I am building an itinerary which includes a train stop in Lucerne next August 16, 17 and 18. I am looking at these three hotels to stay at: Hotel des Alpes, Cascada Boutique and the Ameron Luzon Hotel Flora. I see the following tradeoffs: Hotel des Alpes - a little less expensive, best view potentially from room but could be noisy and possible AC issues if hot. Cascada Boutique and the Ameron Luzon Hotel Flora are a little more expensive, closer to station but not the view. Cascada Boutique is said to have the best breakfast. We plan to be very busy with mountain, cruise and around town tours rather than spend time in the hotel. I lean a little towards the Cascada with breakfast and our on-the-go plan. Does anyone see it differently?
Posted by
1984 posts
Hotel des Alpes for the win. And an amazing view! I’m not understanding why you think it could be potentially noisy. We were there early September during a heat wave. The room had a nice fan and a very nice window to open in the evening for fresh air.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10674 posts
I have sweltered at Hotel des Alpes in the heat before. The fan wasn’t that effective. The conflicting stories on comfort probably have a lot to do with individual heat tolerance. So, ask yourself, “Is a hot room something that bothers me, or will it only be a mild annoyance.” Think about how you react.
Posted by
Freedonia
19597 posts
I have twice stayed at the Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora. Nice hotel, nice breakfast, great location.
I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.
Posted by
Connecticut
818 posts
I stayed at Hotel des Alpes twice - 2018 and 2025. Both times the experiences were excellent. The location was perfect for my adventures. The rooms were clean and functional with amazing and serene views.
Posted by
Chicago
4608 posts
I stayed at the Hotel des Alpes just last weekend, and I would think twice about booking a balcony room there again without confirming the balcony layout.
In 2004, I had a lovely private balcony and enjoyed it very much. This time, I was on a lower floor, and the balcony did not feel private. It was a continuous ledge, with neighboring rooms separated only by short partition walls that someone could easily step over. My neighbors had several people out on their balcony, and I didn’t feel comfortable leaving my balcony door or even my curtains open. That took away some of the enjoyment for me. Just be aware that not all the balconies are the same.
Keeping the curtains closed during the day helps keep the room from getting too warm. But Carol is right that everyone has a different tolerance for heat. My sister runs very hot and would not be comfortable at the Hotel des Alpes during the warmer months.
Given your plans to spend most of your time out exploring, your reasoning for leaning toward the Cascada makes sense to me.
Good luck deciding!
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
1094 posts
LOVED Hotel Des Alpes…..make certain you ask for a balcony on a higher floor……we so enjoyed ours looking out over the river. WE did not have issues with the noise or AC.
Posted by
91 posts
We just stayed at Des Alpes September 30 through October 2. Wednesday it was 80 degrees! Our top floor room was so hot even with the Dyson fan. We expected 60 degree weather so we did not like not having air conditioning. Even my husband who is usually cold all the time was very uncomfortable. The hotel is lovely and the restaurant is very good, but I would not have stayed there if I had know it was going to be so hot during our stay. It felt very humid in Luzern next to the lake and river.
Posted by
Oregon
408 posts
Me? Hard pass I’d never stay in a hotel that can be noisy or hot- let alone both.
You? only you know if heat esp while traveling bothers you, if you’re a light sleeper, or if such things would ruin an otherwise lovely trip.
I found out the hard way saving $ just one time many years ago at a beautiful historical hotel- and I won’t that a chance on that when the intel is solid (about there being those issues) again.
Posted by
Indiana
1300 posts
Our trip to Switzerland was in early September, with temperatures in the high 80's. Our original reservation was at Cascada Boutique, however I changed it to Hotel Beau Sejour, because at the time it was considerably less expensive. That was a great choice for us, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. I was so thankful for A/C and could not imagine staying anywhere in that heat without it. We had a lovely walk along the lake to the Old Town, and a complimentary bus pass was provided in case we chose not to make that walk.