Opened a 111 years ago
The history of the National began in 1908 when the foundation stone for a hotel was first laid. The architect was Gottfried Läderach. It opened in 1912 under the name Hotel Monbijou and was renamed Hotel National in 1918. The building was owned and operated by the Swiss Typographers’ Association, which also used the premises as a function hall for various associations.
Extensive renovations in the 1950s
The first renovation work was carried out in 1953. Already then the Theatre Hall was being used as a dance hall, albeit with little success. The building was next extensively renovated in 1956. Concerts and dance events were once again being held in the Theatre and Ballet Hall. Two years later, the Alhambra cinema theatre, which was extremely modern for its time, opened its doors in the lower hall.
1961 to the present day:
the ‘Grünenwald era’
After turbulent and economically challenging years, Bank SBG acquired the property in 1961. Friedrich Grünenwald, the bank’s authorised representative, took charge of the bookkeeping, becoming managing director in 1963 and leaseholder in 1975. He purchased the business as a going concern in 1984. In 1979 he had the Theatre Hall renovated; in 1988 the façade and the roof were renewed and the attic space was developed. In 2000, his daughters Maria, Esther and Regula and their partners took over the business. Today, the National is run by Esther Grünenwald, Octavio Arango and their son Pablo Arango.
The last major alteration to date has been the renovation and redesign of the former Alhambra cinema theatre three years ago, which is now used as an auditorium.
Hotel
Your city hotel with lots of character and charm, the most central of locations, fair prices and a friendly welcome.
Cuisine
Fresh seasonal Swiss specialities for lunch, dinner, and all your events and functions.
Theatre Hall
The fabulous venue for cultural events and private functions on a larger scale.
The National – Your home
from home in Bern
More than 100 years of hospitality in the heart of Bern: at the National, a smile and a kind word are a matter of course, not a duty. The aim here is not to clutch at stars from the culinary firmament, but to bring a ray of sunshine into people’s hearts. It is a traditional notion of hospitality to which the Grünenwald family as owners have always been committed, running the hotel successfully for sixty years. Not alone, but together with a committed team, some of whom have been with the hotel for decades.
The National has also maintained long and almost family-like relations with its many regular guests and suppliers. Thanks to an open-minded approach and the careful stewardship of its innovations, the premises on Hirschengraben continually attract new guests time and again.
And they are all in agreement on one point: the National just feels right.
We invite you simply to enjoy life with us. Welcome!
