I think everybody knows that Switzerland is a very expensive place to visit. We stayed here for two days on a driving tour that included Austria and Germany. The hotels in Switzerland were twice the price of the other countries.

Having said that, it was our choice to stay in Lucerne, and we think we made a great choice at the Hotel Bellevue.

We paid extra for one of their Pilatus Superior Rooms, and asked for the third (top) floor. This ensured a great view over the top of the Hotel Hermitage directly opposite, to the lake and the mountains beyond. I’m pretty sure that lower floors would not really have much of a view at all.

On arrival at the hotel, we were invited to sit down in the breakfast room at the front of the hotel with the receptionist. She offered us a complimentary drink and a snack whilst telling us about the hotel, bus times, local attractions, etc.

A very small lift took the two of us up to the third floor, to our room. It was a lovely, large room with plenty of space. Furniture included a wardrobe with safe, mini bar (surprisingly not too expensive), a large standing fan, and a coffee table with two cosy chairs.

The large windows opened up to a private balcony that offered a great view of the lake. This had a table and a couple of garden chairs, and a canopy that could be pulled down if needed. It was very nice to sit out here for a while and look at the scenery.

The TV had many channels – mainly German, and a couple in French and Italian, but only CNN in English.

The double bed (actually, two singles pushed together as they often are in Europe), was firm but comfortable.

The bathroom was narrow, and had a frosted glass door right next to the bed which doesn’t allow for much modesty, but it was all spotlessly clean, like the rest of the room.

Breakfast was in the room downstairs, and offered a smallish continental buffet with cereals, small bread rolls, small croissants, bread loaves, yoghurs, fruits, eggs to boil and small slices of meats, salami and cheese.

Parking was on the road directly in front, or to the side, of the hotel, and cost 5CHF per day. Once parked, we didn’t touch the car again until we left, and simply caught the bus at the stop next to the hotel. There only seemed to be one route, which passed every 15 minutes and took you directly into Lucerne, so it couldn’t be easier. The trip seemed to take less than 15 minutes. Bus tickets, as well as tickets to local attractions, could be bought at the hotel.

We very much recommend the Hotel Bellevue, especially if you can afford a Superior Room to get the view. Whilst not actually in the town, it was so easy to leave the car and simply catch the bus in and out. I investigated all the hotels in the area long and hard – most of them were simply too expensive or didn’t offer adequate parking. I’m really glad that we chose this hotel, and would definitely come here again if we were in the area.

The only reason I’m giving four out of five stars is because I like to base some of my judgement on value-for-money. And that’s something we really didn’t find in Switzerland.

Hotel Bellevue is situated around 4 kms from the main city center of Luzern, but is well connected by bus no 24 which runs every 15 mins during the day and 30 mins during the night. This is a very clean hotel with spacious double rooms and a great team at the reception. The breakfast spread was extremely good , but the breakfast area was a bit small and was a bit of inconvinience during busy times. The daily coffee coupons given to the guests was a good gesture from the management. The view of mount Pilatus from the top floor rooms is really fascinating. The bathroom was small and didn't have exhaust. The double room had twin beds which was a bit awkward. High speed internet at 2 francs was really cheap according to swiss standards. Overall a very cozy and heart warming experience.

Hotel Bellevue is situated around 4 kms from the main city center of Luzern, but is well connected by bus no 24 which runs every 15 mins during the day and 30 mins during the night. This is a very clean hotel with spacious double rooms and a great team at the reception. The breakfast spread was extremely good , but the breakfast area was a bit small and was a bit of inconvinience during busy times. The daily coffee coupons given to the guests was a good gesture from the management. The view of mount Pilatus from the top floor rooms is really fascinating. The bathroom was small and didn't have exhaust. The double room had twin beds which was a bit awkward. High speed internet at 2 francs was really cheap according to swiss standards. Overall a very cozy and heart warming experience.

A short way out of town but close to the bus stop. Very easy to get to Luzern. Very friendly and helpful staff. Can't find any fault. Other facilities at sister hotel across road.