The Art Deco Hotel Montana Luzern is perched on a hill in a beautiful building from 1910 with stucco and stone detailing and wrought-iron balconies. The yellow rectangular hotel cuts a pretty figure against its similarly hued neighboring buildings and surrounding stone walls. Inside, decor is high-end and chic, with classic Art-Deco flourishes. Mosaic-tiled floors meet yellow and white walls with beautiful molded details, while parquet-wood furniture and plush, patterned upholstered armchairs pair together for a lively look. The decor isn't modern, but it's certainly well-kept and has vintage charm. The hotel's restaurants and bars follow the style of the hotel as a whole, with classy details and more Art Deco touches. The Louis Lounge is a real standout, with wood walls, elegant wooden armchairs finished with patterned upholstery, and chandelier lights. The rooftop Beach Club bar is a popular seasonal spot and offers exceptional views of the lake and mountains. With amenities aimed at relaxation, this is a hotspot for well-heeled leisure travelers, tourists, and couples.

The Montana is situated in a charming hilltop spot overlooking Lucerne Lake, about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town (Altstadt) and the popular Kapellbrücke covered bridge (Chapel Bridge). Guests can also walk to Lion Monument (12 minutes), KKL—Culture and Convention Center (20 minutes), and the Sammlung Rosengart museum (20 minutes). The hilltop spot offers impressive views, and the hike up and down can be avoided with a dedicated funicular, which picks guests up at the bottom of the hill at a spot directly across from The Palace Hotel. A bus stops near the funicular and can take guests to the train station, Old Town, and other city sights. It's a 50-minute drive to Zurich Airport, and the hotel offers airport transfers for an extra fee. On-site parking is available at the base of the hill, also for a fee.

Guest rooms at this upscale hotel are individually decorated, but tend to be simple and stylish with Art Deco-inspired touches. Patterned upholstered chairs, light-wood furniture, sometimes with striped or parquet detailing, and the occasional chrome accent combine in elegant fashion. Walls are white, ceilings may be molded, and some of the upgraded rooms feature stunning, patterned parquet floors. Bathrooms vary vastly from room to room, but all have modern amenities, many with separate showers and clawfoot tubs. They include slippers, hairdryers, and free individual toiletries -- not to mention yellow rubber ducks.

The entry-level Single Rooms are small (140 to 215 square feet) and feature the most simple decor, though with some of the same stylish flourishes as in other rooms. Flat-screen LCD TVs, Bose sound systems, and free Wi-Fi come standard. Rooms also have coffee/tea facilities and stocked minibars. The six Penthouse Spa Suites can be truly luxurious, with more ornate decor and added amenities like Nespresso coffeemakers, hot tubs, or rooftop terraces. 

There is no air-conditioning, and noise can travel from the bar or outdoors especially with the windows opened. Past guests suggest choosing a room with a view of the lake -- some of the room views really are spectacular. All rooms also have balconies, which only amplifies the fantastic scenery. 

The hotel's features are geared toward leisure travelers. There are multiple classy restaurants and bars, including the Scala Restaurant with indoor and outdoor terrace views and the seasonal Montana Beach Club, a rooftop bar with cabanas, exceptional views, and a hot tub. The Hemingway Rum Lounge is a stylish spot with parquet floors and more than 60 different rums for sale, in addition to a cigar menu. The Louis Bar has a large whiskey menu and live jazz, funk, soul, and piano music throughout the week. The hotel serves an extensive buffet breakfast -- guests generally find it satisfying, but the extra fee is pricey. Room service is available during limited hours. 

The Montana has a small spa as well offering a wide range of beauty treatments and massages, but there's no fitness center or pool. A trio of meeting rooms are available for events, and the largest fits up to 120 people. The hotel offers room service during limited hours, concierge service, and laundry/dry cleaning. Parking is available at the base of the hill and airport transfers can be arranged, with fees. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and pets are allowed, for a fee. Be aware that the hotel does not have air-conditioning.