BARABAS LUZERN | Cheap Hotel in Lucerne | Book & Save

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Key details

About the Hotel

18 Loewengraben, Lucerne, Switzerland, 6004

Close to Lake Lucerne

Great

8.0

8.7

/10

4.0

4.1

Loved by Barabas Luzern Hotel guests

Clean rooms
Comfortable beds
Friendly staff
Convenient location

"Sleeping bhiend bars .special experience!!!!"

Michal from Israel

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"This hotel was so cool! It used to be a jail."

Jessica from United States

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"I was a bit apprehensive when I booked the Barajas, but amused as well seeing how it's a former prison."

Rob M from United States

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Accommodations

Barabas Luzern offers 60 distinct cells with varying capacities, catering to different group sizes. Guests can choose from single, double, triple, and family rooms, with private bathrooms available in select options. Multi-bed rooms with shared bathrooms are also available, providing flexible lodging for groups and travelers.

Dining

The hotel houses a Japanese restaurant, Izakaya Nozomi, featuring a selection of smaller dishes to encourage sharing among guests. Breakfast is available for a surcharge of CHF 9.50, including homemade muesli and regional cheese. This culinary experience complements guests' stays with ample choices.

Location

Barabas Luzern is located just 700 meters from Lucerne railway station, a convenient 10-minute walk for arriving guests. Situated in the old town, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions. The scenic Seebrücke bridge leads visitors directly to the hotel, enhancing its accessibility.

Unique Experience

As Switzerland's first jailhouse hotel, Barabas Luzern provides a distinct experience with its historic roots as a former prison. Guests can stay overnight in fully renovated cells that echo the building's past while offering modern comforts. The hotel's library, featuring a collection of detective novels, adds to the immersive experience.

Entertainment

The hotel offers a unique escape room experience designed with intricate puzzles for guests to solve. Additionally, admissions to attractions like Gamorama are included in selected stay packages. Guided tours of the hotel provide insights into its fascinating history.

Highlights

Accommodations: 60 cells with varying capacities

Dining: Japanese restaurant Izakaya Nozomi

Location: 700 meters from Lucerne railway station

Unique Experience: first jailhouse hotel

Entertainment: escape room experience

“The idea of a former prison turned hotel certainly piques curiosity, and its walkable location to both the city center and the lake is a real advantage. Breakfast seems to be a highlight, and while the rooms might be compact, they appear well-maintained. If you're open to it, the on-site Japanese restaurant may be worth exploring.”

Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Room FeaturesUnique Stay

Sleeping in a former prison cell was an adventure! Some original cell doors remain, adding character to the experience.

Jake from Canada

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Parking was across the river. Not super close, but it's a great option if you're exploring the old town.

Tony from United States

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DiningVaried Breakfast

The breakfast had many options! It was a full meal to start the day.

Megan from Australia

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BedroomComfort Defined

The beds were very comfortable. I slept soundly every night!

David from United Kingdom

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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

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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Room rates & availability calendar

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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

Facilities: Very good

7.7/10Review 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

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

Barabas Luzern offers a delightful tapestry of dining experiences, blending cultural nuances and seasonal offerings. Guests can savor authentic Japanese flavors at Izakaya Nozomi, while also enjoying a hearty breakfast featuring homemade muesli and local cheeses, all amidst serene outdoor settings.

Izakaya Nozomi

Japanese

Ambiance

A cozy setting that embraces traditional Japanese aesthetics, enhancing the dining experience with an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Key Offerings

Highlights include an extensive selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring all guests can indulge in the rich flavors of Japanese cuisine.

Reservation

Recommended due to the popular nature of the restaurant.

Open for lunch and dinner; specific hours may vary.

Barabas Luzern Hotel 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

Chapel Bridge

9 minutes walking

Iconic 870-year-old wooden bridge showcasing stunning paintings and beautiful views of the river.

Lion Monument

14 minutes walking

Famous sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who died in 1792, it captivates with its emotional artistry.

Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre

9 minutes walking

Architectural gem hosting concerts and events, offering fantastic views of the surrounding lake and mountains.

Lake Lucerne

9 minutes walking

Picturesque lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for boat trips and scenic walks along its shores.

Hiking at Pilatus

10 minutes driving

Thrilling hiking trails with breathtaking views, easily accessible from Lucerne by cable car or train.

Yoga at Natur-Museum Luzern

5 minutes walking

Relaxing yoga classes available in a serene setting, ideal for wellness seekers looking to unwind.

Twiny

2 minutes walking

Trendy café serving organic dishes, known for its fresh salads and gluten-free options.

Tandoori

1 minute walking

Authentic Indian cuisine with vibrant flavors, offering vegetarian and vegan dishes, perfect for spice lovers.

The Rosengart Collection

9 minutes walking

Art museum featuring works from Picasso and Swiss artists, offering a serene environment for art enthusiasts.

Live Jazz Night at The Queen Camellia Tea House

4 minutes walking

Charming venue hosting regular jazz nights, creating a cozy atmosphere for music lovers and casual gatherings.

Getting around town

City Centre

Lucerne8 min · 2000 ft

Airports

Kloten (ZRH)102 min · 42.1 mi

Belp (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

Wireless 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:

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Barabas Luzern offers a unique experience in a converted prison, centrally located within a short walk from the train station and the famous bridge. The hotel features a spacious kitchen and a pleasant backyard, with a Japanese restaurant annexed for dining, and is conveniently situated near other eateries like the delicious Indian restaurant next door.

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Review score

Based on 1565 verified reviews

7.9/10

Very good

82%

Recommend

Location

9.3/10

Staff

9.2/10

Facilities

7.7/10

Value for money

7.9/10

Pros

Good location

Clean place

Comfy beds

Good breakfast

Helpful staff

Cons

Small rooms

Hot rooms

No space

Tiny garbage can

Ron from United States

Single

Standard Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 18, 2026

6/10

Basic but Centrally Located

small roompoor ventilation

The room was quite small, resembling a real prison cell. There was very little ventilation, so I had to keep the window open even when it rained (that's a problem). A small fan was available, but it was not sufficient for circulating fresh air. This made the room stuffy and somewhat uncomfortable.

0 Helpful

Jessie from Canada

Single

Standard Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 04, 2026

9.5/10

Nice Stay with Excellent Service!

central locationticket discountclean roomfree wifi

The location was very central, near supermarkets and restaurants. I was able to purchase tickets for the excursion to Mount Pilatus directly at the hotel reception with a 10% discount. The bed was comfortable, and the room was very clean. Free Wi-Fi was available.

The street noise was loud at all hours, impacting the room's tranquility slightly.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel offers discounted tickets to local attractions. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel, which supports seamless connectivity for all guests.

Rooms

10/10

My room featured a comfortable bed and adequate space. The room was very clean, which gave me peace of mind during my entire stay.

0 Helpful

Emerson from United States

Single

Standard Double or Twin Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed:January 06, 2026

9.0/10

Excellent location and super clean facilities

key attractionseasy accessluggage roomconvenient storage

The location allowed easy access to the train station and key city attractions. I could walk to the lion monument and watchtowers easily. I also found the luggage room especially useful. I stored my bags there after checkout. It was convenient since i explored the city more.

The room felt a bit small for two people sharing a double bed.

Dining

8/10

The breakfast offered a buffet with a satisfying variety. Its quality matched that of a more expensive hotel I visited the next day. It was AMAZING!!!

Service

10/10

The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. They provided assistance with various requests. The check-in and check-out process were very smooth.

Facilities

9/10

This made moving luggage much easier. The building's unusual decoration includes historical elements from its time as a prison.

Rooms

9/10

The room and bathroom were spacious and clean. The beds and pillows were comfortable. While simple, the room had all the essentials i needed .

0 Helpful

Robert from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 20, 2025

9/10

charging stationscentral locationwell kept bathroom

The location is super central! I could walk practically everywhere. The beds were solid and included charging stations. The bathroom was a little small. I did find it well-kept.

The room was small, so there wasn't much space for luggage

0 Helpful

Ella from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 02, 2025

7/10

great locationclean roomcold roomslittle facilities

The staff were AMAZING!!! Heidi was really good. She checked in on the things she helped me plan. The location was GREAT, warm, and clean.

The rooms were cold. I stayed in the winter and the facilities were very little. I had to go to the reception to borrow the hairdryer.

0 Helpful

ryan from canada

Single

standard double or twin room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 18, 2025

7/10

clean roomcomfortable bedcentral locationlow sinkpoor ventilationsmall fan

the room was very clean. i appreciated the comfortable bed after long days of exploring. the location proved quite central, convenient for reaching many sites on foot.

the sink was quite low, requiring a lot of bending to use, uncomfortable. i found the ventilation lacking within the room. it became particularly challenging when the weather was warmer, despite having a small fan.

0 Helpful

FAQs

About Barabas Luzern

What is the distance between Barabas Luzern and Zurich Airport?

Barabas Luzern is located 48 km from Zurich Airport.

How far is Barabas Luzern from the Chapel Bridge?

Barabas Luzern is a 3-minute walk from Chapel Bridge.

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

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

Is there on-site dining available at Barabas Luzern?

Barabas Luzern features an on-site Japanese restaurant called Izakaya Nozomi.

Which nearby restaurants can guests find close to Barabas Luzern?

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

What amenities are available in the rooms at Barabas Luzern?

Rooms at Barabas Luzern include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a multi-channel TV.

Is parking available at Barabas Luzern?

The Altstadt multi-storey car park is located to the left of the Geissmatt Bridge for parking options.

What recreational activities are offered at Barabas Luzern?

Guests can enjoy bike tours, billiards, escape rooms, and a game room at Barabas Luzern.

What breakfast options are available at Barabas Luzern?

A continental breakfast, including homemade muesli, is available each morning for an additional charge of 13 CHF.