Trip report - Park Hotel Vitznau - Deluxe Residence (Lake view) - Bordeaux

View of the Park Hotel Vitznau from the ferry to Lucerne

There are hotels that offer luxury, and then there are hotels that are the destination. The Park Hotel Vitznau, a historic castle nestled on the serene shores of Switzerland's Lake Lucerne, falls firmly into the latter category. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this isn’t just a place to sleep, but a world-class experience to be savored. Our recent stay was nothing short of magical, and it set a new benchmark for what hospitality can be.

During our recent trip to Switzerland, my wife and I were fortunate enough to stay at the Park Hotel Vitznau, a 5-star luxury hotel located on Lake Lucerne. Its located about 25km from the city of Lucerne and 55km from Zurich making it very accessible to Switzerland travelers.

The stay was booked through the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts program, a perk of the Platinum Card. This gave us the following perks:

• Noon check-in, when available

• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available

• Daily breakfast for two

• $100 credit towards eligible charges

• Guaranteed 4pm check-out

• The Amex Platinum card also gives a benefit of a $600 hotel credit ($300 each half of the year)

We took advantage of the daily breakfast and utilized the credit towards our dinner at Focus Atelier, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant (more on that to come!). We booked a deluxe residence, which is the hotel's highest room category, so an upgrade wasn't possible.

Now onto the show-stopper of the stay, our suite. We booked the Deluxe Lake-view Residence category. Each room/suite in the hotel is completely different and named. The full list of Junior suites, suites, and residences, can be found on the hotel's site here. Immediately after booking, I reached out to the hotel and requested either the "Bordeaux" or "Château d'Yquem" residence, as these two are on the 2nd floor and each have the largest balconies of any suite.

And I must say, the balcony offered a breathtaking, panoramic vista of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. Mornings were spent with coffee in hand, watching the light dance across the water, and evenings concluded with a glass of wine as the alpine glow faded from the peaks. It was more than a balcony; it was a private box seat for one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.

Stepping into the suite felt like entering a private, modern sanctuary. The design was impeccable, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless comfort. I'll let the walk-through video speak for itself.

With a location this stunning, the hotel’s dining could easily rest on its laurels. Instead, it aims for perfection. We had the pleasure of dining at focus ATELIER, the hotel’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, and it was an unforgettable culinary journey.

The service was flawless—attentive yet unobtrusive. There was no issue catering to my wife's allergies or seafood aversion. It wasn't just a meal; it was culinary theater.

Rounding out the experience is the hotel's spectacular spa. The heated infinity pool, which seems to merge seamlessly with the lake beyond it, is the definition of relaxation. Swimming while surrounded by the epic scale of the Alps is a core memory from our trip. The spa facilities are state-of-the-art, offering a peaceful escape to recharge and de-stress. Any spa with an aquarium wall and an ice cave has got to be top-notch.

The Park Hotel Vitznau is an investment, but it delivers an experience that far exceeds its price tag. It is a harmonious blend of natural beauty, architectural grandeur, culinary excellence, and flawless service. It’s a place for a special occasion, a romantic getaway, or for anyone who appreciates the very finest in life. We left feeling not just rested, but truly inspired.