After having spent many nights with other hotels in town (see separate reviews) mostly for trying something else and to be closer to the train station (NB, the distance from des Balances is not far at all, probably only two minutes longer..), I made it back to de Balances again. My favourite in town, all categories.
I was rewarded with a room overlooking the river. You should always opt for those rooms, especially if you spend more than one night and most definitely when the outside temp is more pleasant. Sipping a glass and/or reading a book on the (small) balcony watching the mountains, the river and the chapel bridge is worth the few francs more.
As I indicated the hotel is not far from the station. You just cross the bridge to the charming old town side and walk along the quay for a bit.
It is not a huge place and facilities are not as plenty but it's cozy and I bet it's popular by couples...
I chose not to pay the, even for Switzerland expensive, breakfast. So I can't give any reviews and will never be able to as I simply refuse to pay more for a couple of toasts and egg than for a full dinner at a not to simple restaurant.
Hotels always decide their own prices so if the room is a few CHF more expensive but includes breakfast noone would notice it argue. You may argue that keeping it optional will save you if you decide not to have it. But that argument could be used for the shower, tv-set or extra pillows. But I haven't seen many hotel charge extra for showers yet...