Hotel Sempachersee

There’s more going on in the Swiss countryside than mountain lodges and traditional Alpine chalets. Just outside of Lucerne is Lake Sempach, a lovely, tranquil place with decidedly less drama than the mountainous Lake Lucerne. And by its shores is the equally lovely, tranquil Hotel Sempachersee. Here, between the gently rolling hills of the farmland and the glassy waters of the lake, is an impressive piece of contemporary architecture and design, a monument in glass and cedar and a first-rate, extremely well-outfitted modern luxury hotel.

A 2017 renovation leaves it looking absolutely state-of-the-art, while high ceilings and enormous windows bring the views of the lake inside, as well as generous amounts of natural light. You’ll notice there’s plenty of horizontal space as well, and there’s a reason for that: the Hotel Sempachersee is connected with the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation, and is as dedicated to accessibility as any hotel we’ve seen.

This means every single one of its 150 rooms and suites is accessible, in addition to being modern, comfortable, and more stylish than you’d perhaps ordinarily expect. Three restaurants and two bars serve accomplished international fare and a long list of cocktails and wines. And from here the Alps and the stunning Lake Lucerne are close at hand.