Lucerne is a must-visit city in Switzerland, so when looking for where to stay in Lucerne during your visit, I have put together this complete guide of all the best places to stay.
Lucerne (also spelled Luzern) is a small city in the heart of Switzerland, filled with historic architecture, surrounded by stunning mountains, and of course, the famous Lake Lucerne!
So let’s dive in and discover the best areas and amazing accommodations in Lucerne you should consider!
3 BEST HOTELS WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to read this full guide, these are the 3 best hotels in Lucerne to suit all budgets.
Best Luxury Hotel In Lucerne
Grand Hotel National ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Indoor pool, gym, spa, and massage salon
- Excellent location, only 5 minutes from the old town
- Outstanding rooms with Italian marble and lake views
Best Mid-Range Hotel In Lucerne
Hotel Des Alpes ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Right in the heart of Lucerne
- Modern, beautiful rooms with endless features
- Tour desk, on-site restaurant, and free WiFi
Best Budget Hotel In Lucerne
Hotel Restaurant Stern Luzern ⭐️⭐️
- A few minutes away from the old city
- Clean and functional rooms with WiFi
- Restaurant with fresh and affordable food
WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE – FAQ
Before I dive into all the best places to stay in Lucerne, here are some quick answers to first-time visitors’ most frequently asked questions.
WHAT IS THE BEST PLACE TO STAY IN LUCERNE?
The best area to stay in Lucerne is the old town, Altstadt.
It oozes charm and picturesque culture, you’ll have incredible views of Lake Lucerne and small alleys lined with small boutiques and cozy cafes.
The captivating backdrop of medieval architecture in the picturesque old town squares will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
IS LUCERNE GOOD FOR FAMILIES?
Definitely, Lucerne is an ideal destination for families as it’s a fun and educational town.
For the kids, it’s easy to find activities like hikes, sledding, boat rides on Lake Lucerne, visits to castles or museums, and exploring historic churches.
Plus, with numerous parks dotted around town, you’re sure to have a great time. I recommend visiting Hirschpark Luzern with deers walking around, this is such a cool thing to do with kids.
WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE FOR NIGHTLIFE?
The best part of Lucerne to stay for nightlife is Neustadt, the new town, which is near Luzern central station.
When staying there, you’ll see lots of bars open late at night and nightclubs open until the early morning.
That being said, Luzern is a quiet town, and, despite several nightlife opportunities, don’t expect bars and clubs on every corner, but you can definitely have fun in the evening.
WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE ON A BUDGET?
Tribschen has more affordable hotels and hostels when looking for where to stay in Luzern on a budget.
It’s located south of the central station but you can get around the old and new towns easily and quickly.
I recommend checking out Ibis Budget Luzern City, which has relatively low rates for clean, convenient rooms.
IS LUCERNE EXPENSIVE?
Yes, just like the rest of Switzerland, Lucerne is pretty expensive. That being said, it’s cheaper than other cities like Zurich and you can find hotel rooms for about $100 to $150.
Food-wise, you can eat out for about $30 per meal per person – again, not cheap but could be worse.
RELATED GUIDE → Where To Stay in Zurich – The Best Areas
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LUCERNE
Below I have compiled the ultimate list of luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations in Lucerne to suit all types of travelers.
BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN LUCERNE
LUXURY: GRAND HOTEL NATIONAL
✔️ Rating: 8.6/10 | Reviews: 500+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lucerne’s legendary luxury hotel was built in the 1870s by César Ritz and Auguste Escoffier, and today it still provides the highest-quality accommodations.
From the Grand Hotel National Luzern, you can see the famous Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Pilatus mountains as well as the highest peaks of central Switzerland.
The luxurious Grand Hotel National is situated right on the shore of Lake Lucerne, only a 5-minute walk from the train station and the historic quarter.
The rooms and suites offer views of the city or the lake, and some include Italian marble floors, walls covered with luxurious silk wallpaper, hand-woven carpets, and comfortable sofas and chairs upholstered with the finest materials.
What more could you want when searching for where to stay in Lucerne!?
Grand Hotel National is perfect for families with the private suites on offer and it’s also perfect for couples due to the romantic atmosphere and gorgeous rooms available within the suites.
LUXURY: HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF LUZERN
✔️ Rating: 9.1/10 | Reviews: 1,000+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When looking for luxury hotels in Lucerne Switzerland, the family-owned 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern offers a spa area and elegant rooms with modern furniture.
This is a beautiful property that offers luxury for anyone looking for the best hotels in Lucerne.
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern is located right in the Old Town of Lucerne, close to the lake.
The Culture and Convention Centre and the railway station are only about 10 minutes walk away, a perfect central location for anyone looking for where to stay in Lucerne.
The Schweizerhof’s rooms are each furnished according to specific personalities, such as a musician, author, or actor, who has previously been guests at the hotel.
The rooms offer views of the lake and the mountains, or of Lucerne’s historical Old Town.
This is one of the best places to stay in Lucerne, especially for couples and families.
LUXURY: THE HOTEL LUCERNE
✔️ Rating: 8/10 | Reviews: 30+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Designed by the celebrated Parisian architect Jean Nouvel, this Lake Lucerne hotel celebrates simplicity and spirituality as much as elegance and refinement and aims to create a unique environment.
This hotel in Lucerne is centrally located next to a pleasant park in the heart of the city.
It’s close to the Culture and Congress Center, the historic old town with its lake promenade, and is right near the train station.
The hotel offers multiple room options and sizes all with private bathrooms and presented to the highest standard, making it one of the best places to stay in Lucerne.
This is the ideal hotel for couples and families looking for the high standards offered by this Luzern hotel.
LUXURY: ART DECO HOTEL MONTANA
✔️ Rating: 8.9/10 | Reviews: 100+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The fifth and sixth floors of this gorgeous Luzern hotel are offered as luxury spa suites offering panoramic views of the Alps and surrounding Lake Lucerne.
The onsite restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and there is also a bar that boasts a large selection of Scottish whiskeys and a jazz evening once a week, all served on the terrace to enjoy the scenery.
The KKL Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne is a 7-minute drive away from this luxury hotel in Lucerne, while Chapel Bridge is an 8-minute drive away, placing you centrally for all that Lucerne has to offer.
It is also one of the hotels in Lucerne Switzerland near the train station.
RELATED ARTICLE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE
Each of the penthouse suites is perfectly presented with a range of amenities including a hot tub on the private rooftop terrace, and a bath and steam shower in the private bathrooms.
Rooms are luxurious and comfortable and all offer spectacular views out over Lake Lucerne, making this one of the best places to stay in Lucerne.
This is highly recommended for couples, the romantic setting and the beautiful amenities make the penthouse suites the ultimate getaway.
LUXURY: LUCERNE LAKE VIEW APARTMENTS
✔️ Rating: 9.2/10 | Reviews: 100+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
These modern apartments in Lucerne are all presented with up-to-date fittings and fixtures while enjoying spectacular views out over the lake.
The property has a terrace for all guests to enjoy and is highly rated as one of the best places to stay in Lucerne.
Just 550 yards from Lion Monument and 0.7 miles from KKL Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne, the apartments are centrally located for all amenities that Lucerne has to offer, making it one of the best properties when searching for where to stay in Luzern style!
All apartments come with a balcony overlooking the lake, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with a shower, these are some of the best apartments in Lucerne.
Offering two and three-bedroom apartments, this property is perfect for families or small groups looking for the luxury that can be expected from this Lake Lucerne hotel.
BEST MID-RANGE HOTELS IN LUCERNE
MID RANGE: HOTEL ALPINA LUZERN
✔️ Rating: 7.3/10 | Reviews: 500+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This Luzern hotel is in a historic building close to the old town.
Hotel Alpina Luzern offers breakfast every morning and has a lounge and bar area on the 7th floor that offers superb views over the city.
Another hotel in Lucerne Switzerland near the train station as well as being close to the KKL Convention Centre and the Chapel Bridge.
This is one of the best places to stay in Lucerne if looking for a central location.
Rooms are well presented and spacious all with a private bathroom, offering multiple room choices for all size parties.
This is one of the best hotels in Lucerne for anyone on a mid-range budget. With rooms with up to four beds, this is the perfect hotel for families, couples, and small groups.
MID RANGE: APARTHOTEL ADLER LUZERN
✔️ Rating: 8.4/10 | Reviews: 700+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a recently renovated hotel in Lucerne offering simple modern accommodation right in the heart of Lucerne, with a lounge area offering breakfast every morning.
Aparthotel Adler Luzern is just 200 yards from the shores of Lake Lucerne, the Chapel Bridge, and the closest bus stop.
The KKL Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne is situated 550 yards away, while the Lion Monument is a 10-minute walk away.
Rooms are decorated in modern décor and all come with a private bathroom. With a range of room sizes on offer, this hotel is perfect for anyone on a mid-range budget.
This wonderful Luzern hotel works perfectly for families, couples, and small groups due to the range of room sizes available.
MID RANGE: HOTEL ANKER LUZERN
✔️ Rating: 8.9/10 | Reviews: 2,000+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Opening in December 2016, Hotel Anker Luzern is located in a historical building in the center of Luzern, right on the Pilatusplatz square.
Beautifully presented, this Luzern hotel also offers a restaurant that serves various grill specialties and the bar and lounge serve a variety of fine wines and Gin compositions, one of the best choices of places to stay in Lucerne.
The KKL Culture and Convention Centre is just 750 yards from the hotel, the Lion Monument is 0.7 miles away, and you are centrally located for all attractions Lucerne has to offer.
Rooms are beautifully presented and some offer outdoor seating areas and views of the mountains or the city.
With spacious rooms and private bathrooms, this is a gorgeous place to stay in Lucerne.
This is a lovely location for couples, centrally located, and with beautiful décor this is one of the best accommodations in Lucerne.
MID RANGE: HOTEL DES ALPES
✔️ Rating: 8.4/10 | Reviews: 1,000+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Located in the pedestrian zone in the heart of Lucerne, right at the historic Kapellbrücke.
This accommodation in Lucerne has superb views of the river from the terrace while tasting selected Swiss specialties and international cuisine in the on-site restaurant and lounge.
Located close to the bus and train stations as well as being central to all that Lucerne has to offer, this Luzern hotel is rated as a top place to stay in Lucerne.
The rooms are well-presented and all come with private bathrooms. Offering beautiful views of the city, rooms come equipped with cable TV and tea and coffee machines.
This Lucerne hotel is a great one to consider for anyone on a mid-range budget, catering for all party sizes from couples to families.
MID RANGE: BOUTIQUE HOTEL WEISSES KREUZ
✔️ Rating: 7.8/10 | Reviews: 1,000+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This Luzern hotel is for adult guests only and offers an on-site terrace serving Italian cuisine as well as the first Chinese restaurant in Switzerland, located in the front of the hotel.
Breakfast is served every morning and on Sunday a prosecco breakfast is a nice treat.
The hotel is located near the Reuss River in Lucerne’s historic Old Town, just a 2-minute walk from the Chapel Bridge and a 5-minute walk from the train station.
The modern rooms are elegant and spacious and all come with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a Nespresso coffee machine.
This is the perfect hotel for couples, the peaceful setting with a choice of restaurants makes it one of the best places to stay in Lucerne for couples.
BEST BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN LUCERNE
BUDGET: HOTEL RESTAURANT STERN LUZERN
✔️ Rating: 8.2/10 | Reviews: 2,000+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️
This well-presented traditional hotel with contrasting modern décor features a restaurant with a terrace facing the garden of the Franciscan Church.
The restaurant serves traditional Swiss cuisine and fresh fish from the lake.
The Hotel Restaurant Stern Luzern is located in the Old Town, 650 yards from the Lucerne Train Station and Lake Lucerne, centrally located this is a perfect place to stay in Lucerne for anyone traveling on a budget.
Rooms are well presented, offering views of the city and all come with a TV and private bathroom.
This is an ideal location for families traveling on a budget as well as being great for couples.
BUDGET: HOTEL ALPHA
✔️ Rating: 8/10 | Reviews: 2,000+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️
This traditional-style building offers a simple but well-presented place to stay in Lucerne. There is an on-site restaurant that offers a daily buffet breakfast.
The center of Lucerne and the train station are a 10-minute walk from this Luzern hotel.
All the attractions that Lucerne has to offer are within walking distance, making this a great place to stay in Lucerne for anyone traveling on a budget.
Rooms are simply furnished but are clean and well presented and all have the use of a shared bathroom, this is the perfect resting spot for any backpacker.
This is a great location for backpackers traveling solo or in couples, close to local sights as well as surrounded by restaurants and bars.
BUDGET: HOTEL SPATZ
✔️ Rating: 8.2/10 | Reviews: 1,000+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️
This well-presented Luzern hotel is perfect for the budget traveler.
With an on-site restaurant offering a traditional Swiss menu, as well as a range of local wines, served in the bar this is a fantastic place to stay in Lucerne.
Hotel Spatz is located on the edge of Lucerne but is right on a bus route and is only a 5-minute ride to the center of the city.
The bus routes also run to the train station and many of the local attractions.
Rooms are all presented in a simple manner but are comfortable and offer all that any budget traveler could need including private bathrooms in all rooms.
This is one of the best places to stay in Lucerne for anyone traveling on a budget, this would suit couples and solo travelers as well as small groups traveling together.
BUDGET: IBIS BUDGET HOTEL LUZERN
✔️ Rating: 7.1/10 | Reviews: 7,000+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️
This budget hostel in Lucerne offers clean and bright living spaces perfect for any backpacker. Breakfast is offered to all guests and lockers are available on-site.
Located a 15-minute walk from the train station you are within walking distance of the city center with easy access to local bars, restaurants, and Lucerne attractions.
Rooms are clean and simple and offer space for up to four people per room. All rooms come with a private bathroom making this a great place to stay for backpackers in Lucerne.
Ibis Budget Hotel Luzern is great for backpackers whether traveling alone, in couples, or as a group.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO & FAQ
BEST THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE
Lucerne is one of my favorite destinations in Switzerland! I recommend spending a few days exploring this preserved medieval-style city to get the most out of your visit!
I have put together a separate guide on the Best Things To Do In Lucerne that you might like to check out!
READ MORE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE
BEST TOURS IN LUCERNE
BEST TIME TO VISIT LUCERNE
The best time to visit Lucerne depends on what you plan to do.
I personally prefer the spring and summer months in Lucerne (April – September) when temperatures are warm and the landscapes are vividly green.
However, visiting in winter (December – March) is absolutely magical because the landscapes are completely covered in glistening white snow.
Visiting in winter also means you have to opportunity to go skiing in the nearby Swiss Alps.
RELATED GUIDE: Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen
CURRENCY & SIM CARDS
The currency in Switzerland is Swiss Francs (CHF) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = $1 CHF.
Purchasing a sim card in Switzerland is very simple. You can do this at the airport on arrival or find a phone store close to your Lucerne accommodation.
For approximately $40 USD, you can get a local sim card that comes with 10GB of data.
Alternatively, I recommend purchasing an eSIM online in advance and enjoying unlimited data throughout Switzerland.
Forget plastic SIM Cards… Get an eSIM!
Say hello to eSIM – a virtual SIM card pre-loaded with mobile data so you can get online and stay connected around the world.
OneSimCard is the best eSIM for travel, with low-cost data packages available in 150+ countries.
Simply buy online, install it on your smartphone, and you’re good to go!
MAP OF LUCERNE
IS LUCERNE WORTH VISITING?
Absolutely, Lucerne is worth visiting and offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
It’s a city where the charm of the old world meets modern vibrancy. From the iconic Chapel Bridge and Water Tower to the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Lucerne, the city is a feast for the eyes.
LUCERNE VS ZURICH – WHICH IS CHEAPER?
Lucerne is generally more affordable compared to Zurich. Zurich tends to have higher prices for hotels, dining, and activities. On the other hand, Lucerne is known for its tourism and picturesque landscapes, and offers relatively lower costs in these areas.
The difference in cost is particularly noticeable in accommodation and eating out, making Lucerne a more budget-friendly destination as a whole.
WHAT TO PACK FOR LUCERNE
When visiting Lucerne, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Hidden Money Wallet
Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!
Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!
Travel Backpack
The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!
Quick-Dry Travel Towel
The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!
Portable PowerBank
Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!
More Switzerland Travel Guides
Click the button below to view all articles related to Switzerland!
SUMMARY – WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE
I hope you found this article useful and if you have any questions about Where To Stay In Lucerne, please drop me a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
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