Belle Époque lakeside palace
Guests gather beneath restored Belle Époque mouldings and coral scagliola pillars as vintage steamers glide past on Lake Lucerne.
“Its 136 rooms and suites all come with views of Lake Lucerne and the towering shards of Mount Pilatus, and feature parqueted Swiss oak floors and ivory-white panelled walls.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Concierges coordinate private lake outings, while suites are stocked with Diptyque amenities.
Remarkable
Restored checkerboard marble floors meet coral scagliola pillars beneath high Belle Époque ceilings.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Rest of Europe
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Tatler.
Unusually for the Mandarin Oriental brand, this lakeside stunner is an authentic Belle Époque landmark, renovated and restored to its 1906 glory.
“Faced with the daunting task of bringing the former Palace Luzern into the 21st century — without losing any of its historic charm — Swiss architectural firm Iwan Bühler Architekten and London interior designer Jestico + Whiles delivered on the tall order.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Positioned directly along Haldenstrasse on the lake promenade, the hotel sits a ten-minute walk from Lucerne's medieval bridges and Old Town.
The rooms
Swiss oak parquet and subtle neutral panelling frame private balconies overlooking the alpine waters of Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus.
The spa
Wood-panelled treatment suites deliver anti-aging therapies developed by Swiss skincare house Bellefontaine.
The thermal suite
The unisex thermal area holds a Finnish sauna, steam bath, experience showers, and heated marble loungers.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Dining spans an eight-seat omakase counter at Minamo and French tasting menus at two-Michelin-starred Colonnade.
How it began
Swiss hospitality pioneer Franz Josef Bucher opened the property in 1906, realizing his vision of a Mediterranean retreat on Lake Lucerne.
Good to know
Stay here
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
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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.