Hôtel Vatel

The location was nearly perfect - close enough to the old town without being in the center of all the bustle. The staff was very warm and welcoming. The recommendations we were given for nearby restaurants and places to visit were spot-on. The room was clean and the bathroom spacious. The breakfast was in a beautiful space although the food was a typical european breakfast buffet and not outstanding. But who goes to a hotel for the breakfast, anyway? Highly recommended.

The hotel is clean, functional and the staff, many of whom are being trained as it is connected to a hospitality school, were helpful and pleasant. We ate there the night we got in, and although the food was plated beautifully, and overall it was tasty, some of the elements didn't seem to hang together well (white asparagus-very good-with a burrata ice cream, pork with a peppercorn coating and a lobster tail on top in the shell). Emma, our server was delightful, and made the whole experience positive. It is about a 25 minute walk along the river to town center. Pretty, but a bit far after dinner, although the tram can cut that time in half. Town center has a lot of cafes and places for a drink and there are a few close to the hotel. They recommended Le M as a restaurant on a different night, and we concur. It was outstanding. It is degustation only, not ala carte, although there are some choices to select in the courses. Five courses for 48 euro-well worth it! It isn't elegant or fancy, but rooms are comfortably sized, service is good, and definitely worth a look. The only minor negative is the distance from town center where much of the history, action and restaurants are, and the area, while safe, doesn't have much charm. Last comment: use Uber to get to Gare St. Jean. It should have been about 15-20 euro, but we took a taxi to use up some euro before returning home and ended up going the long way around (didn't know it at the time) and spent 36 euro.