Fodor's Expert Review Grand Hotel National Luzern

This monumental landmark, founded in 1870, was once home base to Cesar Ritz, the man who invented the world's first modern luxury hotel. It is no surprise, then, that the inner sanctums of this lodging trumpet an ornate splendor, down to the last cupola, crown molding, and Corinthian column. The hotel's mansarded facade stretches the length of two city blocks, dominating the lakeside promenade. Brass, marble, and inlaid wood accent the high-ceilinged Empire-style guest rooms, and the domed bar is decked with mahogany and aglitter with crystal.