Barabas Luzern – Family Hotel in Lucerne | From 174€/Night

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Key details

About the Hotel

18 Loewengraben, Lucerne, 6004

In the Old Town

Very good

7.9

8.7

/10

4.0

4.2

Loved by Barabas Luzern 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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Sleep in a preserved prison cell 3 minutes from Chapel Bridge

Accommodations

Barabas Luzern offers small rooms with private bathroom, each originally a prison cell preserved in the form from when the building was a prison. Renovated in 2018, these former cells retain the original heavy wooden doors and high-barred windows. Rooms are non-smoking and include heating, key card access, and daily housekeeping.

On-Site Amenities

The hotel operates a games room with billiards and board games, plus a garden with outdoor furniture and a sun terrace. Bike tours can be arranged from the property, and a shared lounge/TV area is available for guests. The building has a lift and designated smoking areas.

Dining

A continental breakfast with kid-friendly buffet and special diet menus is served each morning at the property. The on-site restaurant offers additional dining options, and guests can request packed lunches or use the shared kitchen. Breakfast is served in a room that also functions as a common area.

Location

Barabas Luzern is a 3-minute walk from Chapel Bridge and a 10-minute walk from Glacier Garden Lucerne. The hotel is 900 metres from Grand Casino Lucerne and 48 km from Zurich Airport. Public transport tickets are available at the tour desk, making it easy to explore the city.

Services & Safety

The hotel provides 24-hour security with fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and key card access on all floors. Express check-in/check-out and a luggage storage room are available for guests arriving early or leaving late. The tour desk can assist with public transport tickets and local excursions.

Highlights

Rooms: Former prison cells preserved in original form

Location: 3-minute walk from Chapel Bridge

Dining: Continental breakfast with kid-friendly buffet

Services: Free luggage storage and public transport tickets

Amenities: Games room, garden, and bike tours

“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

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

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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

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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
30 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Heating
room details
Bed 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
2 persons
30 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Heating
room details
Standard Double or Twin Room
2 persons
11 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details

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Availability and pricing for your selected dates

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September 2026 - September 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

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

Facilities: Very good

7.6/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
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

Guest Parking

No parking available.

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.

Barabas Luzern Location

18 Loewengraben, Lucerne, 6004

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
Lucerne 8 min · 2000 ft
Airports
Kloten (ZRH) 102 min · 42.1 mi
Belp (BRN) 185 min · 76.6 mi
Train
Lucerne Station 6 min · 1700 ft
Bus
Bus stop 5 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

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs CHF 13.0 per person.

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:

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review score

Based on 1648 verified reviews

8.0 /10

Great

82 %

Recommend

Breakfast

7.7/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Comfort

8.0/10

Facilities

7.6/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.9/10

Location

9.3/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.8/10

Staff

9.1/10

Value for money

7.8/10

Pros

Good location

Helpful personnel

Self check-in

Cleanliness maintained

Kitchen available

Cons

Small rooms

Hot rooms

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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.