A small hotel in the old part of the city and very near to the train station. A good spot to walk the old town and see the sights. No air-conditioning which meant had to leave the windows open and street noise meant little sleep on a Saturday night when the partying did not stop unitl 5.00am! Not the fault of the hotel, but very restless night. Single mattresses on a double bed do not help either.

On opening the door of my assigned 5th floor room, I was reminded of the old saying, “not enough room to swing a cat”. I was given a room in the rooftop eaves overlooking the pedestrianized Zeughausgasse and neighbouring roofs. Yes, the room was tiny but I got used to it over my three nights in Bern. It had most of what I needed, except internet access, other than through an eye-wateringly expensive wireless connection from Swisscom. A reasonable desk, a bed that looked like it came from a barrack but was comfortable enough, good lighting (plus point – no key control at the door for the lights; these Swiss trust you to turn the lights off), a sombre but efficient bathroom. Being in the roof, the raindrops were noisy, but were welcome all the same as it was really hot and humid n Bern when I stayed – 30+ degs C. Such temperatures catch the locals unawares – there is no air conditioning and the one small window struggled to let in enough breeze to make the living conditions in the room bearable. The room was clean and efficiently serviced daily. At reception, my booking was handled speedily and the lad was cheery enough – sometimes not a strong Swiss attribute. However, beware, after about 10 at night until 7 in the morning the reception is unstaffed and I saw other guests struggling to get help over the reception telephone from a neighbouring linked hotel, presumably better staffed. That said, when I needed to check out at 6.30 a.m., someone was happy to come but it took him 15 minutes to arrive [Metropole – this could be improved. I was not the only one delayed!]. The breakfast room was light and airy, and the fare provided better than other places I have stayed at in Bern – a good plate of cold meats, hot bacon and scrambled eggs, yoghurts and the rest. The bread was especially good and I always like the opportunity to cut my own slice from a crusty loaf. All in all, the Metropole is a good place to stay, centrally located within ten minutes walk from the rail station and close to lots of cafes and restaurants. That is, provided you are not too fat and don’t need to swing your proverbial cat.

Paid around £120 for a basic small hotel. Service/cleanliness/location all fine but would expect a little more for this price. Would suggest that this just reflects cost of Switzerland in 2011. Incredibly noisy area and was woken repeatedly by general street racket. That said - Bern was a complete surprise and really enjoyed the trip.

This is basic basic. Good location. Room is a bed and small tv. No frills. No desk staff at night. Ok private bathroom. A cheap option near train station.