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Lucerne
Barabas Luzern
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75 photos
Barabas Luzern Hotel Exterior photoBarabas Luzern Hotel Exterior photoBarabas Luzern Hotel Exterior photo
Reserve directly with us
up to 10% cheaper
than with Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From73US$ /night
Check-in
09May2026Select date
Check-out
10May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

18 Loewengraben, Lucerne, Switzerland, 6004
-
Next to the Old Town
Great
8.0
8.7
/10
4.0
4.1
/5

Loved by Barabas Luzern Hotel guests

  • Convenient location
  • Friendly staff
  • Clean rooms
  • Comfortable beds
"Loved the way they have kept the facilities like a jail."
Jean from Australia
read full review
"Such a unique idea! Walking distance to most of the city and especially to the lake."
Rob M from United States
read full review
"The place is clean, well decorated, the beds were comfty."
Joyce from Bahrain
read full review

Accommodations

Barabas Luzern offers 60 unique jail-themed cells, including single, double, and family rooms. Guests can choose from rooms with private bathrooms or multi-bed configurations with shared facilities. The hotel's standout accommodation is the former artist Barabas's cell, which showcases his artwork and unique history.

Dining

The hotel includes the Japanese Izakaya Nozomi restaurant, serving a variety of smaller dishes intended for communal sharing. Breakfast is available for a surcharge, featuring homemade muesli, regional cheese, and gourmet coffee. The on-site souvenir shop offers guests a chance to take home unique memorabilia.

Location

Barabas Luzern is situated just 700 meters from the Lucerne railway station, making it easily accessible on foot. The central location allows guests to explore the old town and it's rich history. The hotel is within a short walking distance to various local attractions.

Entertainment

The hotel offers guests the opportunity to experience the Escape Room, featuring intricate puzzles designed for interactive fun. Gameorama, an interactive game museum, is also closely situated, providing entertainment for all ages. Guests may also engage in planned activities like Foxtrail scavenger hunts throughout Lucerne.

Special Features

Barabas Luzern is recognized as Switzerland's first jailhouse hotel, offering a distinctive lodging experience within a rehabilitated prison. Guests can enjoy organized tours that delve into the building's history, led by knowledgeable guides. Access to the hotel is facilitated through SwissPass, which doubles as a room key.

Highlights

Location: 700 meters from Lucerne railway station

Rooms: 60 cells with shared and private bathrooms

Dining: Japanese Izakaya Nozomi restaurant

Entertainment: Escape Room and Gameorama

Special: Switzerland's first jailhouse hotel

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll the beautiful Chapel Bridge at sunset for stunning views.
  • Savor Luzerner Chügelipastete at Restaurant Schwanen, a local dish.
  • Take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne for a picturesque mountain backdrop.
  • Visit the Rosengart Collection for modern art and beautiful sculptures.
  • Catch a performance at the historic Culture and Congress Centre Luzern.
View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Bed 6-Bed Dormitory Room
Bed 6-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Heating
room details
Bed 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
Bed 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Heating
room details
Standard Double or Twin Room
Standard Double or Twin Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
room details
Triple Room
Triple Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet 
2 Bunk beds
Shower
Heating
room details
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
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
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Dining Onsite

Barabas Luzern offers an enticing culinary adventure with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and diverse flavors. Guests can enjoy a vibrant Japanese dining experience alongside a complimentary breakfast featuring homemade muesli and fragrant coffee, all set within a charming terrace and garden ambiance.
Barabas Luzern Hotel Restaurant photo
Barabas Luzern Hotel Restaurant photo

Izakaya Nozomi

Japanese
Ambiance
A cozy space that embodies the warmth of traditional Japanese aesthetics, ideal for both casual lunches and intimate dinners.
Key Offerings
Savor mindful meal options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, perfect for a range of dietary preferences.
Reservation
Recommended to guarantee seating.
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 Lucerne's Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Chapel Bridge
9 minutes' walk
Iconic wooden bridge with charming paintings, offering scenic views of the Reuss River and historic surroundings.
Lion Monument
14 minutes' walk
A poignant sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and a serene setting.
Lake Lucerne
9 minutes' walk
Stunning lake bordered by mountains, perfect for boat rides, picnicking, or leisurely strolls along the promenade.
The Rosengart Collection
9 minutes' walk
Art museum featuring works by Picasso and Swiss artists, offering a unique cultural experience in the heart of Lucerne.
Pilatus Hiking
25 minutes driving
Scenic trails with varying difficulty levels, ideal for hikers of all skill sets; accessible via public transport.
Lake Cruises
9 minutes' walk
Relaxing boat tours with beautiful lake views, perfect for solo travelers or couples. Tickets available at the docks.
Biosphaere Entlebuch
14 minutes driving
Nature reserve offering outdoor adventures like hiking; a great getaway for families and thrill-seekers.
Wellness Spa
10 minutes driving
Spa services including massages and yoga sessions; perfect for relaxation after exploring the city.
Twiny
2 minutes' walk
Charming café offering Swiss specialties, known for its fresh ingredients and cozy ambiance. Vegetarian options available.
The Queen Camellia Tea Room
4 minutes' walk
Elegant tea room serving an array of fine teas, pastries, and light meals; perfect for afternoon relaxation.
Tandoori
1 minute walking
Authentic Indian cuisine with rich flavors and a vibrant atmosphere. Great options for vegetarian diners.
Manor Restaurant Manora
3 minutes' walk
Casual yet elegant dining with a diverse menu; known for fresh, local ingredients and inviting environment.
Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre
9 minutes' walk
Venue for concerts and events; hosts various performances, including classical music and local festivals.
Bourbaki Panorama
14 minutes' walk
Engaging art and cultural venue with a panoramic circular painting; great for families seeking educational activities.
Local Bars
10 minutes driving
Vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars; ideal for enjoying live music and mingling with locals.
Theater Lucerne
14 minutes' walk
Historic theater showcasing plays, operas, and cultural performances; check the schedule for family-friendly shows.
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
Unlock Early-Bird Deals
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Check Rates
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:
83

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Barabas Luzern offers a unique stay in a converted prison, with many guests finding the experience interesting. Its central location provides easy access to the train station and major attractions, typically just a short walk away, and puts you close to nice places to eat. The rooms are generally clean and comfortable, though some guests have noted that they can be small. You can also find souvenirs and chocolates at the Co-op supermarket opposite the hotel.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 1567 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
Great location
Friendly staff
Extremely clean
Fun stay
Well-equipped kitchen
Cons
Room cramped
Smoking in garden
Guest reviews
based on 1567 reviews
7.9/10
based on 3620 reviews
8.0/10
Jessie from Canada
Couple
Standard Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 24, 2026
9.0/10

Great Historical Stay

good locationfriendly staffinteresting historygood value
The location is really good and quite close to the train station. That was really convenient. I found the staff to be friendly and helpful . The hotel has a unique history, and I found the historical details interesting. The value for money was quite good!
The sink was located inside the room. It allowed water to splash on the floor.
Facilities
9/10
The supermarket across the street provided easy access to snacks and essentials, a major plus. The ability to borrow an electric adapter added convenience for international travelers like myself. These amenities certainly enhanced my stay.
Rooms
8/10
The rooms maintained the feel of a prison cell. It added character. The prison history certainly made it nice. The rooms were very clean. I appreciated this attention to detail and care.
Location
10/10
The hotel is near the train station. I could easily walk. Attractions and restaurants were also very close. This location offered easy access to many things.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Mark from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 01, 2026
9.0/10

Comfortable Stay Near City Center

central locationgood breakfaststreet noise
The hotel's location allowed easy access to the city center. The staff were helpful with directions. My room was clean and well maintained. The breakfast included a good variety of options.
Street noise was noticeable throughout the night. I had difficulty sleeping.
Location
9/10
The hotel is situated close to the city center, offering convenient access to shops and restaurants. It is approximately a 10-minute walk to the train station. The location provided easy exploration of key attractions.
Rooms
8/10
The room included a comfortable bed and a private bathroom. The provided towels were clean and fresh. The simple decor created a functional space.
Service
10/10
The reception staff was helpful with local information. Check-in was quick and efficient. The hotel provided complimentary bus tickets for travel within the city.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Emerson from United States
Single
Standard Double or Twin Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:October 25, 2025
9.0/10

central location and tidy rooms!

central locationtidy roomcomfortable bedsfriendly staff
the location was very central, i walked to everything. the room was tidy and clean upon arrival. the beds provided were really comfortable. the staff was friendly and helpful with directions.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast area was very clean and well-organized. the coffee machine was easy to use. several tables offered comfortable seating . It was quite pleasant.
Service
10/10
The staff offered warm hospitality and were very friendly. check-in and check-out were efficient and easy. they promptly addressed my questions. I appreciated that.
Facilities
8/10
A simple kitchen is available staying in dorms. this includes basic appliances and utensils. the overall ambiance has a very cool aesthetic. It's quite unique.
Rooms
9/10
the room was very clean and well kept. the beds were comfortable with fresh linens provided. the bathroom included all necessary toiletries. a hairdryer.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Joshua from United Kingdom
Single
standard double or twin room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 29, 2025
7/10
clean linengood locationsmall roomsmissing sheets
the staff was nice. the location was quite good, close to the train station. the bed linen was clean too. i did not had the breakfast however.
the sink were inside the room, this make water able to go on the floor. the rooms are very small, old prison rooms. there was no single blanket sheets. there was no windows we could open.
0 Helpful
lily from united kingdom
Family with children
standard double or twin room
2 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:September 15, 2025
6/10
friendly staffnoisy fanpoor quality cushions
the staff were friendly, and sightseeing information was available.
the room was far too hot. an old fan made a lot of noise. neither i nor my children could rest as a result. the cushions were of poor quality and the beds creaked with every movement.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Barabas Luzern
Is there a facility available for storing my luggage after check-out, especially if I want to explore Lucerne for a few hours?
12 January 2024
Luggage storage is available free of charge, allowing guests to store their bags after check-out and prior to check-in.
Are hair dryers provided in the rooms, or can I borrow one during my stay?
20 February 2024
Hair dryers are not included in the rooms, but they can be borrowed from the reception desk.
Is the dormitory accommodation exclusively for mixed groups, or are there single-gender options available?
10 March 2024
A women's dormitory is available, while the majority of dormitories are mixed-gender.
What options do travelers have for laundry services near the hotel?
22 April 2024
On-site laundry service is not available; however, a self-service laundry facility named Laundryluzern is located nearby.
Can I find convenient parking options nearby, since the hotel doesn't have its own parking space?
15 May 2024
Parking is not available at the hotel, but guests can use nearby parking garages like Parkhaus Altstadt or Parkhaus Kesselturm.
Is a complimentary public transport pass offered to guests, and do you have information about mountain excursions?
18 June 2024
Guests receive a complimentary visitor card, which covers public transport in the city and includes discounts for various mountain excursions.
Do guests need to bring their own bedding, or is it provided?
12 July 2024
Bed linens and towels are provided, so there is no need to bring your own.
Is there an option to check in later in the night, for instance, around midnight?
24 August 2024
Check-in until midnight is possible with advance notice, and room keys can be prepared in a key safe for late arrivals.
Is access to a kitchen available for guests staying in dormitories?
30 September 2024
Kitchen access is exclusively available for guests booked in the dormitory accommodations.
How far is the nearest train station from the hotel, and what's the walking time?
22 October 2024
The nearest train station is approximately 700 meters away, which is around a 10-minute walk.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
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