Nestled in the majestic Swiss Alps overlooking the serene Lake Lucerne, Bürgenstock Hotel is a dream destination that blends natural beauty with luxurious amenities. This was a bucket list/splurge/pinch me stay for us. Sharing some details about the hotel and our honest opinion of our time there below!
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We stayed here at the bookend to our honeymoon in Paris and Zermatt. We wanted a place to just relax and spa (after 3.5 days of skiing!) and I'm so glad we decided to cash in some credit card points for this luxury stay: spoiler alert, it was worth it.
About Burgenstock Hotel
The Burgenstock Resort Hotel boasts a rich history dating back over a century. Originally opened in 1873, it quickly became a favorite hideaway for international guests, including celebrities and dignitaries (see: Audrey Hepburn.... ugh, say no more!) After an extensive renovation, the resort reopened its doors in 2017. The remodel allowed the hotel to preserve its historic charm while introducing modern elegance and state-of-the-art facilities.
One of the highlights of Burgenstock Resort is its awe-inspiring views. Perched high above Lake Lucerne, the hotel boasts breathtaking views of the sparkling blue waters and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Everywhere we turned in this hotel the view was spectacular.
Getting to Burgenstock Hotel
Getting to and from the hotel is almost as magical as the hotel stay itself. You can, of course, drive from either Zurich airport or from the train station in Lucerne. The more scenic route, however, is by taking a boat cruise across Lake Lucerne. The boat will take you to the base of the Burgenstock Funicular, a historic cable railway that transports guests from the lakeside to the resort (which is situated on the mountaintop) in just a few minutes. We had such a blast riding funiculars throughout Switzerland, including ones on the ski slopes in Zermatt.
Note: if you want to take the ferry and then funicular, follow these directions. Opposite the Lucerne main station at pier number 3, there is a shuttle ship that goes to Kehrsiten every hour at XX:07. Opposite the harbor in Kehrsiten you will see the funicular which brings you directly up to the hotel.
Rooms at Burgenstock Hotel
Each room in this hotel is immaculately kept and has everything you might need. We booked the standard queen room and there was nothing standard (by normal hotel means) about it. I mentioned during our booking that we were staying for our honeymoon- and we were greeted by the sweetest message upon arrival, as well as with a bottle of delicious champagne, chocolate truffles & macarons.
Other highlights of the room were the spa bathtub & fireplace (that connected the bath tub to the sitting area.)
Spa at Burgenstock Hotel
Burgenstock Resort is synonymous with wellness and relaxation. I think you would be very hard-pressed to find a spa that rivals this alpine oasis. With views from all over Lake Lucerne, The Burgenstock Alpine Spa offers 10,000 square meters with 5 pools, multiple saunas, relaxation rooms and more.
The most famous area of the spa is undoubtedly the infinity pool outdoors that overlooks Lake Lucerne! We got to enjoy this during snowfall and a clear day/night and it's hard to beat. Inside is a swim-in large indoor pool, also heated.
The spa features a spacious relaxation room for guests to unwind on loungers, waterbeds, and sofas in front of an open fire while sipping on hot tea or cold champagne. Throughout this area, there are floor-to-ceiling windows to show off the Alpine landscape. There are also hot and cold Kneipp baths, a large Alpine Rasul bath with seating niches, and two
infra-red cabins and nap shells. My personal favorite was the saline bath which allows you to float weightlessly. The ceiling of the room has a star-scape of twinkling lights and classical music plays softly.... probably the most serene and relaxed I've ever felt.
We each got a 60-minute Swedish-style massage while at Burgenstock. It was perfectly lovely. That said, if we go again I would skip the massage. It was a bit pricey and there are plenty of relaxing and incredible amenities to take advantage of!
Activities at Bürgenstock Hotel
The hotel offers a myriad of captivating activities year-round. During the winter, guests can hit the slopes of the nearby Engelberg-Titlis ski resort or go snowshoeing and ice-skating on Lake Lucerne. And of course the spa is open year-round to enjoy.
In the summer, the hotel transforms and really invites guests embrace the outdoors. The lake beckons with water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking, or guests can explore the surrounding area by daytime ferry boat tours. There are also tennis courts on the property and trailheads for scenic hikes nearby.
Dining at Burgenstock Hotel
For food enthusiasts, the resort offers a culinary journey of its own. Choose from a variety of dining venues, each offering a unique gastronomic experience. Enjoy fine Swiss cuisine in a charming chalet-style restaurant or savor international flavors at one of the resort's Michelin-starred eateries.
Full disclosure- we were in full relaxation mode during our time here. We had dinner reservations one night at Spices Kitchen & Terrace and we ended up being so relaxed and cozy in our room we decided we didn't want to leave! We called down to cancel our reservation and the very kind person at the restaurant offered to send up our meal on a tray to our room (just another example of how above and beyond the staff goes without an ounce of pretense!) We ordered up a fabulous dinner and enjoyed it by our in-room fireplace!
Is Burgenstock Hotel Worth It?
Visiting Burgenstock is an invitation to experience the best of both worlds: a luxurious retreat surrounded by nature's splendor. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or simply a memorable escape, this hotel will exceed your expectations. We experienced the best of Swiss hospitality during out visit and will never forget it.
Overall Review of Burgenstock
It's always risky (for us, at least) to book splurge stays. It's hard to discern if a place will be worth it. From the moment we arrived to the moment we departed, this hotel left nothing but the most spectacular impression. Visiting in the winter was pure magic with snowfall all around and Christmas decorations adorning the main areas. We would absolutely go back again- and hope to have the chance to explore the hotel in the summer to enjoy the additional amenities.