Barabas Luzern – Family Hotel in Lucerne | From 73$/Night

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Key details

About the Hotel

18 Loewengraben, Lucerne, Switzerland, 6004

In the Old Town

Great

8.0

8.6

/10

4.0

4.1

Loved by guests

Helpful staff
Great location
Clean rooms
Comfortable bed
Good breakfast
Easy walk

"The prison vibe was different and super fun and the rooms were nice and tidy."

Aisha from United States

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"Such a unique idea! Walking distance to most of the city and especially to the lake."

Rob M from United States

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"Everything was very clean and the garden outside was a wonderful place to hangout and relax."

Megan from United States

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Historic Prison Accommodations

Barabas Luzern occupies a former prison building in Lucerne's Old Town. Guests sleep in converted cells with original thick walls and heavy doors. Room types include single cells, double cells with private bathrooms, 3-bed cells with bunk beds, 4-bed cells with shared facilities, and 6-bed dormitories with shared kitchen. All rooms include free WiFi, tea and coffee facilities, and heating. The artist Barabas' original cell features his paintings and can be booked for overnight stays.

Japanese Izakaya Dining

The hotel houses Izakaya Nozomi, a Japanese restaurant styled as a village pub. It serves small shared dishes including sushi and other Japanese specialties beyond sushi. The restaurant offers a selection of sake and breakfast featuring homemade muesli, regional cheese, and coffee for CHF 9.50. The ginto platform provides full accessibility information for the restaurant.

Prison-Themed Activities

Guests can experience two escape rooms at The Riddle with detailed puzzles. The Gameorama museum features arcade games from Pacman to modern machines. The hotel courtyard has deck chairs, umbrellas, and tables with billiards and table football. Partner activities include electric cargo bike tours with Loop Tours, 2-3 hour canyoning adventures, and scavenger hunts with Foxtrail starting at Lucerne train station.

Old Town Central Location

Barabas Luzern is located in Lucerne's Old Town pedestrian zone at Löwengraben 18, 700 meters from Lucerne railway station (10-minute walk). It is near Chapel Bridge (0.5 km), Spreuer Bridge (0.5 km), and Town Hall (0.3 km). The Altstadt multi-storey car park is adjacent to the Geissmatt Bridge. Zurich Airport is 48 km away. The area features cafes and shops throughout the pedestrian zone.

Practical Prison Services

The hotel accepts SwissPass as room keys for door access. Reception provides Lucerne insider tips and local recommendations. A souvenir shop sells Barabas-themed products. The property has a large sheltered courtyard with greenery and garden furniture. Group packages are available for club trips and special occasions combining prison stays with local activities.

“Barabas Luzern's location in the old town places it conveniently near attractions and dining, a short walk from the train station. While the building's past as a prison adds a unique layer, the focus is on providing clean, comfortable accommodations. I found the friendly staff and well-maintained dorms to be particular highlights, especially given the price.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingParking Solution

Parking was easy! We parked across the river. It's in Altstadt parkplatz. It worked out fine.

Kevin from Canada

Review on

DiningGreat Breakfast

I paid extra for the breakfast. It was delicious and had many options. Very good!

Jane from United Kingdom

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BedroomComfy Beds

The beds were very comfortable. I opened the window to cool the room down. I slept well.

Lucas from Brazil

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Room FeaturesUnique Experience

Staying in a former prison cell was unique. The hotel kept the original feel. I recommend it!

Omar from Saudi Arabia

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Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

Bed 6-Bed Dormitory Room

2 persons

325 sq. feet

1 Bunk bed

Heating

room details

Bed 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room

2 persons

325 sq. feet

1 Bunk bed

Heating

room details

Standard Double or Twin Room

2 persons

120 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Triple Room

2 persons

120 sq. feet

2 Bunk beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Billiard tables

Services

Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

Restaurant
Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's buffet
Board games
Game room

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Dining Onsite

At Barabas Luzern, dining options celebrate Japanese cuisine in a captivating setting. From serene gardens to inviting terraces, guests can indulge in vibrant flavors, whether enjoying a leisurely lunch or a cozy dinner surrounded by nature's beauty.

Izakaya Nozomi

Japanese

Ambiance

Nestled within a tranquil garden, Izakaya Nozomi features a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic bite-sized dishes while embracing the surrounding beauty.

Key Offerings

The menu caters to diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, offering a variety of traditional Japanese small plates that encourage sharing and exploration.

Reservation

Reservations are recommended to secure your spot.

Open for lunch and dinner; exact hours may vary.

Location

18 Loewengraben, Lucerne, Switzerland, 6004

Map view

18 Loewengraben, Lucerne, Switzerland, 6004

City landmarks

Bridge

Chapel Bridge

2300 ft

Square

Lion Monument

3700 ft

Event hall

Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre

2300 ft

Landmark

Jesuit Church

2300 ft

Museum

Glacier Garden of Lucerne

3700 ft

Museum

Swiss Museum of Transport

1.5 mi

Museum

The Rosengart Collection

2300 ft

Landmark

Lake Lucerne

2300 ft

Museum

Bourbaki Panorama

3700 ft

Museum

Alpineum

3700 ft

Landmark

Old Town Lucerne

2300 ft

Park

Inseli Park

2300 ft

Church

Church of St. Leodegar

3700 ft

Landmark

LA Collection'Air Art Park at Chateau Guetsch in Lucerne

2500 ft

Mall

Nationalquai

3000 ft

Landmark

St Mark's Church

3200 ft

Nearby

Bridge

Spreuer Bridge

2000 ft

Church

Franciscan Church

2000 ft

Museum

Natur-Museum Luzern

1000 ft

Museum

Modern Art Museum

2000 ft

Public Building

Town Hall

600 ft

Reusssteg 1

Nadelwehr Luzern

800 ft

Museum

Historisches Museum Luzern

900 ft

6004 Lucerne

Museggmauer

2000 ft

Square

Kornmarkt

400 ft

Hertensteinstrasse 30

Matthauskirche

1300 ft

Museggmauer

The Nine Towers

2000 ft

Square

Schwanenplatz

1200 ft

Kapellpl. 1a

Saint Peters Church

1000 ft

Square

Muhlenplatz

500 ft

Restaurants

Twiny

400 ft

Roessligasse 13

Tandoori

300 ft

Loewengraben 4

Manor Restaurant Manora

600 ft

Weggisgasse 5 Top Floor

The Queen Camellia Tea Room

900 ft

Hans-Holbein-Gasse 4

The Queen Camellia Tea House

1000 ft

Kapellplatz 7

Pastarazzi Spezialitaten & Take Away

1700 ft

Hirschengraben 13

Shanghai Asiatische Waren AG

800 ft

Hirschengraben 43 Restaurant Haupteingang durch Bruchstrasse

Apsara

2100 ft

Winkelriedstrasse 11

Macchi

2200 ft

Pilatusstrasse 5

Explore Lucerne

Local Experiences Near Barabas Luzern

Chapel Bridge

9 minutes' walk

Historic wooden bridge adorned with paintings, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into Lucerne's past.

Lion Monument

14 minutes' walk

A poignant sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution, set against a tranquil backdrop.

Lake Lucerne

9 minutes' walk

Scenic lake surrounded by mountains, ideal for leisurely strolls, picnics, or lake cruises.

The Rosengart Collection

9 minutes' walk

Impressive art collection featuring works by Picasso and Swiss artists, in a cozy and inspiring setting.

Hiking Pilatus

25 minutes' drive

Thrilling hiking trails with stunning views; accessible by car, offering options for all skill levels.

Lucerne Wellness Center

5 minutes' walk

Relaxing spa experience with massages, saunas, and wellness treatments located close to the hotel.

Boat Tours on Lake Lucerne

9 minutes' walk

Leisurely boat rides that showcase the lake's beauty; tickets available on-site for various tour options.

Tandoori

1 minute' walk

Casual Indian restaurant known for its flavorful curries and warm atmosphere; vegan options available.

Twiny

2 minutes' walk

Friendly café offering breakfast and light bites with a focus on fresh ingredients and local flavors.

The Queen Camellia Tea Room

4 minutes' walk

Charming tea room with a selection of artisan teas and pastries in a cozy, elegant atmosphere.

Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre

9 minutes' walk

Venue for concerts and cultural events, featuring a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of performances.

Old Town Bars

9 minutes' walk

Eclectic bars with local beers and live music, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Tips on navigating the city

City Centre

Lucerne8 min · 2000 ft

Airports

Kloten Airport (ZRH)101 min · 41.6 mi

Belp Airport (BRN)185 min · 76.6 mi

Train

Lucerne Station6 min · 1700 ft

Bus

Bus stop5 min · 1400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs CHF 13 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, German, Spanish

Number of rooms:

FAQs

About Barabas Luzern

What are the check-in and check-out times at Barabas Luzern?

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.

How far is Barabas Luzern from Zurich Airport?

The hotel is 48 km from Zurich Airport.

What dining options are available at Barabas Luzern?

The hotel features an on-site Japanese restaurant, Izakaya Nozomi, and offers a continental breakfast for an additional charge.

What popular attractions are near Barabas Luzern?

Nearby attractions include Chapel Bridge (0.5 km), Lion Monument (0.5 km), and KKL Culture and Convention Centre (0.5 km).

What amenities are included in the rooms at Barabas Luzern?

Rooms include free Wi-Fi, multi-channel TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and private bathrooms.

What recreational activities can guests enjoy at Barabas Luzern?

Guests can participate in activities such as bike tours, billiards, and enjoy a game room.

What are some restaurants located close to Barabas Luzern?

Nearby restaurants include Twiny, Tandoori, La Bottega del Buongustaio Icilio, Mamma Leone, Restaurant Balances, and Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern, all within 0.5 km.

Does Barabas Luzern offer any unique themed experiences?

The hotel features themed escape rooms and an interactive Gameorama game museum.

What languages do the staff at Barabas Luzern speak?

The staff speaks multiple languages to accommodate a diverse guest demographic.

What additional facilities does Barabas Luzern provide?

The hotel offers luggage storage, 24-hour security, a leisure/TV room, a lift, and express check-in/out.

Is there a smoke-free policy at Barabas Luzern?

Yes, Barabas Luzern enforces a no smoking policy on site.