All rooms feature giant, single-pane windows; pivoting matte stainless steel cabinets for storage and entertainment components; minimalist furnishings designed by Nouvel; Brazilian cherrywood table surfaces; deeply-polished floor planks; and, on the ceiling of each room, in muted colors, scenes from art house films. At night, wall sconces illuminate them to create an extraordinary exterior view for passersby.

The sleek Restaurant Bam Bou features Asian/French dishes.

Even if The Hotel is not in your future, check the website.
Daily Rates: Rooms CHF 350–540, breakfast CHF 25
Contact: The Hotel, Sempacherstrasse 14, CH 6002 Luzern, tel. +41/041/226 86 86, fax 226 86 90, info@the-hotel.ch, www.the-hotel.ch

Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann
Cozy, old-world charmer in the center of Lucerne’s shopping district, five minutes’ walk from the train station. Blazing fireplace in the lounge. Atmospheric restaurant. Individually decorated rooms.
Daily Rates: Singles CHF 165-210, doubles CHF 265-340
Contact: Hotel Wilden Mann, Bahnhofstrasse 30, CH-6000 Luzern, tel. +41/041/2101 666, fax 2101 629, mail@wilden-mann.ch, www.wilden-mann.ch

Art Deco Hotel Montana
One of the better places to appreciate Lucerne’s splendid setting is from the balcony of a lakeview room at this hillside hotel. Built in 1910, the Montana has the high ceilings, wide hallways, and large windows that characterize hotels of that period.

The classic Louie-Bar, with splendid views, offers live jazz and blues and 80 Scottish malt whiskies.

A pleasant, lively hotel that one wishes were a little less expensive.
Daily Rates: Singles CHF 210–260, doubles CHF 290–465
Contact: Hotel Montana, Adigenswilerstrasse 11, CH-6002 Luzern, tel. +41/041/5165 65, fax 5166 76, info@hotel-montana.ch, www.hotel-montana.ch

Hotel Schweizerhof
A palatial but sterile Grand Dame. Lots of marble columns, crystal chandeliers, and mirrored ceilings, but not enough charm. At this level, The Hotel is a better choice.
Daily Rates: Singles CHF 260–500, doubles CHF 310–550, breakfast CHF 30.
Contact: Schweizerhof Luzern, Schweizerhofquai 3, CH-6003, Luzern, tel. +41/041/4100410, fax: 4102971, info@schweizerhof-luzern.ch, www.schweizerhof-luzern.ch

Hotel Cascada
Though its rates are still below other Lucerne hotels in its category, Cascada has lost some of its value appeal. It offers a clientele of mostly business travelers bright, well-furnished guestrooms in a location convenient to the railway station.
Daily Rates: Singles CHF 165–220, doubles CHF 245–290
Contact: Hotel Cascada, Bundesplatz 18, CH-6003 Lucerne, tel: + 41/041/226 80 88, fax 226 80 00, info@cascada.ch, www.cascada.ch

Hotel Des Balances
Once touted in guidebooks as a moderately-priced haven for budget-minded American travelers, Des Balances has gone upscale. The least expensive double is now about $225 and doesn’t include breakfast. You can do better.
Daily Rates: Singles CHF 210–260, doubles CHF 280–395, breakfast CHF 27
Contact: Hotel Des Balances, Weinmarkt, CH-6000 Luzern, tel. +41/041/418 2828, fax 418 2839, info@balances.ch, www.balances.ch

Hotel Löwengraben
The former town prison until 1998 has been converted to a hotel with a restaurant, gallery, and performing arts venue. Nearly all guestrooms are in former inmate cells and, though such necessary amenities as a private toilet and shower have been added, they remain in jail house configuration: one small, barred window high on the wall; the original reinforced door with only a peephole, and two basic cots. Löwengraben is not for everyone; most rooms, though immaculate, are small and basic. The least expensive "budget" category of rooms is not recommended.
Daily Rates: Singles CHF 69–225, doubles CHF 80–222; breakfast included with some rooms, otherwise CHF 9
Contact: Hotel Löwengraben, Löwengraben 18, CH-6004 Luzern, tel. +41/041/417-1212, fax 417-1211, hotel@loewengraben.ch, www.loewengraben.ch

Goldener Stern
Near the Franciscan church on the south bank of the Reuss river. Clean and plain. A Swiss bargain. In the hotel’s country-style restaurant, try the calves liver with Rösti for less than $20.
Daily Rates: Singles CHF 85–100, doubles CHF 110–150
Contact: Goldener Stern, Burgerstrasse 35, CH-6003 Luzern, tel. +41/041/227 5060, fax 227 5160, hotel@goldener-stern.ch, www.goldener-stern.ch