Art Deco Hotel Montana
Excellent food, impeccable service, and Lucerne's best view summarize the Art Deco Hotel Montana - an oasis only a few minutes away from one of Switzerland's (in my opinion) prettiest cities.
62 rooms, covering 4 and 5 stars categories, two bars - the Hemingway and Louis Bars - and a Gault & Millau Restaurant with a Terrace, all in a building of the year 1910, open year-around.
The offer doesn't stop there. In summer, they have a Beach Club (I'm yet to discover it next year ;)). The Kitchen is one of the biggest I've encountered so far- mimicking the concept of a ship, where on the Ground Floor, big screens act as a dashboard for the Service team to keep track of the orders coming in and the movements in the Kitchen. An escalator connects the upper part, where the service works at full pace, with the Kitchen in the lower level, where the magic of the dishes is performed. The hard work, dedication, and full passion for the work continue there.
Guests can ask to visit the Kitchen or even book a table at the Kitchen Club - a long table next to the Kitchen, allowing visitors to have lunch or dinner while experiencing the cooking buzz live. It is also possible to only have an aperitif at the counter and proceed for a nice dinner at the restaurant.
The food at the Scala Restaurant, part of the Gault & Millau collection, is constantly created by Chef Johan Breedijk and his team. Johan has been at Montana for various years already, and the quality never ceased. He continuously brings innovation to his plates, always creating something new for all kinds of guests. Vegetarians, vegans, flexitarians, meat-eaters, pescatarians, returning customers, and/or new explorers of this high-end experience will find something in the Menu. If you're into good food, you won't be disappointed. It is a place to savour, stay hours enjoying, and not only consume food but experience it fully.
The high ceiling ambience with big windows facing the lake and the mountains surrounding Lucerne and the friendliness and politeness of the service team enhance the visit even further. Depending on the day you go, live music will accompany you throughout dinner.
The room where dinner takes place is also where the breakfast is served in the mornings, with great style. Everything you can imagine - fresh juices, fresh fruits, muesli, warm options, a high range of tea selection, bread of all kinds, salmon, and the choice of asking any egg variation you wish - with or without add ons. It's like a Sunday brunch feeling every day.
The Scala Restaurant is also open for lunch, or there is always also the option of choosing room service - a small menu is available all day long. It can be requested virtually through the iPad available in all rooms. If you feel like staying more in and enjoying the calmness of the room, it is always a good bet. Suppose you reserve a room with Terrasse and the breathtaking view of the lake and the city, even more. Some of the rooms even have a private Jacuzzi on the balcony so that you can truly relax and give yourself a treat. Room service twice a day to ensure you have everything you need, high-quality amenities, and the attention to detail makes you feel spoiled.
During winter, in the weekend evenings, you can also choose to dine in their Winter Grill. The Terrasse is transformed into a super relaxed environment, where a buffet is set, and each table has its little grill to prepare your food combination as you wish. Customers pay one fixed price and can indulge in all the options the buffet offers - all kinds of meat, fish, vegetables, sauces, a variety of salads, and other side dishes and garnishment to round up.
In the evenings, before or after dinner, the Louis Bar will keep you entertained and guarantee a fun evening. From Tuesday to Saturday, live music and every Thursday, Jazz sessions are on, and on Sundays, DJ Michael Richter guarantees the best oldies played on vinyl disks in the Good Oldies Sundays. Visitors ask him their desired nostalgia songs and dance along when it plays. A fun and lively environment with individuals of all ages - you will find anything between the 30s to 60s+, a mix of couples, groups of friends, solos, visitors and locals.
The Louis Bar is famous for its extensive selection of the best whiskies - "(it) 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". If you are not a whisky drinker, don't worry, the drink's Menu is big enough for everyone - with or without alcohol.
Next to the Louis Bar, you will also find Montana's second bar - Hemingway Lounge. The hotspot for smokers and Rum appreciators. With a range of 60 different worldwide rums and various cigar options to purchase.
Spending time in the bars and dining in high style at the Scala, one feels like in another epoch. The timeless, stylish ambiences transport you to a parallel world, making Montana not only a place to sleep but to embrace a unique experience in various senses.
Grateful for the entire team; that made my stay a special one. I was welcomed with open arms; everyone was always extremely kind, supportive and thoughtful. I am already looking forward to visiting this gem soon again.
