Hotel National Bern

The hotel offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience, making it a memorable stay for many guests. Its signature feature is a delightful old elevator, a true highlight that adds to the building's character and provides a nostalgic experience. Guests consistently praise the hotel's excellent central location, which places them within easy reach of the train station and the historic old town. The staff are frequently highlighted for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Despite its age, the hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness, with rooms often described as spotless and well-maintained. It is also considered to offer good value for its prime location and service. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and city explorers who wish to navigate the area easily on foot or via public transport, as well as short-stay visitors and those seeking a hotel with historic charm rather than a modern chain. To enhance your stay, consider utilizing the complimentary public transport card provided by the hotel, and if you are a light sleeper, requesting a room on a higher floor might help mitigate street noise.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel, housed in a beautifully preserved old building, offers a range of amenities that enhance the guest experience. A standout feature is the historic elevator, which, while charming, is quite small, accommodating only two people and sometimes requiring reception assistance to reach the ground floor. Most rooms are equipped with a kettle for hot beverages, and some also include tea provisions. While a refrigerator is not available in all rooms, guests appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, though some noted occasional slowness. For those needing to store belongings, luggage lockers are available at reception. The hotel also thoughtfully provides fans in rooms, especially useful during warmer periods due to the absence of air conditioning. Additionally, the staff are known to offer practical items like umbrellas and adaptors upon request, further contributing to a comfortable stay. The hotel's own restaurant is a popular dining option, and guests receive a city bus pass for complimentary public transport, a highly valued amenity.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its high standards of cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, tidy, and well-maintained. The beds are frequently praised for being very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few guests found them to be on the firmer side or noted thin pillows. Room sizes receive mixed feedback; some guests found their rooms to be spacious and well-appointed, while others described them as small, cramped, or even tiny, with limited space for luggage. The bathrooms are generally clean and functional, though some are noted as being very small with challenging sink designs or a high step to enter. A significant concern for many, especially during warmer months, is the absence of air conditioning, which can lead to very hot and stuffy conditions, making sleep difficult even with the provided fans. Noise levels are also a recurring issue, with many guests reporting considerable street noise from trams and traffic, particularly in rooms overlooking the main road. Earplugs are sometimes offered to mitigate this.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast receives varied feedback, with many guests describing it as good, rich, and delicious, offering a satisfying start to the day. The breakfast variety typically includes a selection of breads, croissants (some savory), cheeses, hams, salami, soft-boiled eggs, cereals, yogurts, and fruit salad. A popular feature is the fresh orange juicer, allowing guests to make their own juice. The coffee from the self-service machine is generally well-regarded, though some guests noted the machine could be slow during peak times. While most found the breakfast plentiful, some considered it basic, average, or limited, occasionally lacking in hot food options. There were also isolated comments about slow replenishment of items like plates, honey, or jam. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant, "National," which is highly recommended for dinner. Guests praise the food quality and value, with the restaurant often being packed and serving traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette. Hotel guests can also enjoy a discount at the restaurant.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it a prime choice for exploring the city. It is conveniently situated just a short walk from the main train station, typically within five to seven minutes, which is ideal for travelers arriving by rail. Its proximity to the old town and numerous attractions means guests can easily reach key sights, shopping areas, and restaurants on foot. A major advantage highlighted by guests is the immediate access to public transportation, with tram and bus stops located directly in front of the hotel. This is further enhanced by the provision of a complimentary public transport card, allowing free travel throughout the city. For guests traveling by car, parking is not available on-site but can be found at a nearby public garage, City West, approximately a five-minute walk away. While convenient, guests should be aware that parking can be expensive. The hotel's location also means it is surrounded by a lively urban environment, which contributes to the aforementioned street noise.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews, frequently described as outstanding, exceptionally friendly, and highly helpful. Guests appreciate their attentive service and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with inquiries and requests. The check-in process is generally smooth and efficient, with staff providing relevant information about the hotel and local attractions. Many guests highlight the staff's knowledgeable advice on navigating the city and recommending places to visit. Specific examples of excellent service include offering to lend umbrellas and adaptors, providing a complimentary public transport card, and even preparing breakfast packs for guests with early departures. While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, there were a few isolated instances where guests felt staff were less than helpful regarding specific issues or exhibited a lack of patience. However, these comments are rare compared to the widespread praise for the team's professionalism and dedication to providing a welcoming and supportive environment.

Additional Information
The hotel is housed in a historic building, over a century old, which has been carefully restored to maintain its original character and charm. This contributes to a unique atmosphere, often described as a "museum from yesteryear." Guests should be aware that some rooms may have a bathroom located outside the room, though it remains private. The hotel operates a pet-friendly policy, warmly welcoming dogs. For those arriving late, after-hours check-in is possible with a provided code, though a few guests reported issues with this system if the code failed or if reception was unstaffed. A minor detail noted by some guests is the large, heavy key chain for room keys. While the hotel offers an on-site restaurant, it does not provide room service. Guests are also reminded that a tourist tax is typically paid upon arrival. The hotel's commitment to preserving its heritage while offering essential amenities makes for a distinctive stay.