Seehotel Hermitage Luzern

Seehotel Hermitage Luzern enjoys a fantastic location on the shores of Lake Lucerne, in a quiet area away from the city center, and has lovely lake views from rooms and common areas alike. The hotel dates to 1907 when it opened as a hotel-pension, and sits on land that had been operating as a farm estate since the mid-1700s. New rooms were added in 2007 and room decor was updated in 2012, followed by a restaurant makeover in 2015.

There's plenty on-site to offer guests a true Lake Lucerne experience, including lovely lawns for sunbathing, a small beach, a dock that extends into the lake, and a playground for children. The interiors are modern throughout, though a bit plain in the lobby, which just holds a reception desk, though that leads into a sleek lounge bar area with dark floors, leather couches, and armchairs). Floor-to-ceiling windows provide lovely views of the lake. The restaurant has a more personal atmosphere and upscale, rustic design. Wood planks on the ceiling and walls complement the wooden floors, and gives the space a warm vibe. Velour chairs and booths pepper the space in a mix of gray, lime-green, or blue hues. An electric fireplace adds coziness, while the terrace, enclosed by glass walls and featuring chairs with fur throws, has stunning views of Lake Lucerne. Vacationing couples and families are attracted to this lakeside getaway for its numerous on-site activities and quiet atmosphere. 

Seehotel Hermitage Luzern is located directly on the shores of Lake Lucerne, but it's a solid 10-minute drive to the city center (or an hour’s walk). Mount Pilatus takes about a 45-minute drive to reach. There’s a bus stop outside the hotel, or guests can take a boat across the lake to Lucerne directly from the hotel’s personal boat dock. There are also a few restaurants in the area that take around 10 minutes to reach on foot. It’s about a one-hour drive to Zurich Airport.

Stylish, angular, and predominately white, the hotel's 68 rooms have a minimalist look. Rooms are spacious, with wooden floors, white platform beds, sleek, straight-edge white furniture, and no artwork. Some rooms have contrasting black or gray accents in the form of contemporary sofas or armchairs. All rooms have views of the lake and some also offer furnished balconies. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, kettles, Nespresso coffeemakers, and minibars, but no air-conditioning. The Lake & Mountain Suites are the largest units available and come with tables and living rooms. 

Luxurious bathrooms are clad in white and gray tile, but glass windows that look out on the main living areas from the bathrooms can compromise privacy. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combos or separate walk-in showers and tubs, plus L’Occitane toiletries, and hairdryers. 

Children under six stay for free with their parents, but there’s a fee for kids seven and up, as well as fees to use the sofa beds. Take note that the hotel requires families of five or more to book a minimum of two rooms.

Facilities at Seehotel Hermitage Luzern focus on the property’s lakeside location. Outdoor activities are plentiful and include a small beach for swimming and a dock to tie up a rental or personal boat. Paddle boards are available free of charge. The hotel also offers an eight-seater boat to rent for outings or a romantic meal on the lake. Other amenities include tennis courts, a children’s playground, rental bikes, and an ice skating rink (in the winter). Rackets and ice skates cost extra to rent.

Restaurant Hermitage is popular with guests and locals alike, particularly at Sunday brunch, and has a charming terrace with superb lake views. Breakfast is not included in room rates. In the summer, Seegarten restaurant is open on the lawn and offers a barbecue dinner buffet. Room service is available, but the service costs extra. The hotel also offers a cozy lounge bar with lake views and a large selection of gins, including the hotel’s own brand: Hermitage Dschinn. 

The wellness area has a sauna, a steam bath, and a steam room, but the gym is small for a property of this size and only includes a handful of cardio machines. There’s no pool on-site. Four fully equipped meeting rooms attract weddings and seminars and hold up to 200 people. Mac desktops are available for guest use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. On-site parking is available for a fee and dogs are welcome, at an additional cost.