Hotel Lucerna: A Luxury Stay for Business or Pleasure in Sonora, Mexico

Hermosillo, Mexico, isn’t at the top of most travelers’ South of the Border dream destinations. But this bustling city — the capital of the state of Sonora and one of Mexico’s richest per capita — sees an above-average share of American visitors. One reason is that the city is home to numerous manufacturing facilities, including one of the largest and best Ford assembly plants. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, a great place to stay is the Hotel Lucerna.

Hotel Lucerna and Hermosillo

For those who might not know, Lucerna is a Mexican hotel brand with locations in northern Mexico. In addition to Hermosillo, the brand has properties in Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada, and Juárez. Its southernmost location is in Caliacán, about 650 miles south of Nogales, Arizona, in the state of Sinaloa. Hermosillo is about 180 miles due south of Nogales. The brand is not affiliated with the Lucerne Hotel in New York City.

The Lucerna Hermosillo sits on a main boulevard about 5 minutes from the city center and the University of Sonora. It’s within easy walking distance of all of your travel needs, including a Starbucks, OXXO convenience store, and Walmart. But even if you never leave the property, you’re sure to be well taken care of. Guests range from business travelers to wedding parties dressed in their finest attire to young families enjoying a weekend in the city.

Rooms at Hotel Lucerna

The hotel offers 130 guest rooms, varying in size from 323-square-foot double queen and one king rooms to a 624-square-foot master suite. I stayed here on two separate occasions, each time in a standard room with a single king bed, and both rooms were identical in design. The color scheme is minimalistic, with beige walls, light wood flooring, a beige area rug, and dark wood furnishings. A chartreuse wingback chair and a midcentury-inspired stone-top side table add a subtle pop of color and texture. Photos on the hotel’s website show that some rooms feature blue accents instead of green.

Just off the entryway is the bathroom. The vanity is open to the room and includes plenty of counter space for all your toiletries. The shower and toilet are in a separate room. From my experience, the showers are walk-in — no tub — with rain head shower systems.

While spacious, the rooms are simple, without excessive decoration. However, they do feature all the comforts and quality of a top-notch American chain. The beds are comfortable and topped with plush linens. And all rooms include free wi-fi, a coffee maker, mini fridge, safe, ironing board and iron, and a large flat-screen TV.

Sleep and Play

The Hotel Lucerna is more than just a place to sleep. It offers several facilities to make your stay more enjoyable. There’s a large fitness center that has multiple cardio machines, including bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals. There are also free weights and weight machines. Or, if getting outdoors is more your thing, there’s a sparkling pool, with plush lounge chairs and even outdoor beds.

When it comes to dining options, you won’t be disappointed. On the ground floor, across from the lobby, is Restaurant Acueducto, which offers a diverse menu of Mexican cuisine and regional specialties. The hotel also has a cozy lounge, complete with a fully stocked bar, large-screen TVs on the wall, and plenty of intimate seating arrangements. A full American buffet breakfast is available for an additional fee. And room service is available 24 hours.

If You Go

For all of its modern luxuries and amenities, the Hotel Lucerna is reasonably priced. Rooms start at about $99 per night, and parking is free. While booking sites note that pets are not allowed, I did see a dog in the lobby, so if you’re planning on traveling with Fido, call ahead to verify the hotel’s policies.   

Check rates for Hotel Lucerna online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.

While Hermosillo isn’t a top tourist destination for Americans, it’s a great base point for exploring the Sonoran region. Take an overnight trip to the popular beach town of Puerto Peñasco or the more rural Kino Bay. I suggest booking a culinary tour while in Hermosillo. The city is known for its food scene, and it’s the birthplace of the famous Sonoran hot dog.