Great location. Rooms were kind of small, which is normal for Europe. It was terribly hot during our vacation, and few hotels in Switzerland have a/c. The problem is they did not have fans either. We were given a very small desk-type fan which didn't work. We roasted for a week. If you're going during normal weather, it's a nice hotel. Very central to transportation and restaurants.

The Hotel Des Balances retains a charming traditional feel while providing modernized rooms. As it is located along the River Reuss, we booked a river view room but could not see it at all from inside our fifth-floor room, which was rather disappointing. Once on the balcony, however, the view was lovely -- the hotel does offer breakfast delivered to the room so that it may be enjoyed on the balcony. It may be worth asking if a room on lower floors would allow for river views from actually inside the room.

The hotel is also well located for wandering around the old part of town. Although we took a taxi from the train station, I would recommend walking as the taxi had to take a few turns along small one-way alleys and weave around a good number of unsuspecting pedestrians (this part of town is generally closed to vehicles). The train station and boat landing are perhaps a six minute walk away, convenient for mountain excursions and cruises, while the taxi took fifteen minutes.

The room was comfortable, though a bit awkwardly laid out. The photographs on the hotel's websites do make them out to be nicer than they are in reality. The bathroom was functional and clean, but by no means luxurious. Amenities were basic and re-stocked daily, although a minor annoyance is that the very heavily perfumed liquid soap for the bath is stored in a dispenser, as in a public bathroom. In their favour, the housekeeping were very quick to deliver regular soap when requested, however.

The best parts of this hotel are the location and the restaurant. It does have a very charming painted exterior facing the town but I would rate it as a very nice three-star rather than a four-star hotel. Although the staff was helpful and handled requests efficiently, and the restaurant is first rate, the rooms, particularly the bathrooms, are worn and lack any feeling of style or luxury. It is not just that the rooms were dated in decor, they really could do with cleaning and renovation. Further, we were constantly finding insects, both living and dead, in the corners, drawers, shower and so forth.

Luzern has a number of outstanding hotels -- such as The Hotel for modern style, the Schweizerhof or Palace for traditional luxury, the Montana for quirky charm, the Radisson for business and proximity to the train station, and the Seeburg on the lakefront for romance -- that I would hesitate to give an unqualified recommendation to the Hotel Des Balances. I would however recommend the restaurant, which is first-rate. The hotel did provide us with a lot of chocolate, upon check-out and at each nightly turn-down service.

Enjoyed our recent 3 night stay. Fabulous views of the river & lake from our balcony. Within walking distance to almost everything including restaurants, old town, train station & boats. Travelled here by train & departed by boat - had no difficulty managing our suitcases the short distance between. One of the few hotels we stayed in which offers tea & coffee making facilities within the room. Lovely breakfast offered with choice of dining indoors or on the terrace overlooking the river. Stayed in a junior suite with 3 adults - just big enough. Little disappointed that the room was not refurbished in the same manner as shown on the website or brochure, however no issue with cleanliness or facilities provided. Would definitely stay again.

This hotel is excellent.....with a restaurant to match (you need to book)...river view well worth the extra price.

It was apparently very busy when we stayed but you would never have guessed - it was so quiet in our room - we only noticed when we came down to breakfast to find the dining room buzzing.

The decor is simple and well maintained. Occasionally you do spot a bit of decoration that needs attention, but if this hotel is as busy and well used as I suspect it is, then I am not surprised.

I would recommend a stay here with out doubt.