WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE – BEST HOTELS FOR ALL BUDGETS
Are you planning your Lucerne trip and are wondering about the best places to stay in Lucerne? Finding the perfect accommodation for your Lucerne trip can be a bit tricky – though Lucerne is s small city, there are many options.
I have visited Lucerne quite often and stayed in all kinds of accommodations – from luxury hotels to budget-friendly places, and today I am sharing my tips on the best areas and hotels for all budgets.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it here.
FAQ: TIPS FOR PICKING THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LUCERNE
Before discussing where to stay in Lucerne, here are some important tips that will – most likely – influence your decision.
IS LUCERNE A GOOD PLACE TO STAY?
Yes, Lucerne is a great location to stay in Switzerland. Located in central Switzerland, Lucerne is known for its picturesque beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for tourists. Here are some reasons why Lucerne is a good place to stay:
✔️ Scenic Beauty: Lucerne is nestled amidst the stunning Swiss Alps and is located on the shores of Lake Lucerne (Wierwaldstättersee in German), offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake. The city’s picturesque landscape provides a serene and tranquil environment, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
✔️ Central Location: Lucerne is strategically located in the heart of Switzerland, making it an excellent base for exploring the country. It has good connectivity to other major Swiss cities like Zurich, Bern, Interlaken, and Geneva, as well as popular tourist destinations like Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, and the Swiss Alps.
✔️ Rich History and Culture: Lucerne is steeped in history and boasts a rich cultural heritage. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, and Old Town with its charming cobbled streets and historic buildings. Lucerne is also home to several museums, galleries, and theaters, showcasing Swiss art, history, and culture.
✔️ Outdoor Activities: Lucerne offers a wide range of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From hiking in the nearby mountains, cruising on Lake Lucerne, taking a cogwheel train to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi, or enjoying winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in the surrounding alpine areas, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy.
✔️ Excellent Amenities: Lucerne has a well-developed tourism infrastructure with a variety of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and services catering to travelers’ needs.
✔️ Safety and Cleanliness: Switzerland, including Lucerne, is known for its high standards of safety and cleanliness. The city is well-maintained, with clean streets, well-preserved buildings, and a safe environment for travelers to explore and enjoy.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT HOTEL IN LUCERNE
ℹ️ The region of Lucerne is extremely popular among tourists, so do not be surprised if you see visitors in large numbers – at any time of the year. This probably makes accommodations even more expensive.
ℹ️ Since accommodations in Switzerland, especially in Lucerne, are costly, you cannot expect super bargains. The budget-friendly places in Lucerne are only “quite” budget-friendly.
ℹ️ The wooden bridge (Chapel Bridge) is probably one of the most popular and famous tourist spots in Lucerne, but there is also a lovely old town and the stunning Lake Lucerne. But keep in mind, that accommodation near these places is much more expensive.
ℹ️ In the summer months and in December, accommodation prices go up. If you can travel in the shoulder season, you could save a lot of money.
ℹ️ If you book a night in one of the official accommodations, you will get a Lucerne Visitor Card. This Visitor Card allows you to use buses and trains within zone 10 of the city network for free. Plus, there is a range of discounts for cableways, mountain railways, museums, and excursions in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region.
ℹ️ A Swiss Travel Pass is expensive but you can use public transportation for free. In Lucerne, you can also use the Mount Rigi cable car for free with a Swiss Travel Pass as well as most boats to cruise Lake Lucerne for free. Also, you get free access to 500 museums in Switzerland and a discount for many other museums (like the Swiss Museum of Transport).
So, whether you road trip Switzerland and explore different areas or stay in Lucerne only – I hope you will find the best places to stay in Luzern with the tips.
GET YOUR SWISS TRAVEL PASS HERE
BEST HOTELS IN LUCERNE FOR ALL BUDGETS
From luxury hotels to hostels – here are some great places to stay in Lucerne.
BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN LUCERNE
Let´s start with the best luxury hotels in Lucerne.
Schweizerhof Lucerne
This interesting, 5-star hotel is the perfect choice for all who enjoy a luxury hotel centrally located. While Schweizerhof Lucerne is one of the classiest hotels in Lucerne, the atmosphere is not stiff. This is probably because it is also a festival hotel and they host smaller concerts and events.
The first time I stayed in Lucerne overnight was at Schweizerhof Luzern. I am not sure, but maybe that is why I have so many fond memories of the city and kept coming back.
You´ll notice many small artistic details – from a music quote on the wall to little music notes on the doors to the fact that every room has hosted one famous musician or another. More little details, like their own newspaper, make this place even more unique.
There is also a lovely restaurant that comes with a view (though directly located on the main street). Within minutes you are at the Chapel Bridge, the train station, the old town, and the boat station – which are some of the most popular places in Lucerne.
Whether you opt for a double room or a suite, you cannot go wrong with booking a room at Schweizerhof Lucerne. If you have the chance to book a room with a lake view, pay the extra CHF and enjoy excellent views of this stunning lake.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO FIND THE BEST RATES FOR YOUR STAY HERE
Parkhotel Vitznau
Vitznau, located on the eastern shores of Lake Lucerne, is home to a luxury hotel par excellence: Parkhotel Vitznau. The region of Vitznau is well-known for being all about relaxing – and this hotel is probably the most expensive one in the area.
It takes about 35 minutes by car, the drive is fun and absolutely scenic. Getting there via boat is also scenic – though a bit more time-consuming. It takes about one hour by bus, boat, or train to get there from Lucerne.
The hotel looks quite impressive when approaching via boat. When you are standing in front of it, it seems a bit sterile at the entrance, but this place knows how to impress.
It does not matter which of the 47 suites you book – you can expect pure luxury. All rooms are designed uniquely. You always have non-alcoholic drinks available at the pool, unlimited spa access, daily newspapers, and more services offered.
Unfortunately, no pets are allowed – not even in the outdoor cafe. However, it is a top hotel to stay near Lucerne and perfect if you like exclusivity and seclusion.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE BEST RATES FOR PARK HOTEL VITZNAU
BEST MID-RANGE HOTELS IN LUCERNE
I know, the prices for mid-range hotels in Lucerne might be a bit shocking if you have never been to Switzerland before. So, if we talk about mid-range hotels, then keep in mind we are talking about one of the most expensive countries in the world
Chateau Gütsch
You can spot this beautiful hotel from Lucerne´s most famous tourist attraction. If you stand on the Chapel Bridge, you can see the Chateau Gütsch which stands proudly on the mountain.
This 4-star hotel offers one of the best views of Lake Lucerne. Whether you enjoy the views from one of the rooms or from the terrace, where you can also dine and drink; on a clear day, these views are priceless.
Each room has a unique design (hurry up with booking, this boutique hotel only has 27 rooms) and most come with a lake view. All suites come with a luxurious marble bathroom. You´ll have a wonderful, relaxing time with views and services like this.
➡️ FIND OUT ABOUT THE BEST RATES FOR CHATEAU GÜTSCH
Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora
Another 4-star hotel with a great location is this property: Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora. It is centrally located and just a stone’s throw from the main train station and Chapel Bridge. Its wonderful location makes it easy to get around and discover a lot of Lucerne on foot.
The hotel also emphasizes its commitment to sustainability. So if you want to stay in a central location in Lucerne and help support different causes – like the Swiss Red Cross or by using light bulbs that help save energy. This hotel is the perfect green hotel.
Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora does not have its own fitness facility but offers a discount for the wellness and fitness facilities close by. You have the option to choose from five different room types – all rooms have been newly refurbished.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO FIND THE BEST RATES FOR AMERON LUZERN HOTEL FLORA
Hotel des Alpes
If you are looking for a hotel directly in the city center of Lucerne, this hotel might be a great choice. In January 2019, I stayed at the Hotel des Alpes – just next to the Chapel Bridge, and totally enjoyed my stay.
So, personally, I think there is no better 3-star hotel with a better location in Lucerne than this hotel. And if you choose a view of the river, you have a beautiful panorama of the Reuss River, stunning Mount Pilatus, and the Swiss Alps. The city views offer views of the old town.
However, it is not only about the views. The hotel is a good 3-star hotel: modern, clean, and with a very decent breakfast. The restaurant downstairs offers breakfast (with a view), and from there, you are ready to explore the city within minutes.
➡️ CLICK HERE FOR HOTEL DE ALPES
BEST BUDGET HOTELS IN LUCERNE
Here are some budget hotels in Lucerne. I know budget hotels in Lucerne are not exactly budget-friendly compared to the rest of the world. But they are considered budget-friendly for Lucerne, and they offer the best value for the money.
The Bed + Breakfast
This elegant villa, The Bed + Breakfast, located in a peaceful and verdant residential area of Lucerne, is only a 15-minute stroll away from the Old Town. The stylish rooms have parquet floors and free WiFi, and the property boasts a tranquil garden perfect for unwinding after a day of business or sightseeing.
The rooms are adorned with vintage furniture, and some have a private bathroom while others share 8 bathrooms among 10 rooms. Laundry and ironing facilities are available upon request.
Guests can savor a buffet breakfast every morning and help themselves to coffee or cold drinks throughout the day. The Bed + Breakfast is conveniently situated within a 15-minute walk from both Lake Lucerne and the Lucerne Train station.
➡️CLICK HERE TO FIND THE BEST RATES FOR YOUR STA AT THE BED + BREAKFAST
Bellpark Hostel
This hostel, Bellpark Hostel, is located close to Kriens, not too far from Lucerne’s old town. It is the perfect place to stay if you plan a trip to the fabulous Mount Pilatus (it is very close to the cable car station). You´ll find some restaurants and cafes nearby, and you can catch a bus directly to the train station.
Though the prices are much lower than those in hotel rooms, you still get the ticket to use public transportation for free.
You have to pay around 30€ for a bed in a mixed 6-bed dormitory. Slightly more expensive is a bed in a 4-bed dormitory (females or males) or a 3-person dormitory/family room.If you prefer an ensuite bathroom, you can book a 2-person double room, too.
Some perks: You can use the kitchen, and there is free coffee and tea, an Asian-style breakfast, free private parking, personal lockers in each shared room, and all linens are included.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO FIND THE BEST RATES FOR YOUR STAY AT BELLPARK HOSTEL
FINAL THOUGHTS ON BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN LUCERNE
Lucerne is a good place to stay due to its scenic beauty, central location, rich history and culture, outdoor activities, excellent amenities, cultural events and festivals, and safety and cleanliness. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and modern amenities for a memorable stay in Switzerland.
Finding the best places to stay in Lucerne might not always be easy, but I hope this post has helped you find the perfect accommodation for you. Lucerne is a beautiful city – whether you visit in the winter months or any other season – it is well worth a visit, so have fun and stay safe!
READ MORE
ℹ️ BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN EUROPE IN DECEMBER (DO YOU THINK LUCERNE HAS MADE IT ONTO THE LIST?)
ℹ️ CHECK OUT THE BEST ITINERARY FOR SWITZERLAND IN 7 DAYS
ℹ️ READ MORE ABOUT THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND
