Hotel Astoria

This hotel is highly regarded for its excellent central location, placing guests within easy walking distance of the city's main attractions and transportation hubs. Its proximity to the train station and Old Town makes it a convenient base for sightseers, leisure travelers, and tour groups looking to explore the area. While many guests praise the staff's service and the overall cleanliness, a significant recurring issue is noise, particularly from the rooftop bar and poor soundproofing in rooms. For couples and families, the hotel offers a practical starting point for city exploration, though some might find room sizes restrictive. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a lower floor or away from the rooftop bar, especially if staying on a weekend, and be mindful of potential noise from adjacent rooms due to varying sound insulation.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest feedback on the hotel's facilities is mixed. While the hotel offers Wi-Fi, some guests reported it to be slow or unreliable. The fitness center is described as small, basic, and not well-equipped, with some noting only one machine was functional, making it uninspiring for a workout. Parking is available in an underground garage, but it is frequently mentioned as expensive and having limited space, sometimes requiring the use of a car elevator. Many rooms lack a mini-fridge or refrigerator, and the absence of coffee/tea making facilities in rooms is a common complaint, with some only finding a kettle but no cups or provisions. The elevators can be slow and crowded, especially during peak times or with multiple tour groups.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with housekeeping receiving praise for tidiness. The beds are often described as comfortable, though some guests found them to be too firm or noted issues with twin beds pushed together. Room sizes receive varied feedback; many consider them spacious rooms, while others found them small rooms or cramped, particularly for families. A notable design feature in some rooms is the bathroom setup, where the toilet privacy is compromised by a glass partition or the absence of a full door. Air conditioning functionality is inconsistent, with some reporting it not being cold enough, difficult to adjust, or emitting a foul smell. Noise levels are a significant concern, stemming from both street noise and poor soundproofing between rooms, allowing normal conversations, showering, and toilet flushing from neighboring rooms to be clearly heard. A few guests also reported a mildew smell in hallways or rooms, and isolated incidents of bed bugs were mentioned.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers several on-site restaurants, including a Thai restaurant and an Italian restaurant, which generally receive positive comments for their food quality and atmosphere, though some guests found them to be expensive. The breakfast experience garners mixed reviews. Many guests found the breakfast buffet to be good, excellent, or tasty, offering both hot and cold options. However, a significant number of reviews describe the breakfast as basic, with limited options that become repetitive over longer stays. Some guests noted issues with food quality, such as rotten fruit, and found the breakfast area to be crowded, especially when accommodating multiple tour groups. The main breakfast room is located in the basement, which some found unappealing, while a bar on the rooftop is popular but contributes to noise.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. It is conveniently situated within a short walking distance, typically 5-10 minutes, from the train station, the historic Old Town, and the iconic Chapel Bridge. This prime position makes it easy for guests to access various shops, cafes, and restaurants. Bus stops are also located directly in front of the hotel, providing excellent public transportation access to other parts of the city and beyond. While the location is highly praised for its convenience, parking at the hotel is noted as expensive and limited, with guests often suggesting alternative nearby parking options.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives positive feedback, with many guests describing them as friendly staff, helpful staff, and providing attentive service. The check-in process is often noted as quick check-in and efficient. Guests appreciate the staff's willingness to assist with directions, recommendations, and general inquiries. However, there are instances of negative feedback, with some guests reporting unhelpful or rigid responses, particularly regarding requests for late check-out or in handling emergency situations. Housekeeping is frequently praised for maintaining clean and tidy rooms. Overall, the staff's commitment to service is a recurring theme, though individual experiences can vary.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel frequently accommodates group tours, which can impact the breakfast area's crowding and elevator availability. Some guests reported issues with their room key issues needing frequent reactivation. A thoughtful amenity is the provision of a Lucerne travel card, allowing guests free use of public transportation within the city. The hotel's rooftop bar is a popular feature, offering great views, but it is also the primary source of significant noise, especially on weekends, which can disturb guests on upper floors. There is no mention of a specific destination fee in the reviews, but guests should verify all charges upon booking. Some reviews also noted the absence of room service.