Hotel Villa Honegg

Hotel Honegg originally opened in 1906, the passion project of a local entrepreneur who sought out the area's highest vantage to build a hotel with incredible mountain views. A major 2011 renovation updated all of the interiors and amenities, earning the boutique its luxury rating rating while restoring the building's original splendor. The decor is a contemporary take on classic styles, with wall moldings, leather furniture, and black-and-white photography set against a brown-and-cream palette. Snowcapped peaks form the perfect backdrop for the blue-shuttered main building, and given its romantic setting, it's a natural hit with couples. It's also sought out by hikers and adventurous, sports-loving families -- more than half of the guests are domestic tourists. Guests are frequently seen hiking or sledding outside, and mellowing out by the fire in the cozy lounge. 

The drive up to Hotel Villa Honegg passes by handsome country houses on a small road with sharp switchbacks and stunning views of the deep-blue waters of Lake Lucerne (one of the largest in Switzerland) in the distance. The hotel is about a 10-minute drive through narrow mountain passes above the nearby town of Ennetbuergen, or a 20-minute drive to Stansstad. Lucerne is about a 30-minute drive away -- its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is filled with charming cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with tourist attractions like the Sammlung Rosengart Museum and the KKL Lucerne Culture and Congress Center. The closest international airport is Zurich Airport -- a 65- to 85-minute drive from the hotel.

The Hotel Villa Honegg's 23 rooms, including suites, vary considerably in size and decor, though all are a sophisticated blend of classic and contemporary style. Expect to see details like hardwood floors, leather wall paneling, velvet and satin fabrics, and neatly framed artwork. Colors are sober, and include dark woods, olive greens, and touches of gold. Views vary from lake vistas to mountain panoramas, with large private balconies that have tables and loungers. Classic Rooms have sitting areas at the foot of their queen beds, with loveseats and round marble tables, along with small writing desks. Large Superior Rooms and Suites have king beds. The especially luxurious Master Suite has a full living room with a fireplace, and there's also an annex suite with a full kitchen. Standard features include free Wi-Fi, wall-mounted 40-inch flat-screen TVs, pod-style espresso machines, and free non-alcoholic minibars. Bathrooms are small, but opulent, with decorative mother-of-pearl tile work, framed mirrors, and large walk-in rainfall showers. Higher-category rooms -- like the Master Suite that we visited -- have separate free-standing soaking tubs. The Hermes toiletries provided across the board are a nice luxe touch. 

The hotel's heated indoor pool is connected to its outdoor infinity pool (also heated), which has astounding views overlooking Lake Lucerne. The views are also incredible from the broad outdoor terrace, but guests pay a fee to use it. A full-service spa is adjacent to the indoor pool, which has a Finnish sauna, steam bath, and a crushed ice fountain, in addition to its treatment rooms. There's also a modern fitness center with Technogym cardio machines and weight trainers. Daily activities include hiking or jogging along the hotel's grounds, with seasonal additions like sledding in winter. Guests can also use mountain bikes and e-bikes at no additional charge. 

The hotel grows its own fruit and vegetables, with a variety of produce used in the restaurant's kitchen. The meadows also support bees that the hotel harnesses to make its own honey. The main restaurant serves local cuisine, sourced locally -- cheese and meat comes from farms, butchers, and artisans in the nearby town of Nidwalden. The lounge serves more casual fare, including sandwiches and finger food. There are also extensive wine, liquor, and cigar menus. Breakfast is included in the rate and served until late. For indoor events, there are several sophisticated meeting rooms, and a movie theater (with 20 leather seats) that can be rented for private screenings (with or without popcorn) and presentations. Wi-Fi is free throughout.