Can anyone recommend a nice hotel near downtown for a family of 3 that includes a 4 year old. We will be staying Lucerne for 3 night in May. We would prefer something around $200/night.

Hi ub3962,

I really enjoyed the Des Balances when I was there a few years ago. Beautifully located on the river. I'm not sure of the prices these days though, or if they have a triple.

If you want to try something a bit cheaper, you can try the Des Alpes, which is next door to the Balances. The Balances is a 4-star while the Alpes is a 3-star. I haven't stayed there, but I've heard lots of good reports from this forum.

s

We stayed at the Des Alps last June. Ask for a river view (a few CF more)it is close to the trai station and great views of the lake, river and mountains.

We enjoyed the Des Alpes. Be sure to ask for a lake view room. Great location. You can easily walk to the train station -- that's also where the lake boats depart. On Saturdays the city has a huge flea market everywhere in the morning (we were there in May). You can read my trip report at

http://www.travelswithdiane.homestea...2006Page1.html

You can skip the narrative on the first page and just view the photos. I talk about the hotel (I think) on page 2.

WHy is the posting on this "Lucerne HOtel" when the hotel is not mentioned in your question and it is not downtown but upper westside?

If by downtown you mean either near the train station or in the Altstadt, both these hotels qualify for that designation. Des Alpes is in a very convenient location and, as stated above, has awesome lake and Mt. Pilatus views.

Des Balances will likely be far outside your price range. Des Alpes is right at $200 night for a double (245 chf/nt in summer). Triples are 285 chf, but not sure if they will charge for a young child. Here is their website: http://www.desalpes-luzern.ch/index.cfm?Page=H05