Shining in the heart of Switzerland, Lake Lucerne’s iconic Belle Époque landmark is re-opening this autumn as Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne. Swiss entrepreneur Franz Josef Bucher realised his dream of a Mediterranean retreat in Switzerland when he built the original Palace Hotel in 1906. In tribute to him, local architects and heritage specialists Iwan Bühler Architects and London-based interior designers Jestico + Whiles have stitched new into old and ushered the palace into a new era. 136 elegant guestrooms, including 48 of the city’s largest suites, evoke the spirit of the roughly century-old grande dame property.
Mediterranean roots of the original hotel are reflected in a vibrant colour palette, complemented by Italian furniture with understated details, rich walnut tones, and brass accents. Under the direction of Michelin-star experienced chef Gilad Peled, the hotel is poised to be an epicurean destination within the city. Four restaurants and bars span the spectrum from vibrant brasserie to exquisite fine dining. Surrounded by mountain air, the alpine retreat is an ideal wellness escape where SPA Bellefontaine will offer treatments inspired by Far Eastern rituals and the lush flora of the Swiss Alps. Guests will appreciate the hotel’s location close to the scenic Old Town in Lucerne, where restaurants line the streets along the river Reuss and 14th-century timber structures are waiting to be explored.