"We were lucky we booked a room with a balcony overlooking the river."
NotreDameNYC from United States
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"Asked for a fan and it was there promptly (was a Dyson air blade for brownie points)"
Caleb from United States
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"The property is boutique style with class and great balconies giving you a view of the Lake and the town."
Lorena Herman from United States
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4-star historic hotel on the Reuss river in Old Lucerne
Location
Hotel des Balances sits on the Reuss river in the center of Old Lucerne, inside a building that was originally a Guild Hall. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Lucerne train station and within a 3-minute walk of the Chapel Bridge, the Jesuit Church, and the Weinmarkt square. Guests can buy tickets for local tours and outdoor activities like hiking directly at the tour desk.
Dining
The on-site Restaurant La Balance serves French and Swiss cuisine and has a riverside terrace for seated dining. The hotel also operates a casual bistro and a piano bar, which offers live entertainment on select evenings. Complimentary welcome drinks and snacks are provided to guests upon arrival.
Amenities
Many rooms offer balconies with views of the Chapel Bridge, the Jesuit Church, or the surrounding Alps. The hotel provides allergy-free and soundproof rooms, with 24-hour room service and a 24-hour front desk for guest convenience. A complimentary Winter Tell-Pass is included for guests staying multiple nights, granting access to local public transport and attractions.
Services
Hotel des Balances offers valet parking, an electric vehicle charging station, and a parking garage for guests arriving by car. The hotel can arrange airport pickup and drop-off, as well as a shuttle service for local travel. Business travellers have access to a business centre, meeting and banquet facilities, and photocopying services.
Highlights
Location: On the Reuss river in Old Lucerne, steps from Chapel Bridge
Dining: Restaurant La Balance with French & Swiss cuisine and riverside terrace
Entertainment: Piano bar with live entertainment
Package: Complimentary Winter Tell-Pass for extended stays
Transport: Valet parking and electric vehicle charging
Pet Policy: Pet-friendly with pet bowls
“This hotel's location in Lucerne's Old Town, combined with river views and a commitment to family-friendly hospitality, make it a compelling choice; plus, the trendy bar adds a touch of modern flair that distinguishes it from other local options. The on-site dining, featuring French and Swiss cuisine, enhances the experience. Overall, I consider it a standout for those seeking both history and contemporary comfort.”
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
Choose from a variety of room types
Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Romantic Suite River View Balcony
2 persons
435 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Junior Suite Sofa Bed
2 persons
325 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Queen Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
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Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
Facilities
Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
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
Private parking is possible at a location nearby at CHF 35 per day.
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
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Dining Onsite
At Hotel Des Balances, dining is a delightful journey through modern French, seafood, and international cuisines. The stylish restaurant, inviting bistro, and chic piano bar all offer unique settings and flavors, perfect for any dining occasion throughout the day.
Balances
Classical French cuisine with international influences
Ambiance
Trendy restaurant featuring a terrace, combining modern design with a relaxed outdoor feel
Key Offerings
Signature French dishes complemented by a curated selection of fine wines; ideal for high tea and cocktail hour
Reservation
Recommended for dinner and high tea
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Casual Bistro
European and international comfort food
Ambiance
Laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual dining, with cozy seating and a welcoming vibe
Key Offerings
A selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, ideal for relaxed meals any time of day
Reservation
Not necessary
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Piano Bar
Light bites and cocktails with a cozy lounge feel
Ambiance
Intimate setting featuring live piano music for a relaxing evening
Key Offerings
Craft cocktails and small plates, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration
Reservation
Not required
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Hotel Des Balances Location
Weinmarkt, Lucerne, 6004,
Map view
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
Experience Lucerne
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Chapel Bridge
5 minutes' walk
Iconic wooden bridge adorned with paintings showcasing Lucerne's history; a must-visit for stunning views and local charm.
Lion Monument
11 minutes' walk
Impressive sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards, carved into rock; known for its poignant design and historical significance.
Glacier Garden of Lucerne
13 minutes' walk
Natural history site featuring glacial landscapes and historical exhibits, perfect for families and outdoor lovers alike.
Swiss Museum of Transport
25 minutes walking
Comprehensive museum showcasing Switzerland's transportation history, including interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.
Hiking Pilatus
25 minutes driving
Thrilling outdoor adventure offering breathtaking views; trails range from easy to challenging, with seasonal gondola access.
Relaxing at Hirschpark Lucerne
6 minutes' walk
Serene park ideal for leisurely walks or family picnics, featuring beautiful gardens and scenic lakeside views.
Valentino
1 minute' walk
Authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy setting; known for fresh pasta and an extensive wine list. Reservations recommended.
Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern
2 minutes' walk
Traditional Swiss dishes served in a historic building with a lovely ambiance; popular for fondue and seasonal specialties.
Künstlerhaus Lorettostrasse
15 minutes driving
Vibrant cultural venue offering art exhibitions and live performances; a hub for local artists with various events throughout the year.
Theater Lucerne
9 minutes' walk
Dynamic theater showcasing a mix of plays, musicals, and concerts; a cultural centerpiece with diverse programming suitable for all ages.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Lucerne 6 min · 1700 ft
Airports
Kloten (ZRH) 101 min · 41.6 mi
Belp (BRN) 185 min · 76.6 mi
Train
Lucerne Station 6 min · 1700 ft
Bus
Bus stop 4 min · 1000 ft
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Check Rates
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 the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of CHF 35.0 per person.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Italian
Year renovated:
2008
Number of floors:
5
Number of rooms:
56
Family-focused reviews and ratings
Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.4/10
Facilities
9.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.1/10
Location
9.7/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Pros
River view
Spacious room
Helpful staff
Central location
Quality drinks
Cons
Meager lobby
Dirty dishes
Guest reviews
based on 1720 reviews
4.5/5
based on 1233 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Hotel Des Balances
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Des Balances?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
What dining options are available at Hotel Des Balances?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant, Restaurant La Balance, serving French and Swiss cuisine, as well as a casual bistro and a piano bar.
What nearby attractions can guests visit from Hotel Des Balances?
Guests can easily walk to the Chapel Bridge (0.5 km), Rosengart Collection Lucerne (1 km), and the Lion Monument (1 km).
What amenities are available in the rooms at Hotel Des Balances?
Rooms are equipped with climate control, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a mini fridge bar, and tea and coffee making equipment.
What breakfast options does Hotel Des Balances provide?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 35 CHF.
How far is Hotel Des Balances from the nearest train station?
The hotel is located 0.5 km from Lucerne train station.
Is there internet access at Hotel Des Balances?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What are the available leisure activities at Hotel Des Balances?
Guests can enjoy activities such as hiking and golf courses nearby.
How close is Hotel Des Balances to the airport?
Kloten Airport is approximately 70 km away from the hotel.
Is there a business center at Hotel Des Balances?
The hotel offers a 24-hour business center for guests' convenience.