Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hostel has a 24-hour front desk and an arcade/game room. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and tour/ticket assistance.
Barabas - Hostel offers 60 accommodations with complimentary toiletries and fans. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers. Irons/ironing boards and hair dryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
The hostel offers a restaurant. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. This Lucerne hostel also offers a terrace, an arcade/game room, and tour/ticket assistance.
Barabas - Hostel is a smoke-free property.
Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
Izakaya Nozomi - This restaurant specializes in Japanese cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Reservations are required.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
No onsite parking available
Food and drink
Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: CHF 13 for adults and CHF 13 for children
A restaurant
Restaurants on site
Izakaya Nozomi
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Bicycle tours
Billiards/pool table
Family friendly
Arcade/game room
Conveniences
24-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Guest services
Housekeeping (daily)
Tour and ticket assistance
Outdoors
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Elevator
Hardwood flooring in room
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
More
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Comprehensive food waste policy
Comprehensive recycling policy
Double-glazed windows
Local artist showcase
Local culture and ecosystem education
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
Smoking not allowed
Vegan dining options
Vegetarian breakfast available
Vegetarian dining options
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer (on request)
Private bathroom
Shower
Towels provided
More
Bulk dispensers for toiletries
Desk
Eco-friendly toiletries
Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
Fan
Heating (climate-controlled)
Iron/ironing board on request
Laptop workspace
LED lighting
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
Pets allowed for an extra charge of CHF 10 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A tax is imposed by the city: CHF 2.40 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 16 years of age.
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately CHF 13 for adults and CHF 13 for children
Pet fee: CHF 10 per pet, per night
Service animals are exempt from fees
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Guests traveling with a service animal must contact the property prior to arrival.
We should mention
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Barabas Hostel is in a perfect location , close to transportations, shops and picture opp of the place. I loved it. Well recommended. I would love to stay there again whenever I come back to Luzern..and would recommend to my friends, relatives and to everyone. Great place our dormitory is very spacious .Staffs are very friendly and accommodating. Thank you so much.
Mariam of Alberta, Canada
We had an amazing stay at barabas hotel. The room we stayed in was huge the washroom was pristine.Everything was clean. Room had coffee machine and fridge with soda in them. Lots of storage space.The self check in was not working when we arrived, however they have 24 hr reception and one of the staff members helped us right away. The breakfast was basic . I would highly recommend staying at this location. We really enjoyed our day here and truly appreciate the fact they offer free luggage storage before and after checkout.
Perfect location in the old town, very close to everything and a short walk from the train station. The room could get a bit stuffy but thankfully they provide a fan. I’m not sure what the temperatures would be like during the height of summer but it was fine in September. Bathrooms in the rooms aren’t the most private. Staff were friendly. Would stay again for the price/location.
The property is a fun idea of staying in prison, it is barebones but clean with a really good breakfast. I would recommend Barabas to anyone in Lucerne.
Basic, clean & affordable! Former prison, interesting experience! Easy walk to everywhere. Recommended.
Jane
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Thuy T
Aug 7, 2025
Thuy T
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sharon
Aug 1, 2025
Sharon
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
6/10 Okay
Ronald
Traveled with family
Jul 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was a different experience for the three of us. It felt claustrophobic. Maybe good for only an overnight stay. We had 3 large luggages and it was cumbersome to even open them all at the same time. Space was very limited. No chairs, no tables, no TV. The bathroom door had no handle from the inside so it was difficult to close. Bathroom was clean though.
Some of the rooms used to be prison cells. Pretty cool. Our room seemed very new, simple, but clean. We were able to walk to the train easily. We also walked to the Lion Monument, the Watchtowers, the river and shopping.