Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern

In September 2022, the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern opened in the city’s iconic Belle Époque palace, offering a palatial blend of traditional and modern Swiss accommodations and dining in an unrivaled lakeside setting just minutes from Old Town.

• The views over Lake Lucerne, best enjoyed on lazy mornings from the balcony of your room as the sun rises over the mountains to shine on Mt. Pilatus
• Minamo (opening 2023), the exclusive six-seat Japanese speakeasy tucked discretely between the elegant Salon Alpine and the MOzern Bar—the whimsical Japanese brush paintings and sleek wood tones make it easy to believe you’ve stepped into another country altogether.
• The Panoramic Rooftop Terrace Suite, with a spacious private terrace enveloped in lake and Alpine vistas and offering a closeup of some of the hotel’s most beautiful architectural features

For over a century, the Belle Époque palace has commanded a prime location overlooking the glistening Lake Lucerne and dramatic peaks of Mt. Pilatus. Today, following a three-year multi-million-dollar renovation, this iconic palace has transformed into the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern, which officially opened in late September 2022.

As the only five-star property directly in Lucerne, the new Mandarin Oriental is unrivaled when it comes to location, perched on the edge of the Lake Lucerne Promenade and only a picturesque five-minute walk from the city’s historic cobblestoned center—and a 10-minute walk from the storied Chapel Bridge. Unsurprisingly, this location was top of mind for the architects and designers, and both city and hotel guests can take full advantage of the views not only from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the two main restaurants, but also from the sun-drenched veranda spanning the base of the property, where guests can take tea and soak in the setting.

No detail was overlooked in the interior design, just as great care was taken to preserve the bones and iconic features of the original palace—the rose-colored columns in MOzern Bar & Brasserie are original, as are checkerboard marble floors and stucco wall—and, of course, the façade. A grand staircase adorns the original entrance, which is covered in a rather royal-looking red carpet, but despite the grand ceilings and fanciful architecture, the emphasis was clearly put on warmer tones, with the aim of making the palace feel as much like a home as a landmark, albeit an extravagant one.

This homey air is most strongly felt in the rooms, where the furniture is more modern and the color palette is composed predominantly of softer tones—pale blue-grays, warm woods, seafoam greens and muted corals, with the occasional wine or navy accent. On the lakeside of the palace, this palette seems designed to reflect the light and scenery of the lake. The 136 rooms are all equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including Bose Speakers and a wall panel for controlling the temperature, light settings, TV and music. Classic marble bathrooms include a spacious walk-in shower and Diptyque and Dyson amenities—higher room categories will have a bathtub as well. All rooms have an expansive desk, and most have a balcony with a small table and chairs ideal for enjoying a cup of coffee or tea from the Nespresso machine or tea kettle or one of the complimentary juices while taking in the views. (We highly recommend booking lake view rooms). The Presidential Suite is an elegant ode to the lake with a kaleidoscope of blue tones, bespoke murals and chandeliers and light fixtures that evoke the sensuous waves of the water sparkling out every window. Those hoping to bask in the scenery of Lucerne may prefer the Panoramic Rooftop Terrace Suite—although the suite itself may feel darker and less grand, the expansive terrace offers unrivaled 360 degree views of the lake, city and mountains and is an ideal spot for relaxing with your travel companions in warmer weather.

There are four dining options on-property. MOzern Bar and Brasserie offers international cuisine and all-day dining and has a circular bar crowned by an exquisite golden light fixture—this is where the breakfast buffet is served each morning. Quai 10 is the al fresco Mediterranean dining on the sunny outdoor patio, which is framed by greenery and overlooks the Lake Luzerne promenade. Come 2023, guests will also be able to dine in the French Colonade, a spacious and romantic restaurant decked out in white and wood with a glass wall of wine as well as at Minamo, the hotel’s exclusive Japanese speakeasy, which will seat only six at the sleek bar (these six will have a front-row seat to the preparation of expertly crafted seasonal dishes paired with Japanese whiskies and sake.

There is also a small fitness center and SPA Bellefontaine, with a sauna and steam bath and a menu of signature offerings.

Stylish travelers—couples and groups of friends especially—seeking chic, palatial accommodations or anyone desiring a prime location with easy access to Old Town Lucerne.