station area may be noticeable on some sides, so ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper. From the hotel, the Käfigturm and Marktgasse are a short walk, the Zytglogge is about ten minutes away, and trams and buses leave from the square outside. For families and groups, interconnecting rooms may be possible on request. Parking is limited in the city centre, so check whether the hotel offers a garage and what it costs.

Schweizerhof suits travellers who value convenience and comfort, including those with luggage or early train departures. It is also a sensible choice for business visitors. For a more atmospheric stay inside the Old Town, consider a smaller hotel on the Gerechtigkeitsgasse or the Rathausgasse, though you will give up the direct station access. When comparing rates, look at the flexibility of the booking and whether breakfast and spa access are included. Many hotels in Bern provide guests with a local transport pass, so ask at check-in.

The hotel is also a practical base in the winter months, when the walk from the station is short and the Christmas markets are nearby. Families can ask about connecting rooms, and those with luggage will find the position useful when switching trains. Compare the rate types, and check if the spa is included or charged separately.