When it comes to Lucerne in central Switzerland, what immediately comes to people’s minds is the Alps reflected by the lake, the tranquility and exquisiteness of the Capel Bridge, or the vastness of the lake area overlooked from the top of Mount Pilatus. This city with both cultural charm and natural scenery attracts tourists from all over the world.
Lucerne have many cost-effective hotels with excellent scenery, comfortable and warm, and excellent geographical location, which are not only suitable for couples and small families, but also for solo backpackers or friends traveling together.
1. Hotel des Alpes: A classic old-brand affordable hotel next to the Capel Bridge
Hotel history and overview
Hotel des Alpes is one of the most representative mid-priced hotels in the old town of Lucerne, with a history dating back to the late 19th century. The entire building retains the classical Swiss style facade, and the interior has been renovated many times. It has both retro wooden structures and modern facilities. It is a typical “old hotel with a new soul”.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located next to the Kapell Bridge, close to the Reuss River, and less than 5 minutes walk to Lucerne Railway Station. Outside the hotel is the lakeside trail and the core area of the old town. The transportation is extremely convenient and suitable for walking around the city.
Cost
During the peak season, the lake view room is about 160 to 220 Swiss francs per night, and the non-lake view room is as low as 120 Swiss francs. It varies depending on the season and the degree of advance booking. Compared with the price of five or six hundred in the neighboring five-star hotel, it is a “treasure choice”.
Surrounding attractions
The Kapell Bridge is in front of the door, and it is a 5-minute walk to the Lucerne Cultural and Convention Center (KKL), the Jesuit Church, the Spruyère Square and the old town commercial street. It takes about 15 minutes to walk along the lake to the Picasso Art Museum and the lakeside park.
Recommended booking platform
It is recommended to use Booking.com for booking, and you can choose different price combinations with or without breakfast. There are also many room combinations on Expedia and Agoda, and sometimes you can grab a cost-effective package with “30-day advance discount” or “free cancellation”.
Suitable for people
Suitable for first-time travelers to Lucerne, tourists seeking landmark locations, short-term stays, and backpackers who like the old town style. It is especially romantic for couples to stay in a view room.
2. Hotel Central Luzern: A simple and comfortable affordable choice near the train station
Hotel history and overview
Hotel Central Luzern is a modern-style economy hotel. The building was originally converted from an early office building. Although it does not have a historical background, it has become a very popular representative of affordable accommodation in recent years with its excellent location, reasonable price and friendly service.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is only a 3-minute walk from the Lucerne train station, close to the lake and the old town. Downstairs is a supermarket, cafe and tram station, with convenient transportation, which is a typical choice of “convenient everywhere”.
Cost
The standard room costs about 120 to 150 Swiss francs per night, and some high floors offer views of the lake. Breakfast is included in the room rate, which is very cost-effective, especially for tourists with a tight budget.
Nearby attractions
A 5-minute walk to the shore of Lake Lucerne and the pier, and a 10-minute walk to the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the Cultural Exhibition Center. There are also many popular cafes and restaurants nearby, such as Mill’Feuille and Heini.
Recommended booking platform
It is recommended to book through Hotels.com or Klook, sometimes with a package including local public transportation tickets. Trip.com also offers limited-time discounts, which is suitable for booking in advance to lock in discounts.
Suitable for people
Suitable for solo travelers, business short-term stays, young couples and city wanderers who want to control their budget.
3. Seehotel Sternen Horw: A hidden pearl on the quiet lakeshore
Hotel history and overview
This lakeside hotel is located in the small town of Horw, south of the center of Lucerne. It is a century-old family-run hotel. Originally a lakeside inn, it was gradually expanded into a modern resort hotel, focusing on tranquility and natural scenery.
Location and transportation conditions
It is about 15 minutes’ drive from Lucerne Railway Station. You can take the S4 or S5 regional train to Horw Station, and then walk for 10 minutes to the hotel entrance. Located by the lake, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is suitable for travelers who like a quiet environment.
Cost
A standard room with lake view is about 140 to 180 Swiss francs per night, and some room types are equipped with balconies and lounge chairs. Compared with the lake view rooms in Lucerne city, the price here is much more affordable, but the service is not discounted.
Surrounding attractions
The hotel is located on the south shore of Lake Lucerne, within walking distance of a small private pier, Horw Forest Park and local swimming areas. It takes 20 minutes to drive to Mount Pilatus, or take a cruise back to Lucerne city.
Recommended booking platform
It is recommended to use SwissHotels or Expedia for booking. Some platforms also offer “stay three get one free” or local cruise ticket combination discounts. On Booking.com, you can choose whether to include breakfast and lake view.
Suitable for people
Suitable for families, long-term travelers, photographers and tourists who want to avoid the crowds in the city. It is also very suitable for couples to vacation here, especially in the summer when the sunset view by the lake is charming.
4. Backpackers Lucerne: The cost-effective dark horse among the youth hostels facing the lake
Hotel history and overview
Although the name is “hostel”, Backpackers Lucerne not only welcomes backpackers, but also small families and couples. The hostel was established in 2000 and focuses on lake views, social spaces and environmentally friendly accommodation concepts, and is deeply loved by young European tourists.
Location and transportation conditions
The hostel is located on the southeast corner of the Musegg Wall on the shore of Lake Lucerne. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the train station. There is a tram nearby to the city center. It is very convenient to ride or walk along the lake.
Costs
The price of a bed room is as low as 40 to 60 Swiss francs per night, and a double room with lake view is about 100 to 130 Swiss francs per night. It is equipped with a public kitchen and a lounge, which is suitable for those with a tight budget or self-catering travelers.
Nearby attractions
It is only a 2-minute walk from the Lucerne Lake, the swimming platform and the boat dock, and a 15-minute walk to the Lion Monument and the old town. There are boat rental points and outdoor sports centers nearby.
Recommended booking platforms
It is recommended to book through Hostelworld or Booking.com. Expedia also has some room information, which is suitable for checking multi-platform price comparisons.
Suitable for people
Suitable for travelers with limited budgets, young backpackers, small group self-guided tours, and long-distance European tours.
5. Hotel Drei Könige: Modern little happiness in retro buildings
Hotel history and overview
This hotel was built in 1909 and is a Renaissance-style building in the southwest corner of Lucerne’s old town. Although not in the first row facing the lake, some high-rise rooms can still see the lake and mountains. The interior is dominated by simple white and mahogany tones, and classical elements are retained everywhere. It is a typical “old house with new use” in Lucerne.
Location and transportation conditions
It is only a 10-minute walk from Lucerne Railway Station, close to the old town and the city hall. The surrounding area is residential and local market areas, with a strong atmosphere of life. It only takes 5 minutes to walk to the lake.
Cost
A standard room is about 100 to 130 Swiss francs per night, depending on whether breakfast is included. If booked in advance, it can be as low as 90 Swiss francs during some periods.
Nearby attractions
Close to Lucerne Market Square, Rose Theater and Spruyère Square. There are many restaurants and local cafes, suitable for in-depth exploration of city life.
Recommended booking platform
It is recommended to book through HRS (a common hotel booking platform in Germany) to get price advantages, or use Agoda to find early bird specials. Booking.com has the most complete room selection.
Suitable for people
Suitable for young artists, photography enthusiasts, short-term stays during long-distance trips, and tourists who want to deeply experience local culture.
Traveling in Lucerne, staying “near the lake” does not necessarily mean spending a lot of money. As long as you plan in advance and choose the right platform, you can find a very cost-effective accommodation option without sacrificing the landscape experience. Whether you like the old town culture, landscapes, or love the tranquility of nature, there is always a “friendly and livable” lakeside hotel waiting for you in Lucerne.
Don’t forget that in Switzerland, every morning when you wake up and open the window to see the lake and mountains, it is the most romantic reward of the trip.