Lake Lugano is in the southern part of Switzerland in the canton of Ticino right after you cross the Italian border. Its postcard picture views, small villages, narrow streets, and plentiful palm trees backed by snowy mountains make Lugano and its surroundings a great place to spend a few days.
1. Hotel Splendide Royal
2. Aria Retreat & Spa
3. The View, Lugano
4. Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
5. Villa Principe Leopoldo
1. Hotel Splendide Royal
Forbes writes, “Hotel Splendide Royal is a Bele Epoque grand dame on the lakefront. It’s an architectural mélange of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles dating from 1887. The rooms are grand, high-ceilinged, spacious, and the best have dramatic lake views. The hotel restaurant, I Due Sude, or “the two souths,” is a nod to the location in southern Switzerland and southern Italy, the birthplace of its Calabrian-born chef, Domenico Ruberto. Awarded one Michelin star in 2018, he has retained it ever since with his inventive cooking.”
Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite, positioned on the first floor, surpasses expectations with more expansive spaces and an extensive terrace offering a captivating lake view. Additionally, it provides the option of adjoining rooms.
More suites at Hotel Splendide Royal.
2. Aria Retreat & Spa
Michelin Guide reports, Aria Retreat & Spa is a hotel within a hotel — a luxury boutique enclave within the larger Parco San Marco resort, set right on the shores of northern Italy’s Lake Lugano. The greater property spans some 60 acres of park, with spectacular views of the water and the mountains on the Swiss side of the lake. And while the resort is family-oriented, Aria Retreat reserves its spaces for guests 16 and up, which ensures a certain measure of genteel tranquility.
It’s appropriately sized for its purpose, a mere 15 suites, each of which is the very picture of contemporary Italian luxury; all of them face the lake, and are furnished with the full complement of modern comforts. The adults-only spa is an expansive one, and guests who venture beyond Aria’s confines enjoy the Parco San Marco’s multiple pools, a second family-oriented spa, and even a water park. Meanwhile the two hotels between them are served by no fewer than nine restaurants and bars, from the casual poolside pizzeria to Aria’s own Dolce Vita Lounge.”
Lake View Grand Loggia Suite
The 1,689-sq.ft. suite offers panoramic lake views from large living room, two separate bedrooms with king beds, and two bathrooms fitted in elegant natural stone.
More suites at Aria Retreat & Spa.
3. The View, Lugano
Michelin writes, “It’s just like being on a luxurious yacht in this modern hotel whose name gives an indication of its main attraction – the lovely view. Beautifully kept, spacious guestrooms, plus a spa which is fully dedicated to beauty and well-being. The elegant restaurant serves creative dishes with a distinct Italian flavor.”
Dream Suites
There are two Dream Suites, each measuring 1,215-sq.ft., both overlooking Lake Lugano. The Suites are equipped with the most recent technologies, you can set the temperature and lights through the I-pad that each room is equipped with.
More suites at The View, Lugano.
4. Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
The Hotel Guru says, “Five-star luxury in the most breathtaking of surroundings. All the traditional and luxurious rooms have their own unique character, and views of the serene landscape. Feast on Michelin starred cuisine at the on site restaurant. Come here for serious lakeside pampering.”
San Salvatore Suite
The two-bedroom top-floor suite is 1,250-sq.ft. From its balconies enjoy a the park and Lake Lugano. The south-facing suite allows most winter sunlight and direct sun during the summer. The separate bedrooms have one double bed and twin beds, a bathroom, one with bath tub and one with shower and bath tub.
More suites at Grand Hotel Villa Catagnola.
5. Villa Principe Leopoldo
Forbes writes, “If you’re curious about the villa life high in the hills above the lake, check into the Villa Principe Leopoldo. Set on a hilltop above the city proper on the Collina d’Oro, the Little Hill of Gold, it offers a panorama of the lake and its undulating bays, mountains, vineyards, and Italian villages across the water. This Relais & Chateaux property has just 37 rooms. The older, cantaloupe-hued, statelier part was built in 1926 by Friedrich Leopoldo von Hohenzollern, a relation of Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II. The newer wing has rooms with a late mid-century modern flair. The two-tiered terrace adjacent to the two pools offers a quiet sanctuary. The main dining room is helmed by the celebrated chef, Cristian Moreschi.”
Signature Lake Suites
The 1,450-sq.ft. Signature Lake Suites offer a panoramic view of Lake Lugano. These Suites composed of a bedroom and a large, separate living room that is connected by the entrance hall; the terrace offers a spectacular view of the lake. The suite has two separate toilets and a bathroom with shower and bath. A third bed can be added on request.
More suites at Villa Principe Leopoldo.