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Given its privileged location on the shore of Lake Lucerne, it is no wonder Grand Hotel National is a popular choice for accommodation in central Switzerland, as this grande dame of Lucerne hotels has been for more than 150 years. Although the imposing building is quite grand, the hotel is rather petit. There are only 41 rooms and suites here, making it one of the most exclusive places to stay in the area. Adding to its uniqueness are the 22 long-term apartments that occupy the residential wing in the other part of the building; they come with full hotel access and services expected of a five-star establishment in a country famed for its hospitality. Similar to the hotel rooms facing the lake, the apartments on the same side also have superb water views.

Lake Lucerne as seen from Grand Hotel National.

The Swiss love the outdoors, and the wonderful promenade lining the shore of Lake Lucerne provides ample opportunity to enjoy the spectacular mountains, glistening water, and fresh air all at once. Grand Hotel National is within easy walking distance of several appealing sights on this side of the city. Foremost is Lucerne’s atmospheric Old Town, where centuries-old buildings with decorative exteriors have been impeccably maintained. Meandering around the Old Town reveals numerous not-so-secret pleasures, including the Max Chocolatier boutique at Hertensteinstrasse 7, where the most exceptionally delicious chocolates in a country renowned for chocolate are available in a variety of forms, flavours, and percentages.

The Bourbaki Panorama, a circular painting 112 metres round, is not to be missed, displayed in a very cool circular cultural complex on Löwenplatz. This unique work of art depicting the Swiss aid offered to French soldiers after their surrender during the Franco-Prussian War is fronted by three-dimensional dioramas that bring the action into the room. It is not a war painting but rather a painting illustrating the compassion of the Swiss for the defeated soldiers, who were obliged to seek asylum in Switzerland back when asylum seekers were readily saved from their fate, otherwise awaiting elsewhere.

A lovely suite at Grand Hotel National.

Back at Grand Hotel National, after a day of sightseeing, a superb bar and restaurant options await guests looking for refreshment. The new Brasserie Juliette brings a modern twist to French cuisine in a sublime dining salon reminiscent of Old World special occasions yet thoroughly modern in its offerings. The menu is startlingly innovative, and diners will be pleased with their choices, whatever they may be since much pride is taken in the quality of the food and service here.

The Grand Hotel National’s Italian restaurant, Klinger’s Ristorante, is a classic European dining room, but the somewhat less expected Jialu brings the authentic tastes of China to the shore of Lake Lucerne. The National Bar is equally appealing for drinks before or after dinner.

Thanks to Switzerland’s excellent rail network, Lucerne is easily reached by train from all points across the country, including directly from Zurich Airport, which takes just over an hour. The Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Global Pass are available in Australia from Rail Europe; they are valuable tools in facilitating travel in Switzerland, with the Eurail Global Pass extending the ease of travel across the continent.

For travel within Lucerne, Grand Hotel National’s friendly reception staff gladly provides a Visitor Card that entitles overnight hotel guests in the city to use public transport free of charge in addition to providing discounts on an array of other products and services.