Lugano is on the long, narrow, winding shore of Lake Lugano, and shares the wonderfully temperate micro-climate and stunning alpine setting of the Italian Lakes, despite being within Switzerland. The best places to stay in Lugano offer similarly stunning lake views and mountain backdrops and a similarly elegant city setting. Expect palm trees and picturesque boulevards below alpine hills and mountains. Many of the best places to stay in Lugano are definitely those closest to the lake, but if you’re looking for great value, peace and quite and spectacular mountain views then it’s certainly worth considering the properties up in the hills above the lake - especially between Lake Lugano and Lake Como. Lugano is only half an hour from Como or Varese, so it’s a great base for exploring not just Lake Lugano, but also the neighbouring lakes. You’re also only an hour and a half from Milan.

What Not To Miss

• There’s plenty of do on Lake Lugano: from hiking Monte Brè on the eastern end - or take the funicular to the summit, strolling up Monte San Salvatore to the west,
• Explore Monte San Giorgio, a wooded mountain best known for its wonderful oceanic fossils from the Triassic period - there’s a great little fossil museum.
• The Herman Hess museum, has some of the thousands of watercolours he painted in this region, plus some of his books and personal effects. It’s unusual but popular.
• The Parco Scherrer in Morcote is a wonderful park with a subtropical feel and some amazing architecture. There’s a great smuggling museum on Gandria, and Lugano also has Europe’s largest casino.
• In Melide you can visit Swissminiatur, which has 1:25 scale models of around 120 of Switzerland’s best known attractions.

Don't forget to book well ahead if you want to reserve a room in one of the best places to stay in Lugano in July or August - it's very busy during the peak summer months. Alternatively plan your trip in the quieter autumn or spring months, when the weather is still warm, but the crowds are nowhere to be seen!

The Best Places to Stay in Lugano

The Best Places to Stay in Lugano for Absolute Luxury

• Once a mansion belonging to Russian nobility, the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola is now a five star grand dame hotel in an incredibly beautiful setting. There are 78 rooms, each with their own unique character and traditionally luxurious decor, plus there’s a Michelin starred restaurant. Lakeside pampering amongst some of the most spectacular Lake Lugano scenery imaginable.
• Villa Principe Leopoldo is set in the former palace of a prince, Villa Principe Leopoldo certainly retains its regal grandeur. With opulent rooms, a fantastic restaurant and a charming piano bar, it's a lavish affair. Luxuriate in the Kiso Spa and in the summer recline by the divine pool. An encapsulation of serenity.
• For total opulence in stunning surroundings The View is a fabulous five-star hotel with a view fit for its emphatic title. The minimalist suites are sleek and cool with sharp contemporary design features and staggering vistas over the lake. Explore the shores of the lake by bicycle or complimentary e-cars. A tranquil oasis.

The Best Places to Stay in Central Lugano

• If you're looking for a central location with easy access to the surrounding countryside, Hotel Gabbani is a chic hotel, well placed in the centre of the city. The historic facade hides a strikingly modern interior. Smart rooms with white washed walls, crisp white linen, contemporary furniture and luxury bathrooms. A fine-dining restaurant serves exemplary regional cuisine.
• For a contemporary hotel in the historic city of Lugano, Hotel City does not fail to impress. Wonderfully contrasting with its placing, revel in the chic white interiors dotted with vibrant colours. Unwind in the uber slick bar and return to stylish rooms bedecked with modern art. Within walking distance of many attractions.

The Most Romantic Places to Stay in Lugano

• The Hotel Villa Carona is an historic, family-friendly villa in the artist village of Ticino. The 200-year old building has original architectural features, from the vaulted ceiling in the dining room to the exposed beams in the bedrooms. Plush Persian rugs and dark wood furnishings complete this intimate countryside oasis.

The Best Places to Stay close to Lake Lugano

• For a hotel that can only be reached by boat, Elvezia al Lago is a traditional lakeside hotel with spectacular views. The cosy rooms boast antique artwork, floral motifs and little balconies. Evenings spent over candlelit dinners and days roaming around picturesque countryside. Total relaxation in charming accommodation.

Prefer an apartment or villa?

• If you'd prefer your own space, don't hesitate to visit our online partner Booking.com for a variety of properties along the shores of the lakes.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Lugano?

• Fly to Lugano Airport, a small airport only 7km (4 miles) from the town with connections primarily to Zurich and Geneva. Catch a train to Lugano station with a range of train links incuding to Zurich, Milan and Geneva
• If you'd prefer to rent a car to explore the various lakes and mountains around Lugano, for prices we recommend using our online partner Rentalcars
• Best time to visit - March to October is the preferred time to visit Lugano although the summer months of May to September can produce high levels of rainfall.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Lugano,
• Expand your search to include all the 10 Best Hotels on Lake Lugano,
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Lugano