La Couronne

La Couronne in Solothurn, Switzerland, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its blend of historic charm and modern luxury, set in an unbeatable location.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Guests generally rate La Couronne as "Superb" or "Exceptional," with scores often exceeding 9.0 out of 10. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors frequently commending the hotel's gracious charm, beautifully decorated spaces, and excellent staff. It's often described as a place where hospitality feels truly at home.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the perfect central location in Solothurn's old town, the harmonious blend of historic architecture with modern design, and the exceptional service. The hotel's atmosphere, its well-appointed rooms, and the quality of its dining, particularly breakfast, are also frequently highlighted as major draws. The fact that it is one of Switzerland's oldest hotels, completely renovated in 2016, adds to its unique appeal.

3. Room Quality

La Couronne offers 37 individually designed rooms across four floors, successfully combining classic and modern elements. Rooms are described as lovingly and stylishly furnished, cosy, comfortable, and featuring high-quality materials and attention to detail. Amenities typically include comfortable Swiss bedding with refined linen, private bathrooms with rain showers and L'Occitane bath products, solid wood or parquet floors, renovated period windows, a coffee machine with complimentary pods, a kettle with tea selections, and a minibar. Many rooms offer views of the St. Ursen Cathedral. Some guests noted that certain rooms, particularly on the fourth floor, might have slightly smaller windows, and suggest requesting rooms at the back for more quiet. While some rooms are described as "a little small," overall comfort is highly rated.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant, "Le Restaurant," offers sophisticated French-inspired cuisine. Led by Executive Chef Martin Elschner, the kitchen focuses on fresh, regional products, presenting French classics "in a new guise" with both straightforward lunchtime dishes and evening gourmet menus available. Le Restaurant has been awarded 14 Gault&Millau points. The breakfast buffet is consistently praised as "excellent" and "lovely," featuring fresh local produce, regional cheese specialties (like Solothurn Herrenkäse and Weissensteinkäse), homemade jams, Bircher muesli, and fresh bread. There is also a cozy "bar à vin" where guests can enjoy hot or cold snacks and a selection of wines. The team is noted for being competent and charming.

5. Service & Staff

The service at La Couronne is a standout feature, with staff frequently described as "very friendly," "helpful," "professional," and "kind." Guests appreciate the warm welcome and the team's efforts to ensure an unforgettable stay. The reception staff can often assist in multiple languages, including German, French, Italian, English, and Spanish. Many reviews highlight the staff's attentiveness, mentioning their willingness to cater to dietary needs, such as gluten-free and lactose-free options. The hotel is also noted as being very pet-friendly, offering amenities like baskets and treats for dogs.

6. Location & Accessibility

La Couronne boasts an "excellent" and "perfect" central location in the Baroque-style center of Solothurn's old town, directly opposite the St. Ursen Cathedral. This prime position places guests within easy walking distance of major attractions like the Kunstmuseum and the entire car-free old town. Solothurn Train Station is conveniently located about 300 meters (or a 7-minute walk) away. While the old town is car-free, parking is available in nearby multi-storey car parks like Baseltor (Pisoniplatz) and the hotel also has its own garage with electric car charging stations, though reservations are required for the hotel garage. The hotel offers wheelchair accessibility in several areas.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific prices vary, Boutique Hotel La Couronne is often considered to be below the average price for 4-star hotels in Solothurn. Typical nightly rates can range from approximately $178 to $380, with an average of around $217 per night, making it about $84 cheaper than the average Solothurn hotel. Guests generally feel it offers good value for money, reflected in an 8.6 rating for this category. Buffet breakfast is available for an extra charge, typically around CHF 30 for adults.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points have been raised by guests. The size of some rooms, particularly the "Charme Petit" or those on the fourth floor with smaller windows, has been noted as a potential drawback for those who prefer more spacious or brighter accommodations. Parking, while available, is an additional cost and requires prior reservation for the hotel garage. However, these appear to be minor issues and do not detract significantly from the overall positive guest experience.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. lacouronne-solothurn.ch
4. swiss-historic-hotels.ch
5. michelin.com
6. letsgomylove.com
7. lacouronne-solothurn.ch
8. myswitzerland.com
9. solothurn-city.ch
10. lacouronne-solothurn.ch
11. hotels.com
12. momondo.com