WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND –

WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE – BEST HOTELS FOR ALL BUDGETS

Are you planning your Lucerne itinerary 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.

Lucerne, nestled in the heart of Switzerland, is renowned for its preserved medieval architecture and sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by the 870-meter Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), a 14th-century rampart. The covered Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333 and featuring a series of interior paintings, is the city’s landmark and is considered one of Switzerland’s most iconic structures.

The city is a must-see in Switzerland but it is also a great place to base yourself to go on some fantastic day trips. So, you might want to stay longer in Lucerne to discover the stunning surroundings and see what the area has to offer.

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. 

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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

WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE – BEST HOTELS IN LUCERNE

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 keep coming back to Lucerne.

The Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, a 5-star family-owned gem, is ideally situated in Lucerne’s Old Town, adjacent to the lake. This prestigious hotel boasts a luxurious spa area and stylishly modern rooms. It’s conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from both the Culture and Convention Centre and the train station.

Each room in the Schweizerhof is uniquely themed around a famous personality, such as a musician, writer, or actor, who has graced the hotel with their presence. Guests can enjoy stunning views of either the lake and mountains or Lucerne’s historical Old Town. The rooms are equipped with customizable air conditioning and heating, a coffee and tea maker, a writing desk, and satellite TV featuring numerous international channels.

The spa offers a Finnish sauna and a bio sauna, both providing panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a well-equipped gym with Technogym machines and a view of the Old Town. A variety of body and beauty treatments are also available.

Dining at the Schweizerhof is a delightful experience, with Swiss and exotic gourmet dishes served à la carte in the Pavillon and the Galerie restaurants. On sunny days, guests can enjoy their meals on the terrace, surrounded by palm and olive trees. The hotel’s bar, with soft piano music, offers a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.

TIP: 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:

The  Parkhotel Vitznau, a pinnacle of luxury, sits gracefully along the shores of Lake Lucerne. 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 to get there 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.

It underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2012 and 2013, now boasting its own private beach, two exquisite restaurants, an expansive spa area, and complimentary garage parking.

Each suite and residence is uniquely designed, providing 24-hour room service, free WiFi, a Nespresso Coffee Machine, and a tea maker.

The hotel’s spa is a haven of relaxation, featuring a variety of saunas and steam baths, an ice grotto, a hot tub, and both indoor and outdoor pools.

Gastronomic delights await in the hotel’s two restaurants, both offering a scenic lake-view terrace. Guests can also explore an impressive selection of fine wines housed in six on-site wine cellars.

For added convenience, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to the Rigi Cable Car. The location is also ideal, being 13 km from the Küssnacht Train Station and 26 km from Lucerne.

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, a 4-star hotel which stands proudly on the mountain. 

Château Gütsch, a 19th-century castle hotel, stands majestically over Lucerne and Lake Lucerne, offering stunning views of the Rigi Mountain. Its interiors, stylishly redesigned by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, include modern amenities like free WiFi access.

Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, complimentary minibar, and a bathroom furnished with a bath or shower and a hairdryer.

The hotel’s restaurant specializes in both Mediterranean and regional dishes. During summer, guests can savor their meals on the terrace, enjoying the breathtaking panorama. The bar presents a vast selection of fine wines and cocktails.

Guests at Château Gütsch benefit from a 24-hour front desk, tour, and luggage services. The hotel caters to eco-friendly transportation, offering 1 electric vehicle charging station and 2 Tesla charging stations, along with parking facilities.

This exquisite hotel is conveniently located 1.4 km from the Chapel Bridge, 1.5 km from Lucerne Station, and 1.7 km from the Lion Monument. Zurich Airport lies 49 km away.

Hurry up with booking, this boutique hotel only has 27 rooms.

➡️ 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.

The Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora boasts an exceptional location, merely 150 meters from the iconic Chapel Bridge and 300 meters from both the train station and Lake Lucerne.

For guests with cars, there is a surcharge for parking in a nearby garage. Conveniently, both the KKL Culture and Congress Centre and the Old Town are a short 5-minute walk away.

The hotel’s rooms are well-appointed with air conditioning, a minibar, and satellite TV. An added perk is the complimentary national and international telephone calls (EU, USA, and Canada) available throughout the stay.

Guests can enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast served from 07:00 to 10:00 am daily. The breakfast spread includes freshly baked croissants, scrambled eggs, and more, like Italian coffee specialties, cereals, and cheeses.

➡️ 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.

➡️ CLICK HERE FOR HOTEL DE ALPES

Hotel des Balances

Hotel des Balances, set in a historic Guild Hall, is situated in a scenic spot along the Reuss River in the heart of Old Lucerne. The building’s facade is an attraction in its own right, contributing to the hotel’s status as one of the most famous in Lucerne.

Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

The majority of the rooms offer stunning views of the Chapel Bridge, the Jesuit Church, and the Weinmarkt Square.

The hotel’s Restaurant La Balance specializes in exquisite French and Swiss cuisine, complemented by a riverside terrace. Additionally, Hotel des Balances boasts a relaxed bistro and a sophisticated piano bar.

CHECK OUT RATES FOR HOTEL DES BALANCES HERE

BEST BUDGET HOTELS IN LUCERNE

Here are some budget hotels in Lucerne. I know affordable hotels in Lucerne are not exactly budget-friendly compared to the rest of the world. But they are considered more affordable for Lucerne, and they offer the best value for the money.

The Bed + Breakfast

Located in a serene and verdant residential area of Lucerne, The Bed + Breakfastt is just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. This elegant villa offers guests stylish rooms with parquet floors and complimentary free WiFi.

The property is enveloped by a peaceful garden, perfect for unwinding after a busy day of business or sightseeing.

Guest accommodations include rooms adorned with vintage furniture. Some rooms boast private bathrooms, while others share facilities (8 bathrooms for 10 rooms). Laundry services and ironing facilities are available upon request.

A delightful buffet breakfast is served each morning, and throughout the day, guests have access to self-serve coffee and cold drinks.

Both, the picturesque Lake Lucerne and the Lucerne Train Station are conveniently within a 15-minute walking distance from The Bed + Breakfast.

➡️CLICK HERE TO FIND THE BEST RATES FOR YOUR STA AT THE BED + BREAKFAST

Bellpark Hostel

TheBellpark Hostel is conveniently situated next to the Hofmatt-Bellpark Stop of bus line 1, offering direct connections to Lucerne Train Station. This is a great choice for budget travelers who want to stay closer to the city center of Lucerne.

Guests at the hostel benefit from amenities like a shared kitchen and lounge, complimentary free WiFi and internet stations, along with the option of paid private parking.

For dining options, a supermarket and a pizzeria are a mere 50 meters away. Additionally, another restaurant and a kebap and pizza takeaway are located just 300 metres from the hostel.

Adventure seekers will appreciate the hostel’s proximity to the cable car up Mount Pilatus, just a 5-minute walk away. Both Lake Lucerne and the city center are within a 3 km radius of the Bellpark Hostel.

An added convenience for guests is the use of the booking confirmation as a public transport ticket on the day of arrival. Moreover, guests receive a complimentary public transport ticket for the duration of their stay upon check-in.

➡️ 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.

When considering where to stay in Lucerne, you are spoilt for choice with a range of great accommodation options. From the historic charm of Hotel des Balances to the modern comforts of The Bellpark Hostel, each place offers its unique blend of hospitality and convenience.

Whether you’re looking for luxury at the Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora or the cultural immersion of the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, the best places to stay in Lucerne cater to every taste and budget. These Lucerne hotels not only provide a place to rest but also enrich your experience in this picturesque Swiss city, making your visit truly unforgettable. 

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!

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