"A house with history. A view of the water. An event that couldn't have started more beautifully."
We had been wanting to take a road trip in our convertible across several mountain passes for quite some time – and this little getaway was the perfect way to kick off our anniversary. Since I had never been to Lucerne before, it felt like the right opportunity to finally change that.
First Impressions
When we arrived in Lucerne, the impressive building of the Mandarin Oriental Palace immediately caught our eye. The magnificent façade directly on the lake, with its historical charm and elegant details, makes an impression as soon as you arrive.
We were warmly welcomed, our luggage was unloaded and we were accompanied to reception. The service was friendly and attentive from the very first moment.
A Building with History – Lovingly Restored
The building that houses the Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne originally opened in 1906 and is considered one of the city’s most historic hotels. From 2017 to 2022, it was carefully and extensively restored. Historic elements like stucco ceilings, marble floors and columns were preserved and combined with modern, elegant design. Today, the hotel strikes a perfect balance between timeless elegance and contemporary comfort – and you can feel that throughout the property.
A Quick Stroll at Just the Right Time
Our room wasn’t ready yet at 2:30 p.m., but since official check-in starts at 3 p.m., that was totally fine. When we checked in, we were kindly informed that we’d been given a room upgrade – a lovely extra that made us happy right away. So we used the time to explore Lucerne a little. One of the highlights was discovering the city by horse-drawn carriage, which took us past some beautiful spots – especially along the water and through the old town. Lucerne is a very pretty city with a special atmosphere, and we enjoyed exploring it at a relaxed pace. It was exactly the right setting for what was ahead of us.
Dining Options – With a Few Limitations
The hotel offers several restaurants, each with its own style:
- Colonnade, the elegant French restaurant, was unfortunately still closed until early September during our stay.
- Minamo, the exclusive Japanese restaurant with just eight seats, was already fully booked – we would have loved to try it.
- Mozern, the modern all-day dining spot, is a practical option if you want something casual and convenient.
- Quai 10, the hotel’s large lakeside terrace, has a beautiful setting right by Lake Lucerne and a relaxed atmosphere.
A Room with a View
Our room was tastefully decorated with high-quality furniture and warm tones, and we had a small balcony with a stunning view of the lake. It was the perfect place to wind down the evening and look forward to the next day.
Spa and Fitness – Saved for Next Time
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to check out the spa or fitness area on this trip. But from what we heard, both are very well done – so we’ll definitely keep that in mind for next time.
BREAKFAST
The next morning, we casually asked at the front desk whether breakfast was included in our rate. I had been thinking about picking up some fruit for the road, so I figured it was worth checking. Turns out it wasn’t part of our booking. That was totally fine for me, as I rarely eat breakfast. Still, I kind of expected it to be included at this price point – especially compared to other hotels in the same league. But in the end, everyone values different things, and that’s absolutely okay.
Final Thoughts: A Stylish Start to Something Special
The Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne is a real gem - with beautiful architecture, courteous staff and a fantastic location. It was the ideal starting point for a special road trip and the start of our wedding day.
I would definitely come back - perhaps with a little more time for the spa area and a seat in the Japanese restaurant 😉.
"We left on the morning of our anniversary – with a good feeling, lovely memories, and a heart full of love."
Congratulations on your wedding anniversary and on this hotel 👍🤣!
Thank you:-)