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posted May 15, 2012
We could not have been more pleased with our stay at the Grand National. The hotel is beautiful from the outside and the inside as well. At check-in we were greeted promptly and offered a glass of bubbly. Check-in was prompt and in no time we were in our lovely room with a balcony overlooking the lake and the gorgeous snow capped mountains. The room was large, the bed comfortable, the bathroom a good size with nice amenities, and a special touch was the plate of fresh fruit that greeted us. There were binoculars in our room so we could get a good look at the mountains and the surrounding area. Our room did not include breakfast, but for convenience sake we decided to eat in the hotel. The buffet was very expensive but did have a lot to offer. While we enjoyed the buffet daily, we did feel it was over-priced. If we stay here again I would book a room to include breakfast. The location of the Grand National is what makes it such a gem. Everthing is within walking distance- the train station, restaurants, busses, shopping and most of downtown Lucerne. We decided to go up to the top of Mount Pilatus and the bus to get there was no more than a five minute walk. The staff was helpful and courteous, but somewhat formal and stiff; but we didn't go there to have tea with the staff and they did their jobs effectively and efficiently. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this lovely hotel and will definitely stay there again.
posted April 29, 2012
This hotel has a royal charm to it, right from its age, the royals who have stayed there before, the decor, the size of the rooms and the excellent views. They even had a binocular in the room to view the sights in the distance, which I found very innovative. We had lots of space to keep our items and even a study table. The staff were very professional though we did not feel they were warm. Our daughter got a bit hurt at the sliding, glass doors at the entrance and was crying quite loudly for a while and just a few meters away from the reception and nobody even bothered to ask and we were left to ourselves. Also, we had a problem in our bathroom with some water leakage and when we raised it to them, they took about an hour and then, offered a room upgrade which was good but cost us about 2 hours to pack and unpack our items in the middle of the day when we were planning to step out and they did not really talk to us and ensure we were happy. We expected them to do something a bit more but this one, inspite of us politely requesting, they refused (after 2 gentle reminders) and we did not feel it was handled well. And being a relationship management professional myself, I felt they were professional but a bit cold rather than somebody senior actually talking to an inconvenienced customer, especially one paying one of the highest prices I have ever paid for any hotel! There are a number of excellent restaurants both within and outside (and near) the property - especially the Indian joint - Kanchi was just too good. We also had a great time at the swimming pool and the piano bar at the hotel. All in all, a grand place and looks truly royal and could do better with warmer and smarter staff worthy of a 5 star hotel that charges very high prices.
posted March 5, 2012
We have stayed at the Grand Hotel twice (heavily discounted) and I can't say enough about it. The location is terrific, right in the center of town and along the lake. If you are spending the money get one of the lake view rooms, well worth the difference. Easy walking distance and valet add to the convenience. The rooms were actually quite large with all marble bath and beautiful period pieces. We would do it again.
posted February 29, 2012
Lucerne is such a beautiful place for a few days respite. Many of the hotels make the most of the views, but we loved the position of the grand hotel national. We walked to and from the railway station with ease - about 15 mins. We booked a deluxe room with balcony (410) and marvelled at the views - the weather was unexpectedly warm and so we were able to spend time on the balcony enjoying the sun and the many people walking the promenade in front of the hotel. The hotel room was a good size, with beautiful furnishings and a large marble bathroom with bath and separate enclosed shower - water pressure was fine. Prior to arrival, the hotel responded to emails quickly and politely. On arrival we were greeted warmly, escorted to our room, and oriented to the location of the bar, restaurant, lifts, and operation of our room's facilities. We decided to have breakfast at the hotel on the first morning and thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast room, the views, the selection and the service. It cost us 20 CHF each. We were woken early on our last morning, as requested, and our bill was settled quickly and efficiently before our departure. I think everyone finds Switzerland expensive, even the locals, and this hotel is not cheap. But throughout our stay we were treated warmly and efficiently by all the staff and were only charged for legitimate services. We loved our stay here and would love to return.
posted February 18, 2012
I have never spent the time to write a review, but I wanted to warn others so that they would not have the same experiece as we did. My husband and I stayed at the Grand Hotel National to celebrate Valentines Day a few days before the holiday. We were originally set to be in a small, noisy city view room. With our baby and the hotel being in the low season, we kindly asked for an upgrade. The only room available, as we were told, was a huge suite for double the price. As we were definitely not paying for that, the front desk said miraculously they had another room to offer us, with a lake view for a little less than that. Reluctantly, we paid for the upgrade although way out of our budget. The feeling as this "room appeared" was that the hotel was trying to do everything to get our money than to make us feel comfortable, be honest, and helpful. And this kind of serviced remained for the rest of our stay. No restaurant in the hotel was open during our stay which was a huge disappointment as we were not informed of this. The spa was the biggest disappointment of all. Do not go here for the pool or spa! The sauna was incredibly small and way too hot. My back got burned when I laid down. Yes, my back was red and hurting the rest of the trip! The pool is small, only a few feet deep. The whole pool and spa look incredibly cheap and not that of a 5-star hotel. During the night the room was so cold. My husband and I were shivering under the small comforters that are so short, our feet wouldn't be covered. I would try to roll up in a ball, keeping myself and my feet warm. It was a horrible night. Obviously after spending a night here with this kind of experience, we called the front desk to let them know we would not want to spend another night here. Instead of being apologetic, doing what they could to fix the problem, or putting their customers satisfaction first, the front desk said we would be charged for the second night. Again, it was an attitude to try and get more money out of us than to be helpful and make us comfortable. After many phone calls, waiting and waiting to hear from the manager, we were told they finally wouldn't charge us. What a relief. We could finally leave this hotel's money-stealing grasp!! The positives is that the hotel does have good views, and it's in a good location. But if you are expecting quality service you will not get it here. I have stayed in hundreds of hotels across the world, and this is one of my biggest disappointments. NOT a five star hotel.
