This is a classic grand hotel from a past era. It's location, on the waterfront and less than ten minutes from the old town, Bahnhofquai and railway station makes it ideal for the city and its south facing aspect enjoys a view and the opportunity to sit out away from the Luzern traffic.
The public rooms are palatial though it is only right to point out that much of the building is given over to residences, offices and independent restaurants so it is clear it is not quite as opulent as it was in its heyday. Nevertheless, it survives with some of that feeling of splendour. It also manages, perhaps uniquely for Luzern a small indoor pool and the maze-like walk to it reveals some of the hidden staircases and vaulted ceiings. However, one doesn't often visit a city-centre hotel to marvel at its architecture!
The staff are, without exception, quite wonderful. Helpful, attentive, courteous effecient and nothing was ever too much trouble. Of course their English was perfect, as if it would not have been, the Swiss have been doing the hospitality thing for a century or longer! The breakfast staff, in particular brightened every day of our stay.
Breakfast (included in our tariff) was great, food quality perfect and plenty of choice. Perhaps the service was relaxed but this must be deliberate as when we mentioned we had an early train to catch things happened almost instantaneously.
We enjoyed mixed weather during our stay so we ate both inside and out. The hotel boasts al fresco dining at the Brasserie Juliette but moves inside when it rains. This seemed to dent the efficiency when there was an unexpected change in weather. The Juliette also doubles as the hotel's bar and on two occasions we as guests were pushed aside by corporate functions. A shame, when there are other rooms available for those sort of events. Otherwise the food and service were impeccable.
It is an old hotel and though it has been continuously updated, some things seem not quite up to the mark. Every high end (and many mid/low end - Holiday Inn Express, Ibis, Novotel etc.) hotels boasts an abundance of electrical outlets (European standard) and the essential USB socket by the bed. Disappointingly, we found the few sockets filled with adaptors and the USB charging station hidden inside a desk 2m away from one side of the bed. OK, we weren't there on business but everyone needs to charge their 'phone/iPad etc. overnight. The wi-fi worked but it seemed some streaming sites had been blocked.
The TV seemed to have lots of channels but again half seemed unavailable. Really bizarre but whilst we could watch BBC2, CBBC but other BBC channels and indeed the fallback of CNN were not available. I understand the licencing issues but I have watched BBC World in Mumbai and Louisville as well as BBC1 throughout Benelux.
On the matter of past glories I alluded to the independent restaurants which occupy the building. Jialu, Chinese Restauant is excellent and Franz, Austrian, which was never full and at times seemed deserted was very good with abundant portions.
Altogther though a wonderful stay with only minor niggles.
