Located in the enchanted city of Lucerne in Switzerland, the Hotel des Balances is a four-star Boutique hotel, that could easily be a five!
Being a part of the old town, the sensation is of being in another era, initially medieval but quickly we can identify very bohemian and cosmopolite features, being its restaurant one of the most trendy and elegant in Lucerne, with a terrace and bar with privileged views over the river.
The roots of the hotel, or at least of the region, date back to the XIII century, perfectly located between the fish and wine markets, an area always considered noble, with its view over the lake, the best look over the city.
But, the life of Hotel des Balances starts in 1837 and evolves as one of the most emblematic hotels in the city, by the hands of Jean Haecky and Fritz Rindlisbacher.
First Impression
We started our visit to Switzerland in the small city of Lucerne and went straight to the hotel. I knew it was near the river Reuss, and the views supposed to be amazing, but I never thought our stay could be as incredible as it turned out to be!
As soon as I saw the hotel from a distance I realized the beautiful balconies overlooked the river, and the Jesuit church on the other bank, also to the left was the KapellBrücke and to the right SpreurerBrücke, some of the city ex-libris!
The picturesque balconies, the refined and elegant aspect, and the connection to the river reminded me some of Venice’s palaces.
As we got close to the hotel the bustle of its restaurant was already noticeable.
The emblematic facade of the Hotel
Going around to the entrance, we have one of the most beautiful facades in the city. It demonstrates the style of the famous Swiss artist Hans Holbein, and surely no one is indifferent to it.
We entered and were welcomed efficiently and with sincere smiles.
The reception reminds us of the 20’s and the Belle Époque, and the room was decorated for Christmas, very simple and elegant. A very cozy environment, I must say. A Boutique Hotel, with all the comfort and coziness I love.
Our check-in was quick and we were offered a cocktail voucher to the bar, and a free pass to the public transports, easing our trip around the city.
Bedrooms
They are 56, of several types, Single Room, Double Room, Junior Suite, Suites, and Romantic Suite (specially designed for a perfect honeymoon!).
We stayed in a Junior Suite, constituted by a very comfy living room, a bathroom with a wonderful kit of L’occitane products, and an elegant bedroom. The sober and neutral colors plus the golden details, give the right amount of comfort versus simplicity to the area.
But the true highlight of this bedroom was the balcony and the amazing view from it. The river Reuss became our confident and the Swiss Alps covered in snow our most perfect horizon.
At our disposal at the bedroom were coffee and tea, and to spoil us a little, the Hotel des Balances decided to show the Swiss hospitality is the most complete of all – offering us a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, fruit, and chocolates. And what a beautiful moment we had on our balcony. A moment to remember, for sure!
The only negative was the poor soundproofing of the bedroom, otherwise, it would’ve been just the perfect stay!
Restaurants
Inside the space of the hotel, there is the Restaurant Balances (awarded with 14 points in the guide Gault-Millaut), the Bar Lounge and the Terrace. Considered one of the best spaces in the city, probably one of the trendiest, with a cosmopolitan environment with a bohemian touch and of a constant party, with all the relaxation needed for us to feel good.
An extremely elegant place, similar to the rest of the hotel, with a breathtaking terrace, where friends from around Lucerne meet daily.
We enjoyed a very tasty dinner, with a constant in-n-out of tourists and locals around us.
From the dinner, highlight to a contrasting beetroot, salmon, and spicy radish dumpling, with a good contrast of earth/sea flavors, and freshness.
Beetroot dumpling
Seabass, parsley emulsion, pumpkin risotto with cranberries and bacon
There was also time for a flawless seabass, a great selection of refined cheeses and an excellent dessert of Chocolate with yuzu and hazelnut.
Chocolate, Yuzu and hazelnut
After the dinner we went to the bar, accompanied by some Portuguese friends in a joyful coincidence, where we had the chance to see an amazing moment like a Piano Batlle! A usual moment in the nights of the bar.
At the bar and Lounge is also possible to enjoy a meal and wine.
Regarding the breakfast, you can have it at the restaurant, similarly to the other meals of the day, but we opted to have ours in the room next to the reception. A more intimate environment, with a Christmas-y decoration, and a range of fruit juices forming a true color palette. An excellent breakfast!
Services
Besides the usual services, like room service, wi-fi, laundry service and concierge, the Hotel des Balances also has other services to its guests.
You can also say the location is probably one of the best in town, making our life easier.
Concerning business trips, the hotel has three rooms for either conferences, events or celebrations, and two of them can even be joined to form a bigger one.
If you like your stay to be personalized, just talk to the concierge and the plan will be prepared to your taste, from visiting museums, a shopping day, go to a show or take a boat trip to other towns around Lucern.
Service
The Swiss hospitality turns any stay in a moment of perfect harmony, and that is noticeable at Hotel des Balances.
The team is young, nice and caring about details. The environment is elegant but relaxed, and being a relatively small hotel, you still get that feeling of being at home.
I felt so welcomed and spoiled (and I just don’t say that because of the Veuve Clicquot!!!).
Hotel des Balances is one of those cases where we see sometimes some of the four-star hotels are better than the five ones!
Located in one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in Switzerland, it makes us feel special.
A magical place, full of history, but at the same time trendy and cosmopolitan.
A place where you leave already wanting to come back!
Hotel Des Balances
Bedrooms from 150€
Weinmarkt, CH-6004 – Lucerne
+41 414 182 828
info@balances.ch
Photos: Flavors & Senses
