Bellevue Palace, The Epitome of Swiss Luxury

Discretion, minimalism and faultless service. This is to me a good definition of Swiss luxury, and the Bellevue Palace in Bern is a great example. This hotel, throughout its dense history, has always been the discreet house of distinguished travelers and international diplomatic delegations. Let’s have a look at this unique location.

Located in the historical center of Bern, on top of the hill, the Bellevue Palace hotel has a prime location with panoramic views over the turquoise Aare River and Southern Bern, including the iconic Cathedral of Bern and mountains beyond. Wow!

But that’s not all. Being very close to the Federal Parliament, some government buildings and many embassies, Bellevue Palace is the place to stay for international heads of states and dignitaries. Thus, the hotel already received the visit of Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth, Dmitri Medvedev, Francois Hollande… Not to mention Prince or Cristiano Ronaldo :-)

Common areas

Bellevue Palace is a historical building with a neo-classical interior design. Many wooden, marble and Art Nouveau touches, I love it. The lobby and its glass ceiling is really impressive, it reminds me the one in the lovely Hôtel Lutetia in Paris.

The Vue restaurant’s terrace on ground floor is one of the major assets at Bellevue Palace. The view over Aare River, Federal Parliament and overall mountains is breathtaking. For a lunch, a dinner or simply a drink, I definitely recommend it.

On the last floor is settled the gym center, almost brand new with latest Technogym machines and a peaceful modern wooden design. Here again, views over the city are just stunning. Finally, that’s important to precise that even if the latest renovation is now quite old, the hotel is in absolute perfect condition. This is really a Swiss feature.

Room

The Tower Suite I had on second floor was gorgeous. 80sqm of space splitted in a large circular living room, a gym room and the bedroom with its main bathroom. All in a neo-classical design with warm purple touches, a kind of Jacques Garcia’s style.

Furniture are luxurious, gym equipment very recent (superb design from Technogym) and bathroom amenities from Molton Brown. The attention to details is maximum and you really feel pampered, exactly like at La Réserve Genève.

Then thanks to its corner location in the “tower”, guests can enjoy a 180° view over the Cathedral of Bern, Aare River and the mountains. One of the best suite’s view I ever had.

Dining

Due to COVID-19 situation, Noumi restaurant on basement was closed and only Vue on ground floor was opened. That’s fortunate, because it offers the best view :)

I had breakfast there, where there is a buffet with a selection of juices, pastries and cold dishes. For anything cooked like scrambled eggs, an a-la-carte menu is available – all inclusive.

I went also at Vue restaurant for lunch and dinner. I particularly enjoyed the menu by chef Gregor Zimmermann member of the exclusive Chefs des Chefs club. All tastes will be satisfied: I took the fish of the day for lunch and the entrecôte for dinner, great choices! To enhance the experience, I recommend to book a table on the terrace.

Service Quality

Bellevue Palace is true to its name, by providing an impeccable service throughout guest’s stay. A warm and quick check-in/check-out, an invisible but super efficient housekeeping, and friendly restaurant’s waiters with a level of exigency like in a 3-star Michelin restaurant.

Finally, I made it! I found a fancy hotel with high level of service where you don’t feel like entering a Vuitton or Cartier store.

Conclusion

This hotel from Michel Reybier Hospitality group is a great option to stay in Switzerland’s capital. That’s a discreet place with all five-star standards and a professional staff under the management of Mr Urs Bührer. There, you will feel like at home, a luxury home with gorgeous view.

Gallery

All pictures copyright The Luxe Insider

Stayed from June 19th to 21st, 2020 – Sponsored media stay.

Bellevue Palace opened in 1913 and has been refurbished for the last time in 2003. It is now composed of 130 room and suites. I stayed in a marvelous Tower Suite, around 80sqm, which public rate starts at CHF 1,600/night.

Bellevue Palace, Bern, Switzerland – Book
Address:
Kochergasse 3-5,
3011 Bern, Switzerland.
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