Bundesplatz 18, Lucerne, Switzerland | (888) 499-9698
Central location close to the train station and attractions
Contemporary rooms with flat-screen TVs, kettles, and free minibars
Popular tapas and Spanish buffet restaurant
On-site freebies include bike rentals, breakfast buffet, and Wi-Fi
Meeting rooms and public computers
Free access to the nearby One Training Center gym
Limited on-site parking
No on-site gym
Rooms are small
Hotel Cascada is an upper-middle-range property with a modern design and upbeat vibe. All its spaces have been updated in renovations that began in 2011 and rolled on through 2016, including its popular Spanish cuisine and tapas bar, which serves a free breakfast buffet in the mornings. Other amenities include free bike rentals, free access to a nearby gym, and meeting facilities. The 66 rooms may be a bit tight on space, but they have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, kettles, and free minibars. The Cascada's convenient location -- within walking distance of the train station and numerous sights -- is also a draw. It may also be worth comparing rates and amenities with Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne, which has lake views from some rooms and an on-site gym.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Modern, renovated hotel with a waterfall theme and welcoming vibe
Housed in a soft-green, charming building, Hotel Cascada originally opened as a hospice in 1910 and became a hotel in 1994. In 2001, it changed its name to Hotel Cascada and went to work on its waterfall theme, naming each room after a Swiss waterfall and including photographic murals of those waterfalls. The hotel has undergone extensive renovations over the years -- the rooms were completed in 2015 and the restaurant in 2016. Its clean, modern spaces attract families, couples, and business travelers. There’s not much to the lobby beyond a funky-shaped black front desk, dark floors, and a waterfall mural. That leads into the restaurant -- the hotel's main public space and gathering spot -- which has a fun, upbeat vibe and a colorful rustic design.
Location
Close to the train station and within walking distance of shopping, attractions, and dining
Hotel Cascada sits in the middle of Lucerne’s action. Most travelers appreciate its proximity to the train station, which is a five-minute walk away. Shops and restaurants are also a five minute walk away. The stunning Lake Lucerne is an eight-minute walk, and the historic wooden Chapel Bridge is a 10-minute walk. Museggmauer, the imposing city wall, is a 15-minute walk, and the Lion Monument is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. Zurich Airport is an hour’s drive from the property.
Rooms
Waterfall-themed rooms with flat-screen TVs, free minibars, AC, and kettles
The 66 guest rooms have a waterfall theme in tones of purple against a mostly white canvas. Large mural photographs of Swiss waterfalls are the centerpiece, and guests can scan a provided QR-code with their smartphones to get a little background on their waterfall. Apart from this uncommon embellishment, rooms are rather straightforward with the modular, contemporary decor typical of chain hotels. They also run a bit small. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, desks with foldable mirrors, minibars stocked with free snacks, air-conditioning, kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Triple and Family Rooms can accommodate extra guests with sofa beds. Deluxe and Family Rooms provide Nespresso machines, and some rooms have small unfurnished balconies. Bathrooms have black vessel sinks, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries.
Features
Spanish buffet restaurant, meeting rooms, and freebies like breakfast, rental bikes, and gym passes
For a small-scale hotel, Cascada has a nice range of on-site features adding to its appeal. Bolero Restaurante is popular among locals and travelers alike for its Spanish menu, which includes a live-cooking paella station, hot tapas, and an evening cake buffet, and a pinchos buffet. It also provides a free breakfast buffet every morning, which includes the basics like fruit, yogurt, and pastries, plus egg-cooking stations. Room service is available during the restaurant’s open hours. Though there’s no on-site pool, spa, or gym, the hotel provides free passes to the nearby One Training Center, which has cardio and weight equipment, a sauna, and a steam bath. Business travelers can take advantage of four fully equipped meeting rooms, a public Mac desktop, and free Wi-Fi. Other perks include six bikes that guests can borrow for free and limited, pre-booked on-site parking for a fee.
