Old Town Bern, Switzerland
Renovated
1913
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage ClassicOutside the door
Diplomatic grand hotel
Diplomats, politicians, and locals gather in Le Lobby for afternoon tea and discreet evening conversations in a storied salon atmosphere.
“The elegant Bellevue Palace is officially owned by the Swiss government, and as such, is the de facto hotel for visiting government officials.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Belle Époque palace preserved with original stucco ceilings and a stained-glass dome.
Remarkable
Official Swiss state guesthouse hosting parliamentarians and visiting foreign leaders since 1913.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
This is an absolutely classic city-center grand hotel, and while it’s been continually kept up to date, a visitor from a century ago would feel right at home.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set in Bern's medieval Old Town directly beside the Federal Parliament, the building stands high above the turquoise River Aare.
The rooms
Deluxe rooms pair parquet floors and heritage stucco ceilings with expansive views across the River Aare to the Bernese Alps.
The sauna
Slatted timber benches fill the Finnish sauna, set alongside steam relaxation rooms for unwinding after the day.
The gym
Treadmills and Technogym weight stations sit on hardwood floors, looking out over the Old Town rooftops and Bernese Alps.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Brasserie VUE
French brasserie classics are served in a wood-paneled dining room and out on a checkerboard summer terrace overlooking the Aare.
Bellevue Bar & Le Fumoir
Switzerland's first American bar serves classic cocktails against rich wood paneling, beside a dedicated cigar lounge.
At the table
Morning tables are laid under crystal chandeliers and vaulted ceilings in the grand wood-paneled salon.
How it began
Rebuilt in 1913, the Art Nouveau landmark is owned by the Swiss Confederation to serve as its official state guesthouse.
Good to know
Stay here
Bellevue Palace Bern
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.