Barabas Luzern, Lucerne ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

18 Loewengraben, Lucerne, Switzerland, 6004

In the Old Town

Great

8.0

8.7

/10

4.0

4.1

Loved by Barabas Luzern Hotel guests

Helpful staff
Comfortable beds
Daily cleaning services
Perfect location
Authentic Swiss

"This is a special place, despite it once being a prison, the atmosphere is light and fun."

Madeleine from Switzerland

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"Such a unique idea! We stayed three nights in the middle of May, and the location was perfect!"

Rob M from United States

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"Love that they had different artifacts and history throughout each floor! Staff was very friendly and helpful!"

Ingrid from United States

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Rooms

Barabas Luzern offers a range of accommodations, from single and double cells to multi-bed rooms with shared bathrooms. Each room category includes private bathrooms, with options for families and larger groups. Superior cells include the artist Barabas's former cell, perfect for a themed stay.

Dining

The hotel features an on-site Japanese restaurant, Izakaya Nozomi, where guests can enjoy various smaller dishes inspired by traditional Japanese pub fare. Breakfast is available, offering homemade muesli, regional cheese, and fragrant coffee. Guests can also visit the souvenir shop for unique products to take home.

Entertainment

Barabas Luzern provides fun experiences such as an Escape Room designed with intricate puzzles and scenarios. The hotel partners with Loop Tours for electric cargo bike tours in Lucerne. Additionally, guests can enjoy the interactive Gameorama game museum for an engaging day out.

Location

Located just 700 meters from Lucerne railway station, Barabas provides easy access to the city's main attractions. The hotel is situated in the old town, providing a central spot for exploring local sights and cultural landmarks. Guests can reach the hotel on foot within ten minutes, offering convenience for travelers.

Unique Experience

As Switzerland's first jailhouse hotel, Barabas Luzern offers a distinctive experience that reflects its historical past as a former prison. Guests can now enjoy comfortable accommodations within the renovated building, which retains unique attributes from its earlier life. Tours of the hotel allow guests to learn about the intriguing history of the site.

Highlights

Location: 700m from Lucerne railway station

Rooms: single, double and family rooms

Dining: Izakaya Nozomi

Entertainment: Escape Room

Unique Experience: Switzerland's first jailhouse hotel

“Barabas Luzern certainly offers a unique stay; the converted prison provides a glimpse into local history, complete with museum artifacts. Its central location is a real advantage for exploring Lucerne, and I appreciate that they provide a good breakfast. A memorable and well-priced choice in Switzerland.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

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Select your room type

Barabas Luzern Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special 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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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Barabas Luzern Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

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 invites guests to indulge in a delightful culinary journey, featuring authentic Japanese flavors at Izakaya Nozomi, and a sumptuous breakfast featuring homemade specialties. Guests can enjoy a charming terrace and a serene garden, setting the stage for memorable dining experiences.

Izakaya Nozomi

Japanese

Ambiance

The cozy setting of Izakaya Nozomi combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for both casual lunches and intimate dinners.

Key Offerings

Featuring vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, Izakaya Nozomi delights with an array of dishes emphasizing pure, authentic flavors, allowing guests to explore diverse culinary traditions.

Reservation

Reservations recommended.

Open for lunch and dinner.

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

Explore Your Surroundings

Chapel Bridge

9 minutes' walk

Iconic wooden bridge known for its unique architecture and historic paintings, perfect for picturesque walks.

Lion Monument

14 minutes' walk

Famous rock relief commemorating Swiss Guards, notable for its impressive craftsmanship and poignant history.

Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre

9 minutes' walk

Cultural hub hosting concerts, exhibitions, and events with stunning architecture along the Lake Lucerne shore.

The Rosengart Collection

9 minutes' walk

Art museum featuring works by Picasso and other masters, offering a rich cultural experience in a serene setting.

Pilatus Hiking

3.2 km

Thrilling outdoor experience with hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the Alps; suited for all skill levels.

Wellness Spa Retreat

1 km

Relaxing spa offering massages and wellness treatments; an ideal escape from the busy city, booking may be required.

Tandoori

1 minute' walk

Enjoy flavorful Indian cuisine in a cozy setting, known for its tandoori specialties and vegetarian options.

Twiny

2 minutes' walk

Trendy spot serving delicious seasonal dishes; a vibrant atmosphere with gourmet sandwiches and craft drinks.

Manor Restaurant Manora

3 minutes' walk

Laid-back dining experience featuring Swiss specialties; offers a great selection of fresh, local ingredients.

Lucerne Festival

0.7 km

Renowned classical music festival held annually, featuring world-class performances in an elegant atmospheric setting.

Blue Bar

0.7 km

Stylish nightlife venue with live DJ sets; perfect for a lively night out with friends after exploring the city.

Getting around

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

Feedback about Barabas Luzern Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Barabas Luzern offers a unique experience in the heart of Lucerne, with guests appreciating its central location near Lucerne Station and a short walk to the city center's shops and restaurants. Staying in a former prison, some find the rooms small, but generally, guests find the original cell doors and overall quirky concept appealing. The hotel also provides access to a shared kitchen with basic utensils and a nice backyard; plus, some rooms feature convenient amenities like a Nespresso machine and a selection of teas.

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Review score

Based on 1556 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

Comfortable beds

Free luggage storage

Complete self check-in

Cons

Small rooms

Flat pillows

No hairdryer

Kenneth from United Kingdom

Single

Superior Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 30, 2025

6/10

adequate stay

dining roomfree usehelpful staffgreat advicelate check-inbonuslimited luggagespaceno tvno aircramped roomsmall size

The staff offered great advice on logistics. I checked in very late and it was not a problem. The breakout dining room facility was free to use and a NICE addition.

The room had no air conditioning and no tv. Two people cannot stand side by side. It felt CRAMPED. Luggage space was very limited.

0 Helpful

Jackie from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double or Twin Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed:November 07, 2025

8.5/10

Unique Hotel Stay

cell doorshotel lockdirty floor

The original prison cell doors are intact. A modern hotel lock was added. The beds were comfortable. The added bathroom was beyond adequate.

The floor was dirty when we arrived. Our white socks became dirty. I had to mop the floor.

Dining

9/10

There are several good eateries within a very short walk. I ate at several of them. The historic wall is a reasonable walk away, as is the train station and shopping area.

Rooms

8/10

My room was basic but clean. The bed was comfortable. I appreciated the fridge and coffee machine in the room. The area is on a pedestrian street so it is very quiet.

0 Helpful

Elliot from United Kingdom

Single

standard double or twin room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:August 10, 2025

8/10

central locationprison remnantssimple kitchen

the location is central. i could still see remnants of the prison in the interior. a simple kitchen is available .

my room lacked basic amenities such as a kettle

0 Helpful

Henry from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double or Twin Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:July 20, 2025

7/10

luggage storagecoffee machinequiet streetsink locationmissing blanketwindow location

The staff allowed me to drop off my luggage prior to check-in. The room had a fridge and coffee machine, I found that convenient. The location is on a pedestrian street, this made it very quiet.

The sink was outside the bathroom so I had to step out to wash. There were no single blanket sheets, only duvets, even though it was hot. The only window was very far up so no air flowed in..

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Barabas Luzern

Is there a facility to store luggage for a few hours after checking out, especially when I have some time before my departure from Lucerne?

20 November 2024

Luggage storage is available free of charge both before check-in and after check-out, allowing guests to explore the city without their bags.

Can guests find hairdryers in their rooms, or are they available for use at the hotel?

15 January 2025

Hairdryers are not located in the rooms, but they can be borrowed from the reception upon request.

Are dormitory accommodations exclusively mixed, or are there options available for women?

10 February 2025

There is one women's dormitory, while the majority of dorms are mixed.

Is there a laundry service at the hotel, or can you suggest nearby options for washing clothes?

5 March 2025

The hotel does not provide laundry services, but there is a self-service laundry facility named LaundryLuzern located conveniently close by.

What are the closest parking options available for visitors, since the hotel doesn't provide its own parking?

22 April 2025

Due to the hotel's location in the old town, there are no on-site parking spaces. The nearest parking garages are Parkhaus Altstadt and Parkhaus Kesselturm.

Are there any complimentary public transport passes provided for guests, and are there special offers for mountain excursions?

30 May 2025

Every guest receives a visitor card valid for public transport and discounts on mountain railroads, along with optional special passes like the Tell Pass.

Are bed linens and towels provided for guests, or should visitors bring their own?

18 June 2025

Bed linens, bath towels, and soap are included in the room rate, so there's no need to bring personal linens.

If I arrive later in the evening, can I still check in after the main reception hours?

12 July 2025

Check-in is allowed until 23:00 at the on-site restaurant, and arrangements can be made for key retrieval from a key safe if arriving later.

Is access to a kitchen available for guests staying in dormitory accommodations?

25 August 2025

Only guests in the dormitory have access to the shared kitchen facilities.

How long does it typically take to walk from the nearby train station to the hotel?

12 September 2025

The hotel is approximately 700 meters from the train station, which takes about a 10-minute walk.

Is there a possibility of bicycle storage for guests traveling with their bikes?

18 October 2025

Bicycle storage is available for 1 to 3 bikes in the luggage room.

What are the breakfast hours, and can I still grab a meal even if I have to leave early?

29 November 2024

Breakfast is served from 07:00 to 10:30, so there is a chance to grab a meal before an early departure.

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