If you should find yourself in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, you may be tempted to make a spontaneous stopover in Lugano for a few hours, if not for a few days. Perched by an alpine lake of the same name, it’s a surprisingly beautiful city and well worth a visit, even if Geneva or Milan were more on your radar.
Lugano is often confused with Locarno. Both are picturesque Swiss towns in Ticino on one of Switerland’s 10 largest lakes. Lugano is more extensive and livelier, with a population of around 60,000, while Locarno weighs only 16,000. But Locorno is on Lake Maggiore, which tops Lake Lugano from 210.12 to 48.67 sq km.
Lugano is busier than Locarno, with no shortage of things to do. Some highlights of the city you won’t want to miss are the parks and cathedrals, the Belinzona Castles, and a funicular ride up to Monte Bre.
Shopping, restaurants, and hotels are also plentiful in Laguna. So if you decide to spend more than a few hours in Laguno, look no further than this list of the best hotels in Lugano, Switzerland.
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Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
Stay in the former home of Russian nobility at the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola. Converted into a hotel in 1885, this impressive structure sits right on the shores of Lake Lugano and inside its very own subtropical park.
You’ll be within walking distance of the Old Town, near the pier, bus stops, and the funicular to Monte Brè. You’ll have a host of shopping and dining options steps away. But with two onsite restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, a clay tennis court, a private beach, and a lakeside terrace, you’ll be just as happy to remain on the property.
All 72 rooms and suites at Villa Castagnola are fabulously decorated in their own unique style. All of them are south-facing with balconies or terraces and views of the lake or the tropical park. The rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel, including free Wi-Fi.
Villa Principe Leopoldo
A stay at the Villa Principe Leopoldo is the closest you can get to living in a fairytale. The former home of a prince, this magnificent hotel is also in one of Switzerland’s most stunning settings—atop a rocky promontory called Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), privy to locals with a stunning secret sunrise view and the city’s thousands of lights at twilight.
Villa Principe Leopoldo became a prestigious hotel in 1986 after serving as the private residence for a family of nobility. In keeping with the ambiance, guests are treated like royalty with 5-star services and surprises such as helicopter arrivals, limousine transports, and personal shoppers.
Choose from 37 enormous suites with exquisite furnishings and marble finishes. Room amenities include Wi-Fi, cable TV, satellite radio, a safe, a writing desk, a minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine, separate toilets, and a bathroom with a shower and garden tub.
The Villa Leopoldo also has luxurious onsite amenities, including an exclusive restaurant and spa & wellness center. Free, private onsite and garage parking for an additional fee is offered. There is a charging station for electric vehicles and Teslas.
LUGANODANTE
LUGANODANTE is a modern 4-star hotel located in Lugano’s historical center, a 5-minute walk from Lake Lugano. It’s in the pedestrian-only area of Piazza Cioccaro, near lots of shopping, dining, and nightlife. The parking garage is down the street, just around the corner. It’s a one-minute by funicular from the train station, a 5-minute walk from LAC and Palazzo dei Congressi, and a 15-minute walk from the University of Lugano. The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa, 64 km away.
The hotel’s is designed to offer guests a unique experience. It’s based on the principle of hybrid hospitality with a lobby that mimics an urban lounge and an inviting green area with a relaxing garden. The front desk is open 24/7, with English, German, French, and Spanish services rendered. A continental breakfast (Italian or vegetarian) is served on the property each morning.
Room sizes range from Basic, suitable for one guest, to Family Room for four. Other room choices accommodate 2-3 guests. All the rooms have a private bath, a desk, a safe, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar stocked with free soft drinks.
Hotel Splendide Royal
Stay in a palace from the late 19th century at the Hotel Splendide Royal. This 5-star hotel with Old World charm is located directly on Lugano’s lakeside main street. Parking is available in the garage or on the grounds. Walking along the lake for just a few minutes will take you to all the shopping and dining in the city’s center.
The Splendid Royal is known for its excellent cuisine and staff that provide guests with meticulous care. Most of the time, over half of the guests are repeat visitors. The executive chef of the hotel’s onsite restaurant has received one Michelin star and 16 Gault et Millau points.
Other onsite amenities include the Lifestyle Spa with a pool, saunas, steam baths, a gym, and a sun terrace. The Belle Epoque bar serves international hors d’oeuvres, snacks, aperitifs, and cocktails until late at night.
Room and suite choices at the Splendide Royal range from Superior Rooms to Signature Suites. Superior Rooms accommodate two guests with a king bed, in-room safe, deluxe toiletries, and master-controlled heating and lighting. Signature Suites have a king bed, an Italian marble bath, and a terrace.
Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano
Hotel Pestalozzi is located in the heart of Lugano, less than 200 meters from the shores of Lake Lugano. The city park, the nature museum, and boat trips to Malcantone or Monte San Giorgio are just steps away. The hotel has been renovated with careful attention to architectural details. The rates offered are among the most attractive in this part of town.
Room choices include Modern, Superior, and Classic, allowing you to book double, single, or family accommodations. All are air-conditioned, newly renovated, and practically furnished. They’re equipped with a flat-screen TV, a safe, a bathroom with a shower, toilet, and hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Pestalozzi has an onsite restaurant that serves delicious Swiss and Ticino dishes, Italian specialties, and vegetarian options. The front desk is open 24/7 and offers a laundry service for guests.
Hotel International au Lac
Family-operated since 1906 with special recognition by UNESCO, the 3-star Hotel International au Lac is located on Lake Lugano and next to the Lugano Arts & Culture Center. The Old Town, shopping, and dining are a short walk away. The property has a swimming pool and a lovely garden for guests.
The hotel offers up to 12 room choices, making it easy to customize your stay. Panoramic rooms have breathtaking views, and even rooms are available for disabled guests. The rooms have been renovated and updated with quality furnishings. They all have private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, radios, and safes.
Onsite amenities you’ll enjoy include a lobby bar, game room, tour desk, and private parking.
The View Lugano
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Stay in a boutique hotel that looks like a giant yacht. At The View Lugano, you’ll feel as if you have set sail across the lake with floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere in the hotel. The View’s modern suites are in Lugano-Paradiso, a short walk from the lake and the Monte San Salvatore Park.
Choose from 16 Junior Suites and two larger suites, each with its own private balcony. All rooms are air-conditioned, have free Wi-Fi, and all the amenities you would expect from a luxury boutique hotel.
The hotel has a Michelin-starred onsite al la carte restaurant and a hearty breakfast is served each morning. You’ll also enjoy a wellness center with a sauna, a hammam, a fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool.
Parking is available on-site for a fee. The Laguna train station is 2.4 km away.
Novotel Lugano Paradiso
This 4-star hotel is just 200 meters from Lake Lugano and 5 minutes by bus to the town center. The hotel is both family-friendly and business-friendly. A heated outdoor pool on the property is open from May to September, and guests use four fully equipped conference rooms with the latest technology.
The sound-proof rooms are elegantly decorated and air-conditioned. Each has a sitting area, TV, Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer.
Enjoy Mediterranean food at the onsite restaurant and have drinks on the terrace.
Hotel Gabbani
Located in the center of Lugano‘s Piazza Cioccaro Square, Hotel Gabbani is near the train station, Cicico Park, and the shores of Lake Lugano. The Medditeranian-style building houses rooms that are contemporary and stylishly designed with surprise elements like small staircases or bathtubs by the bed. Warm oak furnishing, Danish armchairs, and marble-illuminated elements give the rooms a pleasing ambiance.
Hotel Gabbani’s rooms range from Standard Rooms to Suites and two Suite Apartments with kitchens. All of them are air-conditioned and have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and all the amenities for a comfortable stay.
You’ll find the restaurant Gabbani and bar on the ground floor with an à la carte gourmet menu. On the top floor is the Ikobani restaurant, serving Japanese specialties and drinks you can enjoy on the rooftop terrace.
Hotel De La Paix
Hotel De La Paix (Hotel of Peace) is near Lake Lugano and 1 km from the train station and center. The property has 2 restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool.
The rooms at Hotel De La Paix are soundproofed, air-conditioned, comfortable, and well-appointed. Room options are available in several sizes to meet your needs. They accommodate 2, 3, or 4 guests with a mix of bedding that includes queen beds, twin beds, and sofa beds. All rooms have a private bath. Amenities you’ll enjoy include a satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a tea & coffee maker, and a minibar. Lake-view rooms and rooms with balconies are available.
Hotel De La Paix has an onsite restaurant that serves Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.
Hotel Lido Seegarten
This 4-star family-operated hotel is right on the shores of Lake Lugano and a 10-minute walk from the city center. It’s 1.5 km from the train station and 5 km from Lugano-Agno Airport. All rooms at Hotel Lido Seegarten are air-conditioned and have lake or mountain views. Each has a sitting area, a minibar, a flat-screen smart TV with cable channels, free Wi-Fi, and a private bath.
You’ll enjoy direct access to the lake and a sunny, south-facing outdoor pool during your stay. Parasols, lounge chairs, bathrobes, towels, and bar service are available. Guests also have access to an onsite gym with panoramic views.
Dine on delicious and healthy Mediterranean cuisine in the Rialto Restaurant or the La Terrazza Restaurant. You’ll also enjoy an onsite bar with a terrace overlooking the lake.
Bigatt Hotel & Restaurant
The Bigatt Hotel & Restaurant is about 2.7 km from the Lugano Exhibition Center. Nearby points of interest include the Lugano Art Museum, the Art & Culture Center, and Monte San Salvatore. Besides the popular restaurant, this 3-star hotel features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a garden, and a terrace.
Room choices range from Single Rooms to Double Rooms. All of them have private baths, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Double Rooms have sitting areas with comfortable armchairs, coffee tables, and writing desks. Choose from a lake view, partial lake view, and garden view. A two-story, two-bedroom apartment for up to five guests is also available.
The Hotel’s Locanda del Bigatt restaurant makes this hotel worth booking. Dishes are prepared with fresh seasonal produce from their own organic gardens and orchards. Local wines and beers are served.
Map of Hotels in Lugano
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Lugano, Switzerland?
Plan on spending at least three days in Lugano if you wan to fully take in all that this stunning Mediterranean part of Switzerland has to offer.
Which neighborhoods in Lugano offer the best places to stay?
You’ll find the best places to stay in these Lugano neighborhoods: Lugano Centro, Lugano Paradiso, and the Castagnola and Ruvigliana.
Is Lugano worth visiting?
With the perfect blend of Italy and Switzerland, Lugano is worth a visit. With mouth-watering Italian restaurants, Mediterranean weather and a stunning lake, you can’t go wrong.
