10 of the Best Hotels in Lugano
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When it comes to hotels, Lugano, the vibrant city in Switzerland’s south, has something to suit everyone. In this guide, we share 10 of the best hotels in Lugano ranging from 3 star to 5 star properties.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a couple’s getaway, or are looking to splurge with a stay at one of the Lugano luxury hotels, look no further.
Let us help you to find the perfect hotel in Lugano, Switzerland for your visit.
Summary of the best hotels in Lugano covered in this guide
5 star Hotels in Lugano
The 5 star hotels in Lugano are some of the best you will find in Switzerland. You can expect character-packed buildings, sophisticated and elegant decor coupled with a central location and stunning views.
Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano
If you are looking for luxury hotels in Lugano, the Splendide Royal Lugano should be at the top of your list. You will feel as if you are staying in a palace at this 5 star hotel.
Set in a historic 19th century building on Lugano’s lakeside main street, the hotel is 500 metres from Lugano rail station.
This highly rated hotel is one of the best hotels Lugano has to offer solo travellers, couples and small families.
Rooms:
Elegantly decorated rooms and suites combine classic style with modern comforts. Accommodation includes a range of room categories overlooking either Lake Lugano or the hotel’s peaceful park, with selected rooms and suites featuring terraces or balconies.
Room amenities include free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe and private marble bathroom with either a bath or shower. Some categories also offer additional living space and panoramic lake views.
The hotel also offers larger suites, some of which can accommodate up to four guests. As room configurations and capacities vary, it is best to check the individual room category when booking.
Breakfast is included with selected rates and packages, so this should be confirmed when making a reservation.
Amenities:
Hotel Splendide Royal has two restaurants. I Due Sud offers fine dining and currently holds one Michelin star, while La Veranda serves Mediterranean cuisine with local and seasonal influences.
Guests can also enjoy the Splendide Lifestyle Spa, which includes an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, relaxation areas and a fitness centre. The hotel also has a bar, private parking and room service.
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service between Lugano railway station and the hotel on request and subject to availability. Private transfers to airports can also be arranged.
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
Searching for a hotel in Lugano Switzerland which offers privacy and seclusion? The elegant Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola will provide it.
Set on the shores of Lake Lugano, Hotel Castagnola Lugano is a 30 minute walk to the central rail station but there’s a bus stop right out the front.
The family friendly hotel has a long history; it was once a privately owned home which was converted to a hotel in 1885. It is one of the most sophisticated hotels Lugano has to offer couple and families
Rooms:
Stylish and individually decorated rooms and suites combine classic elegance with modern comforts. Accommodation overlooks the hotel’s subtropical park and/or Lake Lugano, and many rooms feature a private balcony, terrace or porch.
Room amenities include free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, kettle and coffee maker. Bathrooms vary by room category and feature either a shower or bathtub.
A range of larger suites and junior suites is also available, offering additional living space. Some suites are particularly well suited to families or groups and can accommodate up to four or more guests.
Amenities:
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola offers an indoor swimming pool, wellness area, fitness facilities and a clay tennis court set within its park-like grounds. Guests can also enjoy access to the hotel’s private Lido Club on Lake Lugano.
The hotel has three restaurants, offering a range of dining experiences including Mediterranean cuisine and fine dining, as well as a bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Parking is available on site for an additional charge. Family-friendly facilities are also available, including a children’s play area, while extra beds and other services may be available depending on the room category.
A continental buffet breakfast is served at the hotel and may be included depending on the rate booked.
4 star Hotels in Lugano
Some of the best hotels in Lugano for facilities, character and location are 4 star rated hotels.
The hotels range from traditional to modern properties so you will be able to find something that fits your preferences.
Hotel Lido Seegarten
The family run Hotel Lido Seegarten has it all – a wow factor lakeside location, a swimming pool and comfortable facilities with a highly rated customer service.
It is a 10 minute walk from Lugano centre and 25 minutes from Stazione Lugano and there’s a bus stop just a few metres from the hotel.
It is the best hotel in Lugano for easy access to the lake.
I have personally stayed at Hotel Lido Seegarten and loved it. The location is fantastic, we enjoyed delicious meals at the hotel restaurant each evening and the staff are friendly and helpful. Highly recommended!
Rooms:
Spacious, classic style ensuite rooms have a large double bed, a table and chair, desk, minibar, TV and a safe. Each room has either mountain or lake views.
Extra beds are available for children or adults for an additional charge and all room rates include breakfast.
Amenities:
Hotel Lido Lugano has an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the lake plus direct lake access.
The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a terrace and a gym.
Luganodante
If you prefer the sleek lines of a modern hotel, the Luganodante is for you.
This 4 star hotel is located in Piazza Cioccaro, just three minutes on foot from the lake. It is a 10 minute walk to Stazione di Lugano (the central rail station) or you can catch a funicular from the station directly to the hotel.
The hotel will suit all travellers and offers value-for-money single rooms for solo travellers.
Note that this hotel is sometimes known by locals as Hotel Dante Lugano or Hotel Lugano Dante.
Rooms:
Stylish and modern rooms feature contemporary furnishings, a desk, flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, free WiFi and a minibar stocked with complimentary soft drinks. Bathroom facilities vary by room category and include a shower or, in selected rooms, a bathtub.
Room types range from compact Basic Rooms for solo travellers to Double Plus and Premium Rooms for up to two guests. Larger suites offer additional space, while Family Rooms can accommodate up to four people and may consist of one larger room or, subject to availability, two connecting rooms.
Amenities:
The hotel is home to Flamel Bistrot & Lounge, serving a range of dishes and drinks in a stylish setting. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and guests can also use the hotel’s private, 24-hour supervised garage. Electric vehicle charging is available subject to availability and an additional charge.
Guests staying at LUGANODANTE receive a complimentary Ticino Ticket, which provides free travel on public transport throughout the region as well as discounts on selected attractions and experiences.
Breakfast is included with most room rates, although some Room Only rates are also available, so it is best to check the conditions of the selected rate when booking.
Hotel Walter au Lac
The charming yellow facade Hotel Walter au Lac is located on the promenade near the pedestrianised centre of Lugano.
Everything you need is within walking distance including the rail station which is only 12 minutes away on foot.
Rooms:
Air-conditioned rooms offer views of Lake Lugano and feature a TV, minibar, safe, kettle and free WiFi. Bathrooms include either a bath or shower.
Accommodation ranges from cosy single and double rooms to larger family rooms and suites. Selected room categories feature a private balcony or terrace with seating and beautiful lake views.
The spacious two-bedroom suite offers a separate living area and can accommodate up to six guests, making it a good option for families or groups.
A buffet breakfast is served in the hotel’s panoramic breakfast room overlooking Lake Lugano. Breakfast is included with selected room rates, so it is best to check the conditions when booking.
Amenities:
Hotel Walter au Lac has a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi and a breakfast room with panoramic lake views.
One of the highlights is the panoramic terrace on the fifth floor, where guests can relax and enjoy views across Lake Lugano and the surrounding city. Sun loungers, towels and a shower are available during the warmer months.
Parking is available at nearby public car parks, around 250 metres from the hotel, with exit tickets available from reception.
Hotel de la Paix Lugano
The pink Hotel de la Paix Lugano is situated in a multi-storey 18th-century building near Lake Lugano.
It is a 20 minute walk from the city centre and the main train station whilst Paradiso train station is 10 minutes on foot.
For hotels in Lugano Switzerland – a popular and expensive tourist destination – this hotel is excellent value for money.
Rooms:
Air conditioned classic style rooms have double or single beds, a desk, kettle, a soft chair and a free minibar. The compact ensuite has an over bath shower. Breakfast is included in most room rates.
Some rooms have balconies with seating and lake views and the family rooms at the Hotel de la Paix sleep three.
Amenities:
There is a bar, two restaurants serving international and Italian menus and a garden. There is also a good sized seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a sun terrace. Free WiFi and parking is available.
Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa
The elegant Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa is surrounded by pretty gardens and offers stunning views of Lake Lugano and the mountains.
It is a 15 minute walk from the city centre and 700 metres from the central train station.
Villa Sassa is a versatile hotel offering rooms for all budgets and group sizes. It is ideal for couples, families or large hard to please multi-generational groups.
Rooms:
Standard rooms feature a double bed, a table and chair, a small desk, kettle and minibar. The ensuite features a bath and a walk in shower. Wall art adds a homely touch and most rooms have mountain or lake views.
The extra cost of a deluxe or premium room will be worth the extra space. These huge rooms have a good sized balcony with seating and a separate living area.
The best rooms are the enormous and luxurious Grand Suites. The light filled Penthouse has a kitchenette with an oven, stove and fridge.
Amenities:
The hotel has two swimming pools (including an indoor heated pool) and a spa with a hot tub and sauna. There is a gym, a restaurant and a bar. Free WiFi and parking is available.
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3 star Lugano Hotels
3 star hotels will be cheaper and have fewer facilities than a 4 or 5 star hotel but there will be no compromise required on location or style.
If you are looking for the best value for money hotel Lugano has to offer, check out the following recommendations.
Continental Parkhotel
The family run Continental Parkhotel is a successful blend of traditional and modern, classic and chic, set in a stunning lakeside location.
A vineyard surrounds the property and a distillery, wine cellar and an agricultural museum can also be found on site. The hotel is 200 metres from Lugano central rail station.
With a wide range of room sizes and styles, there is a room at the Continental Parkhotel for everyone.
Rooms:
The Continental Parkhotel offers a wide range of modern and individually styled rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature soundproof windows, a flat-screen TV, desk, refrigerator or minibar, and an in-room safe.
The Standard and Comfort rooms are located in the newer annex building, while the larger room categories, including Superior, Superior Plus, Superior Top, Deluxe, Privilege and Prestige Rooms, are situated in the historic main building.
Selected rooms feature balconies with views over Lake Lugano or the hotel’s subtropical park. The Prestige Rooms, located on the upper floor of the main building, offer particularly impressive panoramic views.
A generous buffet breakfast is included with the hotel’s room rates.
Amenities:
The Continental Parkhotel Lugano has a large outdoor swimming pool set within a beautiful subtropical park, which also features a Merlot vineyard.
Guests can dine at La Veranda Restaurant, while the hotel’s private Grotto & Distillery Ronco Bianchi serves Ticino and Italian specialities during the summer season. There is also the stylish Cocktail Bar Erika.
Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel and by the swimming pool, and guests can also make use of the free private parking.
International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel
The charming 100 year old hotel International au Lac Lugano caters for everyone. Set in a stunning location on the shores of Lake Lugano, the historic yet modern hotel has retained many characterful, classic touches.
Lugano Old Town is a short walk from the hotel and the central train station is 12 minutes on foot.
This is one of the best hotels Lake Lugano offers families.
Rooms:
Wooden floored classic rooms have a double bed, a desk, flat screen TV and soft chairs plus a safe and kettle.
An economy family room sleeps four in two beds and two sofa beds whilst the enormous Family Suite offers full beds for five people. It also has a separate living and dining area plus a kitchenette with a stove, fridge and microwave.
Couples should opt for the romantic Belle Epoque double room with its large French style canopy bed and ceiling chandeliers.
Amenities:
The hotel has a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, bar and a restaurant.
There is a 24 hour front desk plus free WiFi and fee paying parking is available.
For families, there is an indoor playroom, table tennis and fun outdoor games such as giant chess.
Hotel Federale
From the outside, the family owned Hotel Federale looks like a traditional terracotta hotel with a pretty garden, overflowing plant pots and wrought iron gates. On the inside however it offers sleek and modern facilities.
This is a perfect hotel for rail travellers as it is just a three minute walk from the rail station. It offers affordable rooms for all types of travellers, including self catering options.
Rooms:
Compact standard and comfort ensuite rooms feature a double bed, TV, desk and a soft chair. Some rooms have small balconies with mountain or lake views.
The hotel also offers rare self catering studios with a double bed, dining table, TV and kitchenette with a stove, fridge, microwave and dishwasher.
For families, the hotel has triple and quadruple rooms plus a double and triple can be interconnected to provide a rare room for five guests.
Amenities:
Hotel Federale Lugano has a 24 hour front desk, a restaurant and a bar. There is free WiFi and private parking available.
Best Hotels in Lugano | Final Thoughts
Lugano is an accessible, varied, lively and scenic destination which is a great base from which to explore the surrounding Swiss and Italian regions.
I hope this comprehensive guide to the best hotels in Lugano Switzerland has helped you find the perfect hotel for your upcoming trip.
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For more Ticino travel tips read our Ticino Travel Guide here, and discover the many things to do in Lugano in this article.
SWITZERLAND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
