Novotel Bern Expo

4.8

Rating

4.8/5

Flyctory.com Pros

Close to sports arenas and expo
Very kind staff
Good services

Covering all four matches of the Swiss Floorball Cup Finals in February 2025 required me having two nights in Bern, one before and one after the matches. Due to its nice location and a competitive price, I was happy to check out the Novotel Bern Expo. Here is a review of my experience with the Accor Group hotel.

Novotel Bern Expo – Location

The hotel is located right opposite the street of the trade fair area Bern Expo. There are no major touristic facilities in very close distance, but some are not too far away. At the nearby Stadion Wankdorf, majorly used for soccer, for example, there is the mall Wankdorf Center, with a grocery store and other services. Other sports venues in close proximity is the the Sporthalle Wankdorf, where the floorball matches took place (2 stops by tram) and PostFinance Arena, home of Swiss ice hockey club SC Bern. The same building hosts three different kinds / levels categories of hotels, all driven by Accor. The other two ones are an ibis and an ibis budget hotel.

The connection by public transport works very well. The Guisanplatz Expo stop right opposite of the hotel features tram line 9 and buses 9A, 36, 40 and M71. They feature connections to the city center, but also to Wankdorf rail station, where you can connect to local and regional trains, including connections to Bern Main Station. If you travel by car, you can use the hotel’s parking facilities, which are 22 CHF per night.

Novotel Bern Expo – Room

I had a two night stay, Friday to Sunday, in February 2025. I went for a flexible rate in a Superior Queen Room, which was non-public. My Accor Gold status lead to an upgrade to an Executive Room on the ninth floor, which especially had the perk that the mini bar, including a chocolate bar and some nuts, was free. Overall, the room was really nice, overlooking the city and having a view of the Alps. The size was really good, there was sufficient storage for luggage and photo gear. I also liked the size of the work desk. However, the chair was rather close to the sofa, which lead to a bit of discomfort. I also missed a power outlet right at the work desk. You had to use the ones next to the bed. The hotel features Swiss as well as European format outlets, which was very handy.

The shower bathroom was nice as well. The hotel provided Rituals amenities in dispensers, which I really enjoyed. Next tot he sink, there was sufficient space for my toiletries. The room felt being in really good shape. Housekeeping was good as well. The mini bar was stocked up again after the first day. Furthermore, the hotel provided me a small welcome gift (sweets and regional apple juice), which was really nice.

Novotel Bern Expo – Breakfast

Breakfast was included in my reservation and was charged 24.65 CHF (some 26 EUR) per night and person. It is served in the restaurant at ground level, next to the reception. The area, which also features the hotel bar, is really nice. The buffet had a good variety, I also liked the quality of the dishes. Staff could have been a bit more proactive – but overall, they did a very nice job as well.

Novotel Bern Expo – Service

The reception staff was really friendly and helpful. Check-in and check-out went really smoothly. As most Bern hotels, you receive a free public transport code (including some discounts as well) for the duration of your stay. On the first floor, the same level as most of the meeting rooms, the hotel is providing a gym. WiFi in the room worked very well.

Novotel Bern Expo – My View

The Novotel Bern Expo comes with a nice location when your visit is about sports, a fair or an exhibition. It is maybe not the best choice for a city trip, even though that is definitely possible. The tram and bus connection is very handy and the services are good. Thus, there is no need to be negative about this experience.

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