The Renaissance Lucerne Hotel stands at Pilatusstrasse 15, in the shopping district between the railway station and the Old Town. It is a five-star hotel with 87 air-conditioned rooms across a range of room types, and it pairs a contemporary style with the polish of an international brand. Pacifico, the restaurant, serves South American dishes, and the Boca Grande Bar and Lounge is a relaxed place for a drink after a day out. There is a 24-hour gym, a terrace, a concierge desk, luggage storage, laundry and dry-cleaning services and a lift, and free Wi-Fi reaches the rooms and parts of the public areas. The location is the main reason to book: the Chapel Bridge is about three minutes away on foot, the KKL concert hall about five, and the station about four, so you can arrive by train, drop your bags and be on the bridge within minutes.
Location and getting around
You are in the middle of the compact centre, and almost everything on a first visit is a short walk. The Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower are a few minutes away, the Town Hall and the KKL are about five, and the Lion Monument is a gentle fourteen-minute stroll.
The station is close enough that day trips to Pilatus, Titlis, Rigi or the Stanserhorn start with a walk rather than a taxi, which suits anyone travelling without a car. Parking on site is limited, so ask the hotel when you book about the nearby car park and what it charges per night.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms come in a number of categories, from standard doubles to larger rooms and suites, and a good night's sleep is helped by air conditioning and heating you can set yourself. Breakfast is available as a buffet and is charged separately on many rates, so compare the price with and without it, and check the hours, which differ between weekdays and weekends.
The hotel does not accept pets other than service animals, children are welcome, and cots and extra beds can be arranged for a fee. A city tax and a tourism fee are collected per person per night at the hotel, so allow for them in your budget. Payment is by card, so bring one.
Who it suits
Couples, first-time visitors, business travellers and anyone who wants an international-standard room in the middle of the old town district. It suits families who are happy with a city hotel rather than a resort, and it works well for rainy-day plans, because the KKL, the shops and the restaurants are all close by.
It is less quiet than a hillside hotel and has no lake frontage of its own, though the water is a short walk away. Ask for a higher floor or a room facing away from the street if you are a light sleeper, and check when you book which rates include breakfast and which allow free cancellation.
Why stay here
- ✓87 air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Pacifico restaurant
- ✓Boca Grande Bar and Lounge
- ✓24-hour gym
- ✓Terrace
- ✓Concierge and luggage storage
- ✓Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- ✓Lift and accessible features
Good questions
How far is the Renaissance Lucerne from the station and the Chapel Bridge?+
The station is around four minutes on foot and the Chapel Bridge about three, so it is one of the most central modern hotels in the city.
Is breakfast included at the Renaissance Lucerne?+
A buffet breakfast is served daily but is charged separately on many rates, so compare the options when you book.
Does the hotel have parking?+
Parking on site is limited and nearby car parks charge per night, so ask when you book if you are driving.
