travelchic,
I booked my room thru Expedia as they had offered a lower rate than thru the hotel website. I've used Expedia on numerous other occasions and have had no problem so far. The hotels so far have honored whatever reservation I had, and as mentioned before Hotel Waldstaetterhof even upgraded my room last time even though I had a cheaper rate thru Expedia.

One thought on rooms with view. Well, unless the room rates are only slightly higher, I don't think it's worth paying a lot more for a room with a "view". Because most of the time you'll be out of your room, eating meals outside, etc., so I found it other than the first time we go to the room and say "ahhhhh...", we rarely just sit there & enjoy the view out the window\balcony.

I rather get a room without a view at a cheaper rate and use the money for other things during the trip. Even though the dollar is stronger than the swiss franc, depending on what you guys do and where you eat, you'll be surprised at how fast $$$ add up.

Anyway, just my 2 cents on that subject.

I hope I didn't talk you out of Waldstaetterhof which I think is just fine. Having said that, Des Balance does have a better service with a more formally uniformed staff and better interior (except for the formica in the bedroom I saw). I have to say that the view is more of a great bonus rather than a premium/must have (don't want to set up your expectation too high in case you're paying a hefty premium). It's probably stuck on my mind because I was a teenager on my first visit to Lucerne at the time. They removed the charming old wooden slat windows when I returned to research the hotel room so it no longer has the same effect. Staying in oldtown will add a lot to your stay.

If you want a great view and lower price than the Des Balances, consider the Des Alpes or Hotel Schiff. These hotels are more modest, but have the same awesome views. Des Alpes updates one floor every year. The paint, bathrooms, fixtures etc. are much improved over a decade ago and give you the same awesome view as the Des Balances at generally 50%-60% of the price.

I agree with JN, in terms of view. You get a similar view from both Schiff & Des Alpes as well. The only downside of Des Alpes is the tiny bedrooms which are more like a basic hostel facility with mini balconies.

The biggest advantage of the 4 star Des Balance is the absence of bars & cafe terraces below the rooms, so you don't have to put up with the loud noise & drunks at night.

I plan to go back to Lucerne either in August or September. Is the atmosphere different during the typical "tourist" season, such as during the summer, in terms of loud noise & drunks in the streets?

I was there during February, so I wonder if it was quiet & peaceful because I was there during the off-season. Since many seem to make references to noise and I found it to be quiet when I was there.

In the warmer months restaurants set up tables outside and bars (like Mr. Pickwick Bar) become indoor outdoor bars. I've only been to Lucerne in the warmer months between April and October. I'm guessing you were there for the Fasching celebration in February.

Dax, no, I was in Germany on a business trip for 2 weeks and afterwards, since I've never been to Switzerland, I took a few days off and went there.
I missed the Fasching celebration, I think it started a couple of weeks after I left.
I definitely want to go back during the warmer months and experience the outdoor cafe society, hiking, etc.

We went to Switzerland a couple of years ago and on the advise of someone on the web we stayed at Hotel Gotthard in Weggis. You can Google to find their website. It was WONDERFUL!!
Instead of staying right in Lucerne, we were told to get one of the ferrys that go from the dock directly across the street from the the train station. We were on a Eurail pass and so we were in first class up in a beautiful lounge. Instead of paying high Luceren rates, we were treated to a wonderful 1/2 hour cruise up lake Luceren. At the 3rd stop we got off in Weggis and walked the short 2 blocks to our hotel. They would have come to wheeled rooler luggage and enjoyed the walk. The next day we took the morning boat back into Lucerne (with the working people)and enjoyed the day, then back to Weggis for another restful night. The town of Weggis (pronounced Veh kees) was quaint and hung on the side of the mountain, right on the lake. It was peaceful, and had hydranges and roses blooming everywhere. It is known as the city of roses. We were even treated an outdoor concert by the local volunteer band. Swan were swimming in the lake just under our balcony.....we had 3 balconies and a lovely modern room. The bathroom was extrememly modern in white with bright blue accents. They had a wonderful lakeside outdoor restaurant where we had our first meal of 3 kinds of fondue. Breakfast was served on the second floor in a sunny room. The staff is wonderful, and they even got on the computer to see if we had any relatives in Switzerland since our name was common there. I hightly recommend it. I think the website is www.gotthard-weggis.ch but if not, you can find it easily enough. I hope you consider it because it was such a nice retreat from the honking horns, bus fumes and noise of Lucerne.

We're spending 2 days in Luzern area and staying in Weggis at the SeeHotel Gotthard. Glad to hear the good review. We decided against staying in Luzern because we will have a car and understand parking would be a challenge.

Geckolips and Budman, that's a great place. The owners couldn't have been nicer. We arrived there by boat (without car) and they were so apologetic beforehand because due to a big parade in town that day, they wouldn't be able to come pick us up at the dock. We thought it was going to be a big thing, but it was only a 5 or 10 minute walk to the hotel, picking our way through the crowd.

Having dinner out by the water in their casual little restaurant is a special treat. The owner does the grilling.

That's actually a great idea. I usually stay in Stansstad (staying with family) which is another small resort town facing the dramatic Pilatus and two lakes (Lake Saarnen & Lake Lucerne). We tend to drive (15-20 minute) into Lucerne rather than taking the ferry for practical reasons (a lot faster & don't have to depend on the ferry schedule). We park under the Grand Hotel National or in the front of the train station/cultural center. There is a famous 5 star hilltop resort above Stansstad called Buergenstock (as low as $200 a night)with gorgeous view and pool/spa. They often hold meetings among various heads of states from all over the world. It's a great way to enjoy the lake, but most tourists complain when their hotel is not in Luzern.

Topping for stonewallgrey.