The Schweizerhof is one of Lucerne's best-known historic hotels, standing on the Schweizerhofquai on the lake front between the railway station and the Old Town. The house dates from the middle of the nineteenth century, when Lucerne was becoming a favourite stop on the European Grand Tour, and it has stayed a family-run hotel through generations, which gives it a more personal feel than many hotels of its size. It is a classic grand hotel in the old sense: a stately facade facing the water, high ceilings, a comfortable lobby and a sense of occasion that suits a special stay. Rooms and suites are decorated in a traditional style, and the rooms on the lake side look across the water to the mountains, while others face the town. The restaurant and bar are open to hotel guests and visitors, and the location is hard to beat for a first visit to Lucerne.
Location and getting around
The hotel sits on the lake promenade, so you step out of the door onto the water's edge. The railway station is a short walk to the east, the piers for the lake boats are almost opposite, and the Chapel Bridge and the Old Town are a few minutes on foot to the west.
The KKL concert hall is close by, and the Lion Monument and the Glacier Garden are a pleasant walk uphill. Because you can reach almost everything on foot, it works well for travellers without a car, and the train to Pilatus, Titlis or the Rigi boat is within easy reach. Taxis wait nearby if you have luggage or an early departure.
Rooms and facilities
Expect traditional rooms and suites with comfortable beds, good bathrooms and the kind of attentive service that a family-run hotel can offer. Lake-view rooms cost more and are the ones to request if the view matters, and balconies are available in some categories. Details of room sizes, breakfast terms and the exact facilities vary by rate and by season, so check the booking details for what is included before you reserve. If you travel with children or need connecting rooms, ask in advance.
Who it suits
Couples, anniversary travellers, first-time visitors who want to stay in the middle of things and anyone who likes the character of an old grand hotel. It is a good choice for guests who want a central address with the lake on the doorstep, and for those who prefer a hotel with a long local story to a modern chain. Street noise can reach the lower floors on the busiest evenings, so ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper.
In the colder months the lake light is soft and rates are often lower, while in summer the promenade is lively and the terraces fill with diners. Ask about pairing your stay with a lake cruise or a table in the restaurant, and book early for weekends and festival dates, when central Lucerne fills up.
Why stay here
- ✓Lakefront promenade location
- ✓Lake-view rooms
- ✓Historic grand-hotel building
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Concierge and front desk service
- ✓Walk to the station and piers
- ✓Family-run service
Good questions
Where is the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern?+
It stands on the Schweizerhofquai on the lake promenade, between the railway station and the Old Town, with the boat piers close by.
Can I walk to the Chapel Bridge and the station?+
Yes. The station and the Chapel Bridge are each a few minutes on foot, so you do not need a car or a taxi for the main sights.
Which rooms have the lake view?+
The lake-side rooms look across the water to the mountains. They usually cost more, so request one when you book if the view matters.
