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Welcome
The GreenAlley Retreat

The complete house manual

Welcome to The GreenAlley, your perfect vacation rental in the heart of the historic center of Bern.

The GreenAlley is designed to provide our guests with a comfortable and unique experience where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. We hope you enjoy your stay with us and take advantage of the many shops, museums, and restaurants located just outside your door!

Sections in this manual

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  • Arrival & departure
  • House manual
  • The surroundings & more
     

Arrival & departure

Directions to the GreenAlley Retreat in Reichenbach im Kandertal

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Postgasse 38, 3011 Bern, Switzerland 

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  • Use the exact address written above: Enter this location into your navigation system or smartphone app. This ensures precise guidance.

  • Follow Local Road Signs: Throughout the journey, pay attention to local road signs indicating directions to landmarks or areas near the retreat. Swiss road signs are well-marked and multilingual.

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Checking in at the GreenAlley Retreat

 

The check-in time is at 15:00 or later. (Luggage drop-off is available)

Early and late check-ins and check-outs are subject to availability and may incur extra costs.

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  • If you arrive by car, you can use one of the short-term parking spaces in front of the house to drop off your luggage and fellow travelers. You can use the parking garage called “Rathaus Parking.” A day ticket there costs CHF 30-

  • If you are traveling by public transport, we recommend taking bus number 12 from the train station in Bern, marked “Zentrum Paul Klee.” You will find the bus stop directly in front of the entrance to the shop called “Loeb.” Get off at the “Nydegg” stop. From there, it's just a minute's walk.

  • When you arrive at the entrance to the house, you will find a key safe to the right of the door. The code for the box contained *1730*. You can use the key to open the two entrance doors and also the apartment door. The apartment is located at the top of the fourth floor.
    It is a typical old Bernese house with steep wooden stairs. 

  • KEY BOX CODE: 1730

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  • Wifi Information
    Wifi Name: TP-Link_9724
    Password: 11601470

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Parking Facilities

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  • Street parking right in front of the GreenAlley is available for short periods of time.

  • You can use the parking garage called “Rathaus Parking.” A day ticket there costs CHF 30- (Distance 240 meters 3 mins walking)

  • Link to parking location https://maps.app.goo.gl/jTV6rRiNFw4LTZzu9

 

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Assistance with your check-in
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  • Property management contact WhatsApp: +41 77 279 18 38 (08:00-17:30)

  • Please be aware that our offices close after 17:30. If you may need help with your check-in please reach out to us during operating hours.

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Check-out instructions
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The check-out time is at 10:00 or earlier. 

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Before leaving, please follow these steps.

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  • 1. Lock up | Secure all doors and windows.

  • 2. Lights off | Turn off all lights and electronics.

  • 3. Keys & entry | Leave keys in the lockbox and lock the door.

  • 4. Clean up | Please try to leave things as you found it.

  • 5. Heating | Adjust to low.

  • 6. Communication | Inform the property manager of departure and any issues.

  • 7. Enjoyed your stay? | Leave a positive note if you had a great experience.

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House Manual

Contact info 

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  • Property management contact WhatsApp: +41 77 279 18 38 (08:00-17:30)

  • Hosts email: info@summitswiss.ch

  • Emergency helpline Switzerland: 112

 

Welcome package
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  • At Hidden Retreats,  we provide a complimentary welcome package. This includes basic amenities such as soap, toilet paper, etc. These have been provided to get you started on your stay. 

  • Depending on usage, this welcome package may not get you through your entire stay.

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Quiet time and other rules

 

  • Quiet time in Switzerland is between 22:00 - 7:00.

  • We ask our dear guests to show consideration to other guests and neighbors.

  • This historic building is less insulated than newer buildings, and we ask our guests to keep this in mind during their stay with us.

  • No smoking inside the retreat.

  • No parties or events.

  • No pets allowed.

  • Max 4 guests allowed. (This includes children)

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Key usage
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  • Please be aware that children can lock themselves in rooms with the Swiss key system.

  • If you are worried about this, please remove all keys from the doors and safely store them out of reach above the fridge.

  • Having a locksmith open a locked door can cost anywhere between CHF 80-300-.

  • Loss of keys will result in a replacement fee.

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Heating
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  • The heating is in radiators and preset to an average temperature for guest comfort. (It should not need to be adjusted)

  • Please note that radiator heating systems will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to heat up, depending on various factors.

  • We ask guests to think green when using the heating. Example: not turning it on high and leaving windows open.

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Heating 1.png
  • The control for the heating looks like this.

  • The control can be twisted to get hotter or colder. (1 is low 5 is max)

  • The ideal setting for heating is as shown here in this image.

  • Controls for the heating look like this and are located on each radiator in each room and space.

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Appliances guide
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Dishwasher guide

 

1. Loading the Dishwasher:

  • Scrape off excess food from dishes before loading.

  • Load large items like pots and pans at the sides and back to avoid blocking water and detergent sprays.

  • Place dishes with soiled surfaces facing the center of the dishwasher for better cleaning.

  • Avoid overloading to allow water and detergent to circulate effectively.

 

2. Adding Detergent:

  • Use the high-quality dishwasher detergent provided. The nearby grocery store sells this detergent.

  • For this Electrolux dishwasher, load the detergent into the dispenser located on the dishwasher door.

  • Follow the recommended dosage specified in the detergent packaging.

 

3. Selecting a Wash Cycle:

  • Turn on the dishwasher by pressing the power button.

  • Open the dishwasher door slightly and select the desired wash cycle using the control panel.

  • Common cycles include Normal, Heavy, Eco, and Quick Wash.

  • Adjust additional settings such as temperature and drying options.

 

4. Starting the Dishwasher:

  • Close the dishwasher door securely.

  • Press the Start button to initiate the wash cycle.

 

5. Monitoring the Cycle:

  • The dishwasher will display the remaining time for the selected cycle.

  • You can usually pause or cancel the cycle if needed. However, this is not recommended. 

  • If your dishwasher has a delay start feature, you can set a time for the cycle to begin.

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Nespresso coffee machine

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1. Setup:

  •  Place your Nespresso machine on a clean, flat surface near a power outlet.

  •  Fill the water tank with fresh, cold water and insert it into the machine.

2. Preparation:

  • Turn on the Nespresso machine and allow it to heat up. Most machines have an indicator light that turns solid when ready.

  •  Lift the lever or handle to open the capsule chamber.

3. Inserting a Capsule:

  • Choose your desired coffee capsule. Nespresso offers a variety of flavors and intensities.

  •  Place the capsule in the designated holder with the flat side down, ensuring it's centered.

4. Brewing:

  •  Close the lever or handle to secure the capsule in place.

  •  Select your preferred coffee size (espresso or lungo) by pressing the corresponding button.

  •  The machine will start brewing, and your coffee will be dispensed into the cup.

5. Ejecting the Capsule:

  •  After brewing, open the lever or handle again.

  •   The used capsule will automatically drop into the container. Dispose of it properly.

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Stove cooktop guide

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Cool Down Before Cleaning:

  • Allow the ceramic cooktop to cool down completely before cleaning.

Regular Wiping:

  • Wipe the surface regularly with a soft, damp cloth or sponge to remove any spills or residue.

  • For stubborn stains, you can use a ceramic cooktop cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.

Avoid Abrasive Materials:

  • Do not use abrasive sponges, steel wool, or abrasive cleaning powders, as they can scratch the surface.

  • Use Appropriate Cleaning Products:

  • Use cleaners specifically designed for ceramic cooktops. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.

Spill Cleanup:

  • Clean up spills promptly to prevent them from hardening on the surface. Be cautious with sugary spills, as they can damage the cooktop if not cleaned promptly.

Avoid Heavy Impact:

  • Avoid dropping heavy or hard objects onto the ceramic surface, as it can lead to cracks or chips.

Use Proper Cookware:

  • Use cookware with smooth, flat bottoms to prevent scratching the cooktop. Avoid dragging pots and pans across the surface.

Control Residue:

  • Keep an eye on cooking utensils to ensure they don't leave metal marks on the cooktop. Clean any metal marks promptly to prevent them from becoming permanent.

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Extractor fan

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  • Please be gentle when opening and closing the extractor fan.

  • Follow the icon buttons for lights and fan speeds.

  • When cooking, please use the extractor fan.

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Kitchen & living room
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  • The TV comes with Netflix. Please feel free to enjoy our complimentary screening services.

  • Please do not eat in the living room to preserve the furniture.

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Bathroom
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  • For hygiene purposes, we ask our guests to keep the bathroom floor as dry as possible.

  • Please use the extractor fan while showering.

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Bedrooms
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  • Pillows and bedding have been tested for quality by the Hidden Retreats team. 

  • If you need extra bedding, please contact the property manager.

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Damages
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  • Accidents can happen. In the case of an accident that results in damage to the property or furniture, please inform your host so that quick action can be taken.  

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Extra services
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  • The cleaning fee that is mandatory with the reservation is for a one-time cleaning at the end of your stay.

  • If you wish to have additional cleanings during your stay with us, don't hesitate to contact us. Touch-up cleanings start from CHF 80.- 

The surroundings & more

Need to know locations

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Bern Center, Bern, Switzerland 

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  • Coop grocery store (Distance 750 meters, 9mins walking)

  • Pharmacy (Distance 250 meters, 3min walking)

  • Einstein Coffee Shop (Distance 400 meters, 5mins walking)

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DOWNTOWN BERN EDITION

The Hidden travel magazine.

Looking for a unique travel experience? Then pick up a copy of The Hidden travel magazine. We showcase hidden destinations that will take you off the beaten path and allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture. Our articles cover everything from the best local foods to try to the most picturesque spots for a photo op.

Hidden Retreats Bern
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