Pros

  • Contemporary hotel set in turn-of-the-century building
  • Two blocks from Lucerne's train station and walking distance to Old Town
  • Smart, modern rooms have Nespresso machines and iPod docks
  • Atmospheric Mexican restaurant on-site
  • Hip cocktail and margarita bar
  • Bright fitness center
  • Attractive lounge with free coffee and tea
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
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Cons

  • Rooms and bathrooms are small
  • No pool or spa facilities
  • Some rooms prone to noise from bar
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Bottom Line

The 86-room Renaissance Lucerne Hotel is an upscale chain property set in an elegant corner building dating from 1901 -- though it was fully renovated in 2011. Its city-center setting is across the river from charming Old Town, under a 10-minute walk away. Rooms are small but have smart, contemporary styling and amenities that include Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, and comfy bedding. A lively Mexican restaurant is a fun addition, but not ideal for those wanting peace and quiet. This property also offers a bright fitness center and a polished lounge with a living room feel. All in all, it offers good value in a pricey city -- though it's worth comparing rates with the luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet

Oyster Hotel Review

Renaissance Lucerne Hotel

Scene

Stylish, upscale chain hotel behind an understated, elegant facade

The four-pearl Renaissance Lucerne Hotel occupies a corner where two rows of similarly understated, yet elegant buildings meet. Stepping inside the turn-of-the-century building, there's a small and chic reception area with a mixture of traditional and contemporary seating, modern lighting, and polished red marble floors. Also on the ground level is a Mexican restaurant bathed in atmospheric red light, with plush furniture and Latin American-themed murals and photographs. A brighter, airy lounge with tables and couches is on the floor above, and it has free coffee and tea during the day. Clientele comprises mostly vacationing couples, plus some families and a few business travelers.

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Location

Overlooking a main road in central Lucerne that's two blocks from the train station

This hotel is set overlooking a (not particularly busy) main road in a largely residential area in the center of Lucerne. While not in Old Town, the landmark 14th-century Chapel Bridge is a three-minute walk away and spans the river to this charming part of the city; it's under a 10-minute walk to reach the historic Old Town via the bridge. Pretty much all the tourist attractions are within easy walking distance, including the banks of the scenic Lake Lucerne about seven minutes away. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars in the surrounding area, and the hotel is particularly well-located for access to the main train station just two blocks away. The nearest international airport is Zurich Airport, a 45-minute drive away without traffic.

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Rooms

Small but stylish rooms have iPod docks and Nespresso machines

The hotel's 86 rooms, all of which were renovated in 2011, are smartly decorated with contemporary furnishings, comfy white bedding, original moldings, and neutral tones, as well as mural reproductions of 19th-century etchings. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, while refreshments come in the form of Nespresso machines, electric kettles, and minibars. Small but sleek bathrooms are well-maintained, with walk-in rainfall showers, heated towel rails, and mist-free mirrors, plus a range of toiletries and hairdryers. Rooms are generally on the small side, especially the standard level. Past guests have reported that noise from the neighboring bar can be an issue.

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Features

Latin American-themed restaurant, trendy cocktail bar, bright fitness center, contemporary lounge, and free Wi-Fi

The Latin-American themed Pacifico restaurant and bar offers a full American-style buffet breakfast, though it's not included in the rate. The trendy restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, serving a range of mostly Mexican and Cajun dishes; the space can get busy and noisy though. The adjacent Blue Bar & Smoker's Lounge serves cocktails and margaritas. A small fitness room has a few machines and free weights, but there are no pool or spa facilities. A contemporary lounge has ample seating, as well as free coffee and tea during the day. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Renaissance Lucerne Hotel

Scene

Stylish, upscale chain hotel behind an understated, elegant facade

The four-pearl Renaissance Lucerne Hotel occupies a corner where two rows of similarly understated, yet elegant buildings meet. Stepping inside the turn-of-the-century building, there's a small and chic reception area with a mixture of traditional and contemporary seating, modern lighting, and polished red marble floors. Also on the ground level is a Mexican restaurant bathed in atmospheric red light, with plush furniture and Latin American-themed murals and photographs. A brighter, airy lounge with tables and couches is on the floor above, and it has free coffee and tea during the day. Clientele comprises mostly vacationing couples, plus some families and a few business travelers.

See More Scene

Location

Overlooking a main road in central Lucerne that's two blocks from the train station

This hotel is set overlooking a (not particularly busy) main road in a largely residential area in the center of Lucerne. While not in Old Town, the landmark 14th-century Chapel Bridge is a three-minute walk away and spans the river to this charming part of the city; it's under a 10-minute walk to reach the historic Old Town via the bridge. Pretty much all the tourist attractions are within easy walking distance, including the banks of the scenic Lake Lucerne about seven minutes away. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars in the surrounding area, and the hotel is particularly well-located for access to the main train station just two blocks away. The nearest international airport is Zurich Airport, a 45-minute drive away without traffic.

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Rooms

Small but stylish rooms have iPod docks and Nespresso machines

The hotel's 86 rooms, all of which were renovated in 2011, are smartly decorated with contemporary furnishings, comfy white bedding, original moldings, and neutral tones, as well as mural reproductions of 19th-century etchings. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, while refreshments come in the form of Nespresso machines, electric kettles, and minibars. Small but sleek bathrooms are well-maintained, with walk-in rainfall showers, heated towel rails, and mist-free mirrors, plus a range of toiletries and hairdryers. Rooms are generally on the small side, especially the standard level. Past guests have reported that noise from the neighboring bar can be an issue.

See More Rooms

Features

Latin American-themed restaurant, trendy cocktail bar, bright fitness center, contemporary lounge, and free Wi-Fi

The Latin-American themed Pacifico restaurant and bar offers a full American-style buffet breakfast, though it's not included in the rate. The trendy restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, serving a range of mostly Mexican and Cajun dishes; the space can get busy and noisy though. The adjacent Blue Bar & Smoker's Lounge serves cocktails and margaritas. A small fitness room has a few machines and free weights, but there are no pool or spa facilities. A contemporary lounge has ample seating, as well as free coffee and tea during the day. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.