Review of Hotel Schweizerhof, by Jamie Dunford Wood

Hotel Schweizerhof has been a generational family hotel since 1861. It is the oldest of the grand hotels; a 1999 renovation has enhanced their facilities and added state-of-the-art technology, as well as up-market tour groups. The hotel has hosted emperors and empresses in its time, writers and musicians - Tolstoy wrote a story here, while Wagner, who had a house just across the lake, completed Tristan and Isolde.

This classic lakeside retreat has adapted and changed with the modern development of Lucerne. The public areas and ballrooms downstairs retain their grandeur and impressive presentation, which are ideal for conferences and weddings. The glorious lake views alongside one of the main streets in Lucerne remain. Behind, there is a modern shopping complex and multi-level car park.

The Galerie restaurant supplements the Pavillon restaurant, the latter providing lake and mountain views along with traditional Swiss cuisine from comfortable green slip-covered seating. The former enchants with its notable seafood entrées and charmingly refined atmosphere. A terrace opens in season to extend the dining opportunities. Light meals are served in the recently renovated second bar.

Recreational facilities are available for guests to enjoy with discounted access to a nearby gym. The big ballroom, a neoclassical great hall, can hold up to 500 for cocktails, and business services are offered in a host of smaller meeting rooms. Pets are permitted for a daily surcharge.

Generously sized with a neutral and simplistic décor, Hotel Schweizerhof has 101 rooms in total. The rooms have many original prints and watercolours, or flower prints, hanging on the walls. Superior rooms boast small seating areas and magnificent views over the city, including Chapel Bridge, Mt Pilatus and the lake. All rooms have telephones, TVs, high-speed internet access with wireless internet and 24 hour room service.