Hotel des Balances
La Dolce Vita on the Reuss
In this article, dear readers, you will learn more about one of the best hotels in Lucerne.
There are many good reasons for a trip to the adventure region of Lucerne: the world-famous Kapellbrücke with the Water Tower, the multifaceted museums, the Court, Jesuit and Franciscan Churches, the Lion Monument, the Musegg Wall, the Culture and Convention Center Lucerne (KKL), the Casino or a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, to name just a few hotspots.
One of the main reasons, however, should be the four-star superior hotel in the picturesque old town directly on the Reuss River. The “Hotel-des Balances”, a Lucerne hotel institution, is the ideal starting point for shopping and sightseeing. The neat and attractive stores, the traditional and delicious confectioneries are spread around the hotel in picturesque alleys and only a few steps away is the world-famous medieval wooden bridge. This venerable, historic hotel, dating back to the 12th century (1199), truly captivates with its location right in the heart of the authentic district and meets all the important requirements for an elegant and historic second home in Lucerne. It is a magnificent and carefully restored gem with unique facade painting facing the Weinmarkt, which lives the successful balance of historical flair and the most modern design and knows exactly how to combine nostalgia and modernity paired with style and elegance into a harmonious whole.
Dolce Vita against the breathtaking backdrop of the Reuss, a river flowing into Lake Lucerne; the exclusive old town; the Kapellbrücke, the city’s landmark – these are the paradisiacal surroundings of the “Hotel des Balances”.
ARRIVAL and CHECK-IN:
Under a blue sky and full of anticipation, I get out of the car. Beautiful, the entrance area, the time-honored staircase with portraits from the 18th and 19th century, the stucco as well as the old paintings and mirrors.
We are immediately greeted by the host personally and after a professional and cordial check-in, we are accompanied to the booked romantic suite on first floor (103). I am overwhelmed by the grandiose terrace as well as the free-standing bathtub with a majestic view of the Reuss River and the Alpine panorama.
You, dear reader, will feel like being in a fairy tale, too when you spend the night there. Did you know that at the turn of the century, princesses and queens met there for tea in the Art Nouveau salons?
The “Hotel des Balances” in Lucerne embodies, lives and celebrates the epitome of cordiality and hospitality. The dedicated and always smiling thoroughbred hotelier Peter E. Büsser has successfully managed the “des Balances” since 1988. He counts many regular guests among his friends and he knows which employee to hire. “I have to feel that a person loves his job and that he likes the guests,” says the director.
ROOMS AND SUITES
The 56 stylishly and comfortably furnished, spacious rooms and suites were all completely renovated in 2008. They feature high-speed WLAN, one or even two large flat-screen TVs, a safe, a minibar with fine glasses and high-quality cups, an espresso machine, an iPod station, an umbrella, bathrobes, a wooden shoehorn, a power adapter for international guests, a well-designed lighting concept and air conditioning. Many of them additionally score with a balcony overlooking the river, the mountains or with a view of the old town. No matter where your gaze wanders, you will be enchanted. Furthermore, not only in the rooms and suites, but in the entire hotel value is placed on the environment: the entire building technology is up to date in terms of energy technology, because heating, cooling and hot water are heated exclusively with water from the Reuss River.
I recommend accommodation with a balcony and a panoramic view of the Reuss. It doesn’t have to be the royal class of living, the romantic suite, but it can be. The romantic suite is a dream room with a fairytale view. Unfortunately, all the three suites with separate living room and bedroom were occupied during our stay, otherwise I would have loved to show you pictures. A reason to come again and book a little longer in advance! You will find more pictures from the romantic suite in the slideshow below.
The four junior suites are also characterized by size, elegance and alpine panorama. Some junior suites are equipped with whirlpool, steam bath or infrared cabin. Compliments to the renowned interior design firm “LIGNO in-Raum” in Ebikon, whose interior designers have found the perfect balance between historical elements and modern elegance: fine parquet flooring, plaster ceilings, light wallpaper, high-quality textiles combined with golden lamps and mirrors in gold frames.
For business travelers, congress participants, banquet guests or short vacationers, the queen rooms Old Town (double rooms for single use), the double rooms Old Town as well as the double rooms Reuss or the superior rooms Reuss offer the perfect choice. They have the same modern infrastructure as well as equipment that every guest finds in the junior suites or suites.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
In the evening, we indulged in the award-winning (14 Gault Millau points) restaurant “Balances” under the direction of the two top chefs, Andy Fluri and Niko Eichner. The elegant and cozy atmosphere made my culinary heart beat faster, the delicious French-Mediterranean gourmet dishes delighted my discerning palate. The restaurant, which was remodeled and redesigned in 2006 at a cost of 1.6 million Swiss francs, offers a European menu that changes with the seasons and is enhanced with market-fresh, regional and modern touches. The attentive service was dolce vita feeling, the food a culinary and aromatic experience. ISO certification guarantees first-class quality.
The anticipation for the coming day was rising. I was overwhelmed by the breathtaking view and saw how the Kapellbrücke greeted me from close up and the mountains from afar.
The breakfast buffet also leaves nothing to be desired and so the day could not start better. I enjoy the first rays of sun on the wonderful terrace with spectacular views.
As fantastic as the “Hotel des Balances” is, and I have found my inner balance again, the multifaceted sights of the luminous city of Lucerne and the surrounding area lure me on the following days with always new highlights. During the day, I recommend letting yourself be enchanted by the multifaceted charm of the old town, and in the late afternoon, let yourself be delighted in the lounge, bar or on the non-smoking terrace with a fantastic cocktail or an exquisite glass of wine followed by dinner. There is also an area outside for smokers – the so-called open-air smoking lounge in this no-smoking hotel.
THAT CERTAIN SOMETHING
“Hotel des Balances” was, is and will remain “The Place to be” in Lucerne. It is the hotspot of the locals and definitely a destination for the stylish world traveler who will appreciate the personal touch of this luxurious hotel. We felt comfortable and welcome even before we arrived: an email had all the important information on how to get there in our own car, so driving through the pedestrian zone to right in front of the hotel was a breeze. We also received the guest card by e-mail, which not only offers numerous discounts in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne adventure region, but also access to free WiFi throughout the city.
Deceleration, enjoyment, cordiality and appreciation are guaranteed at the “Hotel des Balances”! The symbiosis of historical past and modern future as well as the spirit and lifestyle fascinated me. While in the 12th century, at the then meat and fish market an inn already catered to travelers, in the 19th century (1807) the “Wirtshaus zur Waage”, which was renamed “Hotel des Balances” in 1836, saw the light of day at today’s Weinmarkt. Furthermore, the present “des Balances” presented itself in the meantime as a town hall and guild house, which has led to the fact that the hotel has elegant halls that can be used as banquet or seminar rooms. These offer the most modern infrastructure and space for up to 72 people.
