HOTEL DES BALANCES
About the Castle Hotel
Hotel Des Balances, Lucerne - A Historic Riverside Gem
Steeped in history as a former Guild Hall on the picturesque Reuss River, the Hotel Des Balances stands proudly in the heart of Lucerne's Old Town. This four-star property offers an experience that is both deeply rooted in tradition, evident in its hand-painted facade, and attuned to contemporary comfort. It's an excellent choice from which to explore the charms of Luzern or to simply find a moment of serene rejuvenation.
Location
The hotel occupies a prime position along the Reuss River, placing guests directly in the captivating embrace of Lucerne's Old Town. Most rooms afford captivating views of iconic landmarks, including the historic Chapel Bridge, the elegant Jesuit Church, and the lively Weinmarkt square. For those drawn to the water, the proximity to the Lucerne Ferry Terminal and Stansstad Ferry Terminal offers convenient gateways to further exploration. The hotel's location is undeniably a significant part of its allure, offering a constant visual feast of local life and historic architecture.
Style and Character
The Hotel Des Balances occupies a former Guild Hall, a building whose impressive traditional facade, featuring decorative paintings in the style of Swiss artist Hans Holbein, has been lovingly restored. Inside, the hotel gracefully marries its historic bones with sophisticated modern touches. The lobby, with its parquet floors and inviting brown leather armchairs gathered around marble-top tables, sets a tone of understated elegance. Guest rooms are often decorated in warm colours with parquet flooring, while the restaurant spaces feature modern panelling and a tasteful natural wood wine bar, creating an atmosphere that feels both classic and current.
Service and Facilities
The Hotel Des Balances ensures guests are well-cared for with a 24-hour reception and a range of practical facilities. These include a chic on-site restaurant and bar, a lounge bar, and three meeting rooms, the largest capable of hosting up to 90 people. For convenience, an elevator provides easy access to all floors. For guests staying a minimum of two nights, a complimentary 2-day Winter Tell-Pass, valued at CHF 100, is a thoughtful inclusion, encouraging exploration of the wider region. Safety features such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and a security system are in place, offering peace of mind.
Rooms
The hotel offers a variety of room categories designed to cater to different preferences, with many providing exceptional views. Elegant rooms are available with either river views, some featuring their own balcony or terrace overlooking the Chapel Bridge and the Swiss Alps, or Old Town views. Junior suites are particularly noteworthy, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and village, accompanied by a comfortable seating area and modern amenities. All rooms, including the spacious family rooms, are decorated in warm colours, feature parquet flooring, and come equipped with essentials like a minibar, TV with international channels, and en-suite bathrooms. Some suites even offer the indulgence of a spa bath and a private balcony, though it's worth noting that extra beds are not available in all suite categories.
Food and Drink
The culinary offerings at Hotel Des Balances are a significant draw. The hotel's renowned restaurant, Balances, serves imaginative, market-fresh Swiss cuisine alongside classical French dishes. The restaurant, with its beautiful riverside terrace, is the perfect spot for alfresco dining in season, offering splendid views of local sights. The chic on-site restaurant and bar also serves lunch, dinner, and small plates into the evening. For a more casual experience, a bistro and a piano bar are also available. The restaurant itself is noted for its fine Swiss cooking and is complemented by an impressive natural wood wine bar with comfortable, leathery upholstered stools.
Value for Money
For guests who choose to stay a minimum of two nights, the inclusion of a CHF 100 Winter Tell-Pass significantly enhances the value proposition, offering access to local attractions and transport. Coupled with the hotel's prime location, historical significance, and high-quality dining, the Hotel Des Balances presents a compelling offering for those seeking an authentic and refined Lucerne experience.
Accessibility
While specific details on accessibility features are not extensively provided, the hotel offers a 24-hour reception and an elevator, suggesting a degree of consideration for guest mobility. Further inquiry directly with the hotel would be advisable for specific accessibility needs.
Family-Friendly
The hotel provides family rooms that offer views of the river and surrounding mountains, along with amenities such as cable TV and a minibar, making them suitable for families. The historic building, while charming, may present some layout variations, but the overall atmosphere of the Old Town, with its nearby shops and cafes, offers a stimulating environment for exploration.
Choose your room
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Local transport options
Overview of transport connections
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Car park
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Allergy-free rooms
- Lift
- Currency exchange
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Valet parking
- Pet amenities available
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
Spa & Leisure
- Sun terrace
Room features
- Heating
- Mini-bar
- Soundproofed rooms
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Parquet floor
Dining Onsite
Balances
Bistro
Piano Bar
Location
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