Art Deco Hotel Montana

The Art Deco Hotel Montana Lucerne is the epitome of excellence, individuality and joie de vivre. With its very special ambience and highly committed staff, it sets new standards for innovative and progressive hotel management.

The term “art deco” originates from the “Exposition internationale des arts decoratifs et industriels modernes”, an exhibition which took place in Paris in April 1925.

Cubism had a strong influence on the art deco style. Wallpaper, textiles, wood veneer and architectural details were all inspired by cubism. The art deco style does not however rely solely on the purity of form, line and volume, rather also incorporates décor and the stylisation of pictures.

The Art Deco Hotel Montana was opened in 1910 as a “palace” hotel; a time when the change in direction of style had already begun, and art deco style influenced the style of the hotel.

The star architect, Pia Maria Schmid from Zurich, knew how to make the most of the valuable existing building, harmonizing it with the new alterations.

Bold and modern or elegant and extravagant – these variations are all interpreted in a contemporary fashion in our art deco style bedrooms. Many of our guests still love this style even today, precisely because of the purity and simplicity of its design.

History

When the Gotthard railway, with its famous Gotthard tunnel, was opened on June 1st, 1882, nobody in Central Switzerland even had the slightest clue what an enormous impact this invention would have on the tourism industry.

Even so, the construction of hotels in the tourist destination of Lucerne had been one of the most attractive jobs for architects from the middle of the 19th century onwards.

Built in 1909-1910, on the former site of the «Nidlenpalast» (dairy), and designed by the architects Möri & Krebs, in a palatial style, the HOTEL MONTANA was one of the last classical style hotels to be built in Lucerne.

In 1910, the HOTEL MONTANA, in a unique location on the hillside above the Palace Hotel, was opened by the enterprising hotelier Alfred Schrämli (1867-1932); son-in-law of the then owner of the Palace Hotel, Bucher-Durrer.

This, however, took place shortly before the outbreak of the First World War, thus provoking a long and hard depression in the hotel business. At the same time, an electric funicular railway was also built.

This, the shortest funicular railway in the world, in fact continues to bring guests from the lakeside promenade to the hotel lobby in just 60 seconds!

The building has been owned by the «Hotel & Gastro Union» (the Swiss Union Association for Hotel & Restaurant Employees) since 1944. Far-sighted members of the association made the courageous decision to reopen the hotel as a first class establishment.

At the same time, the association’s Swiss School of Hotel Management (SHL) moved into new classrooms in the west wing, and the administration of the «Hotel & Gastro Union» was also proud to take up its new offices on the 1st floor.

The new Swiss School of Hotel Management, located on the hillside just below the hotel, was opened in 1987. Since then, the school and the hotel have been separately run.

In order to fulfill the high standards expected of a 4 Star Hotel, the MONTANA was closed for construction and renovation purposes from 1975 und 1993. The construction of the «Art Deco Hall» in 1993 revived the original style of the building and saw the former summer season hotel open year round with congress and seminar offers.

In 1996, Fritz Erni became director of the ART DECO HOTEL MONTANA. And the passionate hotelier managed Switzerland’s best four-star city hotel with the very same passion, innovative spirit and flair right up until April 2020.

The final part of the renovation (on the 4th and 5th floor) was completed in 2002. The two towers were transformed into breath taking tower suites.

Once this transformation was completed, the next project on the list was the restaurant Scala (this remodeling project was finalized in March 2003). From that moment on the Art Deco Hotel Montana started shining in the art deco style from the hotel entrance to the top of it’s towers.

In spring 2009, renovations and reconstructions were once again realised on the second and third floors; resulting in the redesign of 25 single and double rooms and 6 junior suites all in modern Art Deco style.

And, to date, premium 40-inch LCD TVs, exclusive Bose sound systems, ultra modern iPhones and MP3 players, docking stations and connectivity panels for guest laptops permit a totally private multimedia world in the hotel rooms.

The Art Deco Hotel Montana proudly celebrated it’s hundredth anniversary in 2010. A remarkable occasion accompanied and accentuated by numerous events and festivities. The hotel was also able to report that they had converted six former employee lodging facilities into six luxury penthouse spa suites.

2011 saw the terrace of the Scala Restaurant transformed into an «Outdoor Living Room» – where, since this moment in time, the loveliest views over Lake Lucerne, the mountains and the city of Lucerne itself are enjoyed.

Additionally, the ART DECO HOTEL MONTANA and the Hotel Seeburg agreed to enter a strategic partnership. And the fact that the Louis Bar was awarded the Swiss Bar Award for the Best Longseller Bar in Switzerland both in 2011 and in 2012 also deserves a mention!

Then in 2012, Fritz Erni and his team launched the sexy and successful Spa and the City Package in the Penthouse Spa Suites – a very special girls’ night out in a league of its own. And with the extension of the MONTANA Day Spa in 2013, it well and truly became an oasis of wellbeing ensuring even more blissful moments from head to toe.

Yet another milestone in the history of the hotel took place in 2013 with the opening of the new Hemingway Rum Lounge – offering Switzerland’s most exquisite range of rums and a selective choice of precious cigars. In the framework of the SWISS BAR AWARDS, the Hemingway Rum Lounge was honoured with the Best Bar Menue award in 2014.

Also in 2014, the HOTEL MONTANA once again surprised with its keen sense for trends and the opening of the MONTANA Beach Club. Open during the summer months, here’s the place to live up to that beach feeling, while delighting in delicious drinks and snacks, an outdoor whirlpool and freestanding rainforest shower.

Start-up of the Europe-wide unique MONTANA KitchenClub concept in 2015 is yet another feature to go down in history; with an experience kitchen inviting guests to immerse in the culinary world of the hotel with all their senses. The seminar facilities were expanded in the same year too.

The ART DECO HOTEL MONTANA was rated Switzerland’s best 4-star city hotel each year from 2012 until 2018 in the «SonntagsZeitung» and «Bilanz» hotel ratings.

For the first time our MONTANA Beach Club changed to MONTANA Winter Wonderland over the winter season 2016/2017. The guests enjoy the breathtaking view over wintry Lucerne in the middle of a pine forest and with hot tea warming their hands.

Since Mid of March 2017 the MONTANA presents its new Penthouse Floor. The new Penthouse rooms feature in-room cooking facilities air-conditioning and each executive room has a state of the art bathtub on the outside terrace. The rooms with connecting doors are the ideal rooms for long-staying guests.

A special year 2018: The ART DECO HOTEL MONTANA has been awarded “Switzerland’s hotel of the year 2018/19”, rated by the national renowned hotel rating of SonntagsZeitung. Since March 2018 all rooms at the hotel are air-conditioned.

In 2020, Miriam Böger, former Vice Director, takes over the management and continues to successfully run the hotel with her experience.

Signature Penthouse Spa Suite Lakeside
The Signature Penthouse Spa Suite Lakeside 606 is the most generous suite taking the spa experience to a superlative level. The suite features a whirlpool bathtub inside with views of the city, a jacuzzi on the rooftop terrace, an experience shower with steam cabin and a unique fragrance diffusion system.

The private spa facilities topped by a private infrared sauna with integrated resting area cater for unforgettable moments of indulgence. Due to the spacious layout, the suite is perfectly designed for longer stays.

Penthouse Spa Suite Lakeside

The two Penthouse Spa Suites 603 and 604 spreading across two floors create an uplifting sense of space. Suite 601 offers generous space and fascinating views of the Rigi mountain from the living area. The two Penthouse Spa Suites 603 and 604 spreading across two floors create an uplifting sense of space.

The suites boast a whirlpool bathtub, an experience shower with steam cabin elevated on the gallery and an outdoor Jacuzzi on the private rooftop terrace. The unique “Welt der Düfte” fragrance diffusion concept lends a sensual mood throughout your stay.

Suite 601 offers generous space and fascinating views of the Rigi mountain from the living area. The suite features an indoor whirlpool bathtub with sweeping views allowing your mind to wander far afield.

The Jacuzzi on the rooftop terrace, the experience shower with steam cabin and the innovative fragrance diffusion system create a soothing oasis of refreshing comfort.

Double Room Lakeside

You will enjoy a unique view over the lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. Each room has its own distinct look, evoking a unique appeal. The play of stripes, checks and squares alongside warm hues and distinct patterns creates a fascinating ambiance of comfort.

Some rooms featuring floor tiles in a black and white checkerboard-style pattern and clawfoot tubs are reminiscent of the bathrooms in the famous design hotels that retain elements of their Art Deco heritage. The light-suffused rooms invite you into a sensual ambiance of luxury and pleasure.

Please note that our rooms are individually designed and decorated. The amenities listed above may slightly vary according to Double Room type selected.

Scala Restaurant & Terrace

The MONTANA cuisine incorporates the lightness and sensuous tastes of the South, inspired by the flavours found in the regions of southern Switzerland, as well as in Italy, France and Greece.

Many locals and international hotel guests alike appreciate the art of fine dining at Scala Restaurant. A solid training background enables our restaurant staff to provide a cordial and attentive service.

We offer an eclectic wine list and serve wine by the bottle or by the glass. A visit to the outdoor living room allows the discerning guest to dive into new architectural and gastronomic dimensions. The terrace is open from spring to autumn.

On account of the high quality and strong commitment of our service and kitchen team, headed by our restaurant manager Alexander Szabo, Scala was awarded 15 points by the international Gault&Millau gourmet guide.

Louis Bar

The bar boasts the most precious whisky collection of Central Switzerland with over 130 Classic Malts of Scotland in stock – the perfect location to savour the peaty, pungent smoky taste.

Live Music
From Tuesday to Saturday, jazz and funk & soul fans have the opportunity to fully indulge their passion by listening to piano live music and concerts. Relish the performance of highly gifted musicians and slip into the popular jam session, every Thursday.

During winter months, under the slogan «Good Old(ies) Sunday», you are invited for Sunday evenings of timeless evergreen songs, which will take you on a journey down memory lane.

Hemingway Rum & Cigar Lounge

Follow his tracks and discover the Montana’s Hemingway Rum Lounge. As homage to the great writer, the lounge offers you the largest selection of rums in Switzerland. Enjoy more than 60 rums from Central and South America in a fascinating ambience.

Even aficionados of noble cigars get their money’s worth – after all, the passion for quality cigars is closely associated with the culture of rum. To put it in Hemingway’s words: «It is time for rum; it rekindles our desire to travel.»

Rouse your desire to travel and visit the Hemingway Rum Lounge in the Art Deco Hotel Montana. The Hemingway Rum Lounge is our smoking lounge with the latest air filters installed to continuously remove fine smoke particles from the air.

MONTANA Beach Club

You will not be exactly at the Cote D’Azur, but the sun, sand and the palm trees will make it seem almost feel like it. The new lounges, cushions, seating arrangements and umbrellas are just an invitation to stay.

Enjoy refreshing drinks, light snacks and the breathtaking view of the ocean – oh no, stop right there – Lake Lucerne and the mountains of Central Switzerland. Be prepared for all sort of refreshments, not just our mixed cocktails or «Married in a Bottle drinks» – enjoy a dip into our whirlpool or the rainsforest shower.

Winter Garden Grill

Here in the comfortable and cozy warmth you can enjoy the new highlight – the MONTANA Winter Grill. It’s not only the magnificent view that captures the imagination, but the culinary offering too.

Use your own individual grill plate to cook your juicy steak, tender lamb or delicate veal – guaranteed to get every meat-lover salivating. There is also no shortage of fresh fish, grilled cheese and crisp vegetables.

You’ll also find yourself seduced by the selection of fresh salads, antipasti and side dishes. This evening of indulgence is rounded up with a delicious dessert.

Weddings

The MONTANA team incorporates all their professonial know how and provides helpful tips to ensure that your wedding will go as smooth as planned. We also offer a wide range of ideas and activities for your entertainment program.

It is very important for us to give personal advice and assistance in order to help you organise your wedding ceremony. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the hotel’s ambience. We would like to show you the various settings to serve as the perfect backdrop for a truly memorable event.

Your seminar at a fantastic location
From small and spontaneous meetings to large seminars with up to 160 participants. At our property, you will find practically designed seminar rooms with an inspiring atmosphere. Our boardrooms are ideally suited for smaller meetings and workshops.

The Art Deco Room can be adapted flexibly to your individual seminar requirements. Our facilities can be divided depending on the size of your event. All seminar rooms have one thing in common: They are practically designed, air-conditioned and are located in an enriching environment.

Explore Mount Rigi
A very special experience with the first mountain railway in Europe. The rack railway from Vitznau starts directly on the shore of Lake Lucerne. With a stopover in Rigi Kaltbad it goes directly to Rigi Kulm. From Rigi Kaltbad there is a connection to the cable car to Weggis.

Mountain experience close to the city
Mount Pilatus, Lucerne’s “own” mountain which reaches a height of 2,128 metres above sea level, provides a breath-taking view over Lake Lucerne and central Switzerland.

The mountain itself and it’s surroundings offer a whole range of both summer and winter activities: Hiking, climbing, biking, concerts, eating, history… An experience in itself: Starting from Alpnach you can take the world’s steepest cog railway with an incline of 48 percent and reach the peak in 30 minutes.

City tours in Lucerne
Get to know the city of Lucerne in a rather special way. Lucerne’s hidden corners, bustling alleys and historic buildings form the perfect setting for a city tour.

Whether on your own or in a group. The tour will introduce you to world-famous sights such as the Chapel Bridge, the Jesuit Church, the Musegg Wall, Lion Monument and the Lucerne Cultural and Congress Centre.

Sunset cruise
A boat trip on Lake Lucerne is simply part of a stay in Lucerne. There is a suitable tour for everyone: whether a round trip by steamer to the turquoise blue Urner Lake or in the Lucerne lake basin with the old town in the background. From scheduled boat trips to unique culinary cruises, everything is included.

Culture and Congress Center Lucerne
A visit to the Culture and Congress Center Lucerne should not be missing from your art program. The MONTANA and the KKL have always had an intimate connection – after all, the architect Jean Nouvel slept in room 513 while he was drawing the first sketches of the new concert hall with the best view.

In addition, the KKL offers public tours for everyone: Take a look behind the scenes of the KKL on one of the unique tours. Learn more about Jean Nouvel’s architecture and Russell Johnson’s acoustics. Experience the play of water and light up close and be fascinated.

Museum Rosengart Collection
Unforgettable encounters with great works of art. In the Museum Rosengart Collection in the heart of Lucerne you can marvel at magnificent works of art. Enjoy the collection with works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee and 23 other artists of Impressionism and Classic Modernism.

Your Golf excursion
The 9-hole course Par 37, with a total length of 3050 meters, has been open since August 2017. It has already won the first awards, such as the one for the best “9 hole golf course in Switzerland”.

At the same time, Meggen Golf Course has a driving range (with 12 covered tees, 14 open mat tees and grass tees) and the pitching area with a uniquely beautiful view of the city of Lucerne, Lake Lucerne and the mountains.

Grand Casino Lucerne
The Grand Casino Lucerne is only a 1-minute ride on the hotel’s own funicular and a few steps away from the MONTANA. You can play roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat or one of the numerous slot machines in a beautiful atmosphere.

Website: www.hotel-montana.ch

Rooms: 62

Price: from 221 EUR per night