Review of the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern: A Hotel for All Types of Travelers

When we stepped foot on the property after a long day of travel, we were immediately greeted with warm hand towels and tea. The staff also knew our names as they had been tracking our arrival which set the tone for a personable stay.

We were initially captivated by the beauty of the building. The iconic Belle Époque landmark was built in 1906 overlooking Lake Lucerne with distant views of the Swiss Alps. Recently renovated and rebranded in September of 2022, it's hard to capture its grandeur and beauty. The lobby, common areas and two restaurants were immaculate with their high ceilings, modern furniture, and gorgeous views. The main restaurant, where they serve breakfast every morning, was truly the breakfast buffet of my dreams. Most of the food served was sourced from local farmers and bakeries and each had a note next to it explaining the story behind the family business. They also had a DIY tea bar which was quite popular.

The rooms were also very spacious with next-level details, something I think the Mandarin nails at almost every property. In addition to their plush bedding, the bathroom was all marble, with heated floors and the most incredible amenities. They provided dyson hair tools, diptyque bath products, bath salts and robes and slippers that were replaced everyday. The staff would wrap our phone and computer chargers into velcro holders every night when we got back - a small detail I just couldn’t get over. They also took the liberty of placing a Mandarin branded bookmark in my book I was reading by my bedside table. The attention to detail was over the top!

The Gym was also fabulous with Italian perfumes permeating throughout the space and a beautiful Spa next door where we could enjoy the sauna and steam baths, regardless of an appointment.

The location of the hotel itself is also an amenity. Even though the Mandarin is tucked outside of the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s only about a 15-minute walk to the heart of Old Town and the famous Chapel Bridge. The town itself is straight out of a fairytale book. The busy sidewalk cafes along the river and the colorful Gothic buildings with painted artwork on the facades depicting medieval life give us a glimpse of the way life might have been in the Middle Ages.

If you are looking for a more "off the beaten path" European town that has that fairtyale charm with a lot of history and things to do nearby, I highly recommend staying at the Mandarin in Lake Lucerne. It's a short drive from Zurich, located near the famous Mt. Pilatus, and is within driving distance to ski towns like Zermatt and Gstaad if you want to combine the trip with some adventure.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Lucerne. In need of further inspiration? Check out Phoebe Mularoni’s guide, How to Spend the Perfect 7 Days in Switzerland.