Best Historical Hotels in Canton of Lucerne

Perched on the shores of Lake Lucerne, this Belle Époque property has been a landmark on the city’s horizon since 1904. Completely refurbished and reopened at the end of September 2022, it now offers 136 bedrooms and suites with Diptyque bath products, Dyson hairdryers and Bose sound systems, two panoramic rooftop terraces looking across to the Alps and the Spa Bellefontaine. The Mandarin Oriental has four restaurants; the French-style Colonnade, the buzzing MOzern Bar & Brasserie, the sophisticated six-seat Japanese Mizūmi, and the alfresco Quai 10, led by award-winning executive chef Gilad Peled, whose career has included Michelin-starred restaurants.

One of the most exclusive hotels in Switzerland, this 47-suite, turreted property, has a traditionally Swiss vibe. Awarded two Michelin stars, the restaurant Prisma serves fusion cuisine paired with a choice of over 32000 different wines housed in six cellars. Opens to staying guests only, the high-end spa includes an ice grotto for the brave. Swim from indoors to the outside, in its partially covered infinity pool, as mountain and lake views are majestically revealed into view. The warm climate and clean air of this region can be enjoyed on the summer terrace as you tuck into the chef’s grilled specials.

Another lakeside option, this castle-like hotel fully lives up to its ‘grand’ title. 41 regency-style bedrooms have 19th-century chandeliers, lashings of gilt, coffered ceilings, panelled walls, four-poster beds, modern art and antique Empire furniture. But they also have plenty of mod cons, such as Nespresso coffee machines, SuitePad digital guest folders, state-of-the-art entertainment systems and Molton Brown toiletries. Experience an old-world atmosphere at the National Bar, or dine at one of the hotel’s five other restaurants, serving Mediterranean, Chinese, French, Swiss and Viennese specialities. Visit the pool floor to swim, sauna, book massages, and to sun yourself on the terrace.

A 101-bedroom lakeside property, Hotel Schweizerhof was built in 1845 and for 150 years has been managed by the same family, the Hausers. During that time it has welcomed luminaries including Mark Twain, Leo Tolstoy, Roger Moore, Richard Wagner and Anastacia. Its events are widely renowned as it plays host to a series of beautiful concerts and festivals, there’s a sleek spa and a fitness centre. The hotel is home to one of the city’s finest restaurants, VILLA Schweizerhof, whose haute cuisine has earned the venue 13 Gault-Millau points; as well as two other eateries, Galerie and Pavillon.