Lucerne, Switzerland
Art Deco Hotel Montana
Hillside jazz palace
Hillside jazz palace
This 1910 hillside palace doubles as a live jazz venue, hosting weekly jam sessions high above the waters of Lake Lucerne.
“The grand Art Deco Hotel Montana Luzern recalls the heyday of luxury travel at the beginning of the 20th century.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Geometric carpets, restored boiserie, and contemporary Apparatus chandeliers across the ground floor.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Inside, though, the hotel looks even sharper, its newly renovated spaces bearing the sheen of newness and the crisp lines of the Art Deco design.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Haldenstrasse promenade runs right below the hotel, leading along the lake toward the Old Town and paddle steamer docks.
The rooms
Rooms have parquet floors and bold Art Deco patterns, and most open onto balconies looking out across Lake Lucerne.
The spa
Louis Bar
A resident pianist plays beside the curved counter, which stocks more than 500 whiskies beneath crystal chandeliers.
the Art Deco Hotel Montana has a glassed-in conservatory-style dining room with sweeping views of the Alps, and a cocktail bar named for Louis Armstrong
Scala Restaurant
Dining tables line tall windows facing Lake Lucerne, with menus focused on southern European cooking beneath classical wall reliefs.
At the table
A seasonal beach club spreads white sand across the rooftop. Downstairs, KitchenClub hosts interactive dinners around an open kitchen.
How it began
The hotel replaced a local dairy shop in 1910 and has belonged to Switzerland's national hospitality union since 1944.
Lucerne
More like this
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
“Belle Époque lakeside palace”
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
“Five-generation lakeside landmark”
Waldhotel by Bürgenstock
“Alpine wellness flagship”
Hotel Villa Honegg
“Alpine cliffside hideaway”
Hotel Vitznauerhof
“Lakeside Art Nouveau villa”
The Hotel Lucerne, Autograph Collection
“Cinematic townhouse”
Sonne Seehotel
“Playful lakeside inn”
Cascada Boutique Hotel
“Alpine waterfall townhouse”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.