10 of the Best Hotels in Lugano
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.
[This post may contain compensated links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.]
What's in this Article
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 bedrooms feature a large double bed, a desk and a seating area with soft chairs or a sofa. There is a flat screen TV, minibar, safe, kettle and coffee machine. Each room has a balcony with seating.
Deluxe rooms face the lake where floor to ceiling glass doors provide a wow factor view over the lake and surrounding mountains
The Italian marble bathroom has dual sinks, a bath and a shower.
Extra beds are available for an additional charge with rooms sleeping a maximum of three, or four in a suite.
Breakfast is included in the room rate.
Amenities:
The hotel has a fine dining restaurant run by a Michelin star winning chef plus a second restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
There is a spa with saunas and steam baths, a gym, indoor swimming pool and a bar. A free airport shuttle is available.
> Click here to check rates and book your stay
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, modern style rooms feature a double bed, desk, a seating area plus a safe, minibar and flat screen TV. Rooms have either garden or lake views and some rooms have balconies with seating.
Suites offer a separate living area and all bathrooms feature a bathtub and a shower.
Amenities:
Castagnola Lugano has an indoor swimming pool, a spa, gym and a tennis court in its park-like grounds. It also has a private lakeside sun terrace with sun loungers.
There is a bar, two gourmet restaurants and free WiFi and parking on site. A babysitting service and extra child beds are available for an additional charge and breakfast is included in the room rate.
> Click here to check rates and book your stay
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.
Luganodante
If you prefer the sleek lines of a modern hotel, the Luganodante is for you.
This newly renovated 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:
Compact rooms feature a double bed, a wardrobe, a flat screen TV, kettle and a desk. There is a rainfall shower in the bathroom.
Premium rooms and suites offer a lot more space and have a separate living room with a sofa. Family rooms sleep up to four. Some rooms have a balcony with seating and all room rates include breakfast.
Amenities:
The hotel has a restaurant serving locally sourced food and a chic cocktail lounge. It offers free WiFi and parking (plus charging stations for EV’s).
The hotel gives a money saving Ticino Ticket to each guest which provides free rides on local public transport and discounts to local attractions.
> Click here to check rates and book your stay
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 feature large double beds, a desk, kettle, minibar, safe and a fridge.
Most of the light filled rooms have stunning lake views and selected rooms have balconies with seating. A cold breakfast buffet is included in all room rates.
There are cosy rooms for solo travellers through to spacious two bedroom suites for families that can sleep up to six people with a separate living area with sofas.
Amenities:
The hotel has a 24 hour front desk, a spacious restaurant and free WiFi. There is a rooftop terrace with a small whirlpool and fantastic views of the surrounding city and lake.
> Click here to check rates and book your stay
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 the room rate.
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.
> Click here to check rates and book your stay
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.
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.
> Click here to check rates and book your stay
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.
> Click here to check rates and book your stay
Planning a trip to Switzerland?
At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers.
Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 21 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide.
🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭
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:
Black and white toned, modern style comfort and superior rooms feature a double bed, a desk, soft chairs, a flat screen TV, minibar and safe.
The more colourful Prestige Rooms have a more classical style plus floor to ceiling glass doors and windows to make the most of the lake and garden views.
Comfort and superior rooms are situated in the new annex whilst the characterful Prestige Rooms are in the historic main building. All rooms include breakfast and, given the location and facilities, they are excellent value for money.
Amenities:
The Continental Parkhotel Lugano has a large outdoor swimming pool set in a landscaped garden.
There is a restaurant serving local specialities, a bar and terrace and guests can enjoy free WiFi and free parking.
> Click here to check rates and book your stay
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.
> Click here to check rates and book your stay
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.
> Click here to check rates and book your stay
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.
🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭
For more Ticino travel tips read our Ticino Travel Guide here, and discover the many things to do in Lugano in this article.
