Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel
by the TopOfHotel team
Waldstätterhof is a value 3-star right at the station — strong buffet breakfast and clean, up-to-date rooms.
Waldstätterhof is a value 3-star right at the station — strong buffet breakfast and clean, up-to-date rooms.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Rooms are clean and up to date, with comfortable beds and bedding that's better than you'd expect from a 3-star. Reviewers praise the tidiness and the upkeep steadily. There's a sensible amount of floor space, a reasonably sized wardrobe and a desk for anyone working. The thing to know is that some rooms have no air-conditioning — in summer that can feel warm if you're on an upper floor or in a south-facing room, so ask whether yours has AC when you book. Wi-Fi is fast and steady across the hotel, which suits business guests who need to be online.
Food and amenities
The buffet breakfast is the single thing reviewers mention most. It runs a wide hot-and-cold spread — several Swiss cheeses, fresh-baked bread, fresh fruit, yogurt and good coffee — and makes a strong start before a day out. Plenty of guests say it's better than the breakfast at several 4-star hotels. There's a 24-hour front desk, staff are praised for being helpful with travel questions, and there's a lift plus the basic amenities you'd want.
Location and getting there
Sitting directly across from Lucerne train station makes Waldstätterhof the best pick for travellers planning to ride the rails around Switzerland on a Swiss Travel Pass. A morning train to Interlaken is just a walk across the road, and you're back in your room minutes after you return in the afternoon. Chapel Bridge is a 5-to-7-minute walk along a pretty stretch of lakefront, KKL Lucerne is very close, the lake-cruise pier is within walking distance, and the shops and restaurants are all in easy reach.
Things to know before booking
This is a 3-star, so there's no spa or pool — it's a practical base rather than somewhere to linger all day. Some rooms have no air-conditioning, and Lucerne can reach around 30°C in July and August, so request AC or a ceiling fan if you're visiting in summer. Rooms facing the front road pick up traffic noise, mostly from morning to midday, so ask for a quieter side if you're a light sleeper. Whether breakfast is included depends on your package — check before you book, because the buffet is worth it.
Our take
Waldstätterhof is the best fit for travellers and business guests who care about being near the station and keeping the budget sensible. From around $143 a night, it's a strong choice if you're using Lucerne as a base to explore Switzerland by train — you get the location, a genuinely good breakfast and clean rooms. For roughly $143 in the station district, it's the best value going.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The best location you'll find on a 3-star budget — directly across from the train station, so getting out and about is effortless.
- The buffet breakfast runs a wide hot-and-cold spread and earns steady praise; several reviewers rate it above the breakfast at 4-star hotels.
- Rooms are clean and modern with comfortable beds and bedding that punches above the 3-star price.
- Friendly staff who give good travel advice and help you plan your sightseeing.
- Sits #23 of 63 Lucerne hotels on TripAdvisor with an 8.6/10 overall score, and a 24-hour front desk covers late or early trains.
- Some rooms have no air-conditioning, and summer (June to August) can feel warm — Lucerne hits around 30°C in July and August.
- Rooms facing the front road pick up traffic noise, mostly from morning through midday.
- It's a 3-star, so there's no spa or pool — this is a practical base, not a place to settle in all day.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Lucerne
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Insider Tips
- Ask at booking whether your room has air-conditioning — some don't, and Lucerne can reach around 30°C in July and August, so request a room with AC or a ceiling fan.
- A Swiss Travel Pass gets you straight onto trains out of Lucerne station, which is right across the road — ideal on checkout day when you still have a train to catch.
- Walk the 5-to-7 minutes to Chapel Bridge along the lakefront past KKL Lucerne and Schwanenplatz rather than cutting through back streets — it's the prettier route and lined with shops.