> Hotel Des Balances * Reuss River Terrace * 9.1 Score

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Hotel Des Balances Lucerne Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Weinmarkt, Lucerne, Switzerland, 6004

Steps from Old Town

Perfect

9.1

9.6

/10

4.6

Loved by Hotel Des Balances guests

River views
Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Beautiful balcony
Excellent location

"Our room was very large with amazing views of the river with large beautiful windows to enjoy the view and also had a very nice bathroom."

Randi from United States

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"Sitting on the balcony relaxing after site seeing listening to a music concert from a performer across the lake while watching the sun set over the Swiss Alps was magical."

NotreDameNYC from United States

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"We appreciated the water and ice machine on each floor and air conditioning."

Robert from United States

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4-star luxury lakeside hotel in Lucerne

Location

Hotel Des Balances sits along the shores of Lake Lucerne, offering views of the surrounding mountains. It lies within walking distance of the historic Old Town and popular attractions like Chapel Bridge. Guests have easy access to local transportation options, allowing for convenient exploration of Lucerne.

Rooms

The hotel offers 27 well-appointed rooms, each equipped with modern amenities and stylish décor. Many rooms boast stunning views of Lake Lucerne or the cityscape. Select accommodations come with private balconies, enhancing the experience of the picturesque surroundings.

Dining

The on-site restaurant features a diverse menu, focusing on seasonal ingredients and Swiss cuisine. Guests can enjoy meals on the terrace, overlooking the lake. A carefully curated wine list complements the dining experience.

Wellness

The hotel provides a wellness area equipped with a sauna and steam room, catering to relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can indulge in a variety of massages and treatments by trained professionals. Wellness packages are available for an enhanced experience.

Activities

Hotel Des Balances offers a range of activities including boat tours on Lake Lucerne and guided city walking tours. For those interested in outdoor sports, guests can take part in nearby hiking and biking trails. Cultural outings can be arranged upon request.

Highlights

Location: Shores of Lake Lucerne

Rooms: 27 well-appointed rooms

Dining: Seasonal ingredients in the menu

Wellness: Sauna and steam room

Activities: Boat tours on Lake Lucerne

Must-do experiences

Stroll along the Chapel Bridge at sunrise for stunning views.
Taste the famous Luzerner Chügelipastete at a local restaurant.
Discover the hidden treasures at the Rosengart Collection museum.
Visit the vibrant Saturday farmer's market at Weinmarkt.
Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne to see the mountains.

Location: Perfect

9.7/10Review score

See hotel location on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Shine on SocialsPicture perfect!

“The view over the lake and chapel bridge is the best.”

Samantha from Singapore

Explorers, Not TouristsLocal sounds!

“Listening to the evening church bells while dining the Michelin star hotel restaurant is quite an experience.”

Brigette from Australia

Safe HavenSafe exploration

“We felt safe getting lost in this beautiful city.”

Mira

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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Romantic Suite River View Balcony

2 persons

435 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Junior Suite Sofa Bed

2 persons

325 sq. feet

2 Double beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Queen Room

2 persons

205 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Superior Double Room River View

2 persons

270 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Perfect

9.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
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
Armchair
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Dining Onsite

At Hotel Des Balances, dining is an exquisite experience that celebrates French cuisine alongside a range of international flavors. With inviting spaces from a trendy restaurant terrace to a casual bistro and a soothing piano bar, guests are invited to indulge in both classic and contemporary dishes throughout the day.

Hotel Des Balances Lucerne Restaurant photo

Balances

Classical French and International

Ambiance

Modern dining with a terrace overlooking charming surroundings, perfect for enjoying a meal in fresh air.

Key Offerings

Highlights include a fine selection of wines, dishes accommodating various dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Enjoy graceful dining experiences for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside delightful high tea and a festive cocktail hour.

Reservation

Recommended.

Open daily from 07:00 to 22:00.

Bistro

Casual International

Ambiance

A relaxed bistro setting that invites guests to unwind with comfort food and familiar favorites.

Key Offerings

Signature dishes range from hearty classics to lighter bites, all crafted to encourage casual dining at any time of the day.

Reservation

Not needed.

Hours vary; specific times not provided.

Piano Bar

Cocktails and Light Bites

Ambiance

An elegant bar setting featuring live piano music, creating a refined yet inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Key Offerings

Savor crafted cocktails and light snacks while enjoying the soothing sounds of live music.

Reservation

Not needed.

Hours vary; specific times not provided.

Hotel Des Balances Location

Weinmarkt, Lucerne, Switzerland, 6004

Map view

Weinmarkt, Lucerne, Switzerland, 6004

City landmarks

Square

Lion Monument

2800 ft

Event hall

Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre

2300 ft

Museum

Glacier Garden of Lucerne

3600 ft

Museum

Swiss Museum of Transport

1.5 mi

Museum

Bourbaki Panorama

3000 ft

Museum

Alpineum

3300 ft

Church

Church of St. Leodegar

3100 ft

Park

Inseli Park

3700 ft

Landmark

LA Collection'Air Art Park at Chateau Guetsch in Lucerne

2500 ft

Mall

Nationalquai

3100 ft

Landmark

St Mark's Church

3300 ft

Nearby

Bridge

Chapel Bridge

1200 ft

Bahnhofstrasse 11a

Jesuit Church

1000 ft

Bridge

Spreuer Bridge

1100 ft

Church

Franciscan Church

1000 ft

Museum

The Rosengart Collection

1600 ft

LucerneSwitzerland

Lake Lucerne

1900 ft

LucerneSwitzerland

Old Town Lucerne

500 ft

Museum

Natur-Museum Luzern

900 ft

Reusssteg 1

Nadelwehr Luzern

400 ft

Public Building

Town Hall

400 ft

Museum

Modern Art Museum

1800 ft

Museum

Historisches Museum Luzern

800 ft

6004 Lucerne

Museggmauer

1900 ft

Square

Kornmarkt

400 ft

Museggmauer

The Nine Towers

1000 ft

Hertensteinstrasse 30

Matthauskirche

1600 ft

Square

Schwanenplatz

1300 ft

Kapellpl. 1a

Saint Peters Church

1100 ft

Square

Muhlenplatz

400 ft

Restaurants

Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern

400 ft

Kornmarkt 4

Valentino

100 ft

Metzgerrainle 3

Mamma Leone

600 ft

Muehlenplatz 12 6004 Luzern

La Mannagia

300 ft

Weinmarkt 9 Weinmarktplatz

Antipasteria la barca

300 ft

Unter der Egg 6 6004 Lucerne

Explore Lucerne

Chapel Bridge

5 minutes' walk

Chapel Bridge, a historic wooden bridge adorned with paintings, offers picturesque views and a glimpse into Lucerne's history.

Lion Monument

11 minutes' walk

Lion Monument, an emotional tribute to Swiss Guards, features an intricately carved lion and serene surroundings worth visiting.

Bourbaki Panorama

11 minutes' walk

Bourbaki Panorama presents a captivating circular painting that tells the tale of the Franco-Prussian War in a unique setting.

Swiss Museum of Transport

25 minutes' walk

Swiss Museum of Transport showcases Swiss transport history. Interactive exhibits and a planetarium appeal to all ages.

Lake Lucerne Boat Rentals

10 minutes' walk

Boat rentals on Lake Lucerne provide options for leisurely rides or thrilling water activities, catering to various preferences.

Hirschpark Lucerne

8 minutes' walk

Hirschpark offers a serene escape with lush greenery and deer. Perfect for family picnics or peaceful strolls away from the bustle.

Valentino

1 minute' walk

Valentino serves authentic Italian cuisine, known for its cozy ambiance and handmade pasta. Ideal for special occasions.

Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern

2 minutes' walk

Traditional Swiss dishes and local wines are highlighted at Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern, featuring scenic river views.

Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre

9 minutes' walk

The Culture and Congress Centre hosts concerts and exhibitions, offering a vibrant cultural experience in an architecturally stunning venue.

Theater Lucerne

15 minutes' walk

Theater Lucerne features various performances from plays to music, creating an engaging atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

Getting around

City Centre

Lucerne6 min · 1700 ft

Airports

Kloten (ZRH)101 min · 41.6 mi

Belp (BRN)185 min · 76.6 mi

Train

Lucerne Station6 min · 1700 ft

Bus

Bus stop4 min · 1000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 04:00-12:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible at a location nearby at CHF 35 per day.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of CHF 35 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, German, Spanish, Italian

Year renovated:

2008

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Hotel Des Balances boasts a prime location in the heart of Lucerne, with many guests appreciating being within walking distance of the train station, the lake, and various shops and restaurants. The meticulously decorated rooms, some featuring balconies with river views, offer a comfortable stay, with some suites even including a freestanding bathtub under a starlit ceiling. While the design generally appeals, a few guests have noted that some rooms and bathrooms can feel quite small. The hotel also offers dining at the Balances restaurant, with room service options available.

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Review score

Based on 596 verified reviews

9.2/10

Perfect

94%

Recommend

Location

9.7/10

Comfort

9.4/10

Value for money

8.4/10

Breakfast

8.5/10

Pros

Central location

River view

Spacious room

Helpful staff

Quality drinks

Cons

Mediocre cleaning

Noisy lobby

Missing amenities

based on 1720 reviews

4.5/5

theodore from united kingdom

Single

double room city view

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 09, 2026

6/10

mixed feelings at this here hotel

easy locationpoor air conditioningdifficult access

The location were pretty alright. Easy enough to find stuff nearby.

The air conditioning in my room barely worked. It were like a sauna in there. also, getting to the lift was a proper trek, especially when you got bags to lug around. was like i were in a bloomin' maze just trying to get to my room. Not ideal, i say.

0 Helpful

Amelia from United States

Single

Double Room River View

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 13, 2025

6/10

swift resolutioninadequate air conditioningflattened pillows

The staff were helpful, and any issues I raised saw swift resolution.

The air conditioning proved inadequate for a hotel of this rating. I saw other guests complaining about this also. The pillows flattened almost completely, made a comfortable sleep difficult.

0 Helpful

Joseph from Switzerland

Couple

Double Room River View

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 14, 2025

7/10

A Decent Stay , But Some Issues Noted

central locationfresh breakfastattentive staffsmall roomnon-functioning shutterunstable wifi

The location was great , very central. The breakfast offered a lot of options and everything tasted fresh. The staff at reception were attentive. I found everyone friendly and helpful with directions.

The room I was first assigned was quite small , and it felt noisy. The shutter in the room wasn't functioning. The wifi was honestly horrible , very unstable to use.

0 Helpful

Harper from United States

Couple

Junior Suite River View

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 29, 2025

9/10

stocked coffee podsbalcony viewconvenient ice maker

The room featured a balcony, perfect for enjoying the views. I especially adored the Nespresso machine, stocked with coffee pods. The decaffeinated ones were my favorites before bed. The hallway ice maker and water station were very useful. I made frequent trips for refreshments.

The pillows were a bit flat for my taste. I wished they had more support.

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room River View

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 22, 2025

9/10

spacious roomvaried breakfaststocked minibar

My room was spacious. it was a double room river view. the minibar was excellent. It was stocked with many options. the breakfast offered a variety of choices, and everything tasted fresh and delicious!!!

the wifi was not very stable, a slight inconvenience.

0 Helpful