I have stayed here twice in the last four months for business. It is indeed quite expensive, but I find almost everything in Switzerland to be very costly compared to many other countries. Compared to the previous hotel I used in Bern six months ago, the room was huge, the desk space was adequate, internet connection was useful and the experience was lovely. The hotel staff are simply outstanding: at the front desk, in the restaurant and bars, and in housekeeping. This is a hotel for people who relish fine old hotels and exemplary service and are willing to pay for it. Unfortunately I have not yet found a good mid-price hotel in Bern that is adequate for the business traveler. $250 per night hotel rooms with bathrooms so small you can't turn around, tiny beds as hard as a rock, $35 per day internet charges and cigarette smoke pouring into the room are unfortunately the norm. The Hotel Bellevue Palace is an antidote for such dreary alternatives.

We had booked another hotel online. When we got there, the lobby was uninviting, the room miniscule. We were able to cancel and started scrounging for a new hotel. We went to a second one, equally bad. Finally we decided to spend the money and stay at the Bellevue. What a wonderful decision! The room was large and very comfortable. We were so tired when we finally got into our room that we had dinner in their bar, which is a delightful room (and the dinner was delicious). Best of all was the concierge and front desk staff. They couldn't have been nicer, gave us tips and reserved dinner. Bern ended up being a very nice two days instead of the disaster that began our stay.

The best hotel we have encountered during our driving trip around Switzerland. The truly 5-star service started right from the valet-parking upon our arrival. The room was spacious and fully equiped, although some personal, more intimate touch could have been applied to the decor. As it was the modern atmosphere of the room was in some dissonance with the elegant and belle epoque style of the common areas. The breakfast room was charming and the breakfast itself was quite satisfactory.

Unless you are giving a corporate card a workover or have serious money you will find this place very expensive. However if you are visiting the beautiful city of Berne for a couple of days stay here and economize somewhere else on your trip. The rooms are a bit tired but we were upgraded to a suite so were a bit spoiled. The views however are glorious and breakfast or drinks on the terrace are memorable experiences (not so sure about dining there - some other good options in the old town eg Verdi