cls2paris

Hello! I will be traveling to Locarno in July and have been doing some research on hotels in Locarno. The Hotel du Lac has had nice things written about it and the location looks quiet - in the pedestrian zone. They have a 3 night special for approx. $150/night for a double with lake view. It also comes with some extras like a one day ferry pass, admission to the Botantical Gardens on Isole Brissano (sp) and funicular pass. Another I have found is Schlosshotel for about $140 for a lake view and they have a pool but none of the extras. Any opinions on either? We are basically looking for a place 2-3 star, near restaurants and shops that would serve as a central location to explore the area. Not sure if A/C is needed there and the pool would be a bonus but not necessary. We will have a car but don't want to drive somewhere for dinner.

susanna

We were in Locarno last September and stayed at this hotel. It is about 2 blocks up from the lake, you just walk right down to the path that then leads into the town, about a 10 min walk. It has great views of the lake, very nice pool, and the absolutely nicest people work there. It was my birthday while I was there, which I didn't tell them, they must have seen it on my passport, they bought me a full size cake and set up the breakfast table outside with fresh flowers and this beautiful cake...they brought up glasses of champane when we arrived to help us relax and enjoy the view, it was a great place to be. It is within the same price range. I don't remember seeing the Hotel cu lac, so no comment on it. Enjoy your trip.
Albergo Rimorino Locarno
http://www.remorino.ch/

cls2paris

Thanks, Susanna. I checked out the hotel you recommended and it looks beautiful but a little more expensive than these two I've mentioned. Anyone else?

jmw44

Hi, cls. Topping for you. The three-night special looks good, especially if you plan to take advantage of the boat pass to ride to Ascona and Isole di Brissago. I checked my favorite two-star, the Albergo Panorama in Gerra, and its base price is very similar w/o the extra perks. If you'd like to consider village accommodations, the site is hotel-panorama.ch and it is just above the water a bit. The village is quiet with tiny lanes to explore. Are you driving? If not, it does have rail and bus connections to Locarno. Unless you are a devoted village fan like I am, the only reason to consider the Panorama might be the little balconies and the lakeside (almost) location to catch the breeze-- just in case it is as hot in July as it was during the June week I visited. Soooooo, you might want to check into ac availability if you really want to stay in Locarno itself. Sorry I can't vouch for the du lac from personal experience.
J.

cls2paris

Thanks, jmw! We will have a car, but we did plan on taking the ferry to Isola Brissago, Ascona and elsewhere. We are also thinking of taking the ferry to Stressa. No set plans yet. We would use the car when needed, probably for a trip to Bellinzona (sp). The big draw for staying in Locarno is the proximity to different restaurants for dinner and a little shopping. I like wine with dinner and I don't really want to drive somewhere after dinner (I should be able to handle walking though!). The air conditioning is a consideration also and neither hotel has that. I am hoping the lake breeze will help out!

cls2paris

ttt

jmw44

Well you know just because it was hot in June doesn't even mean that it will be the same in July, so don't worry about it. But I'll mention that the lakepass which covers Stresa is not the same as the one that covers the 'upper lake', and that's probably the complimentary one. But there's lots to see with the upper lake pass. And you might consider driving to Lugano for a visit. It's a dandy town, different from Locarno; and both (IMO) are more interesting than Stresa. Wave at Gerra-Gambarogno from the lake for me.

cls2paris

Thanks Susanna and jmw. I booked the Hotel du Lac to take advantages of the special offers and air conditioning! I'll let you know how it works out when I get back. I appreciate your insight.

susanna

Have a great time, it is one of my favorite areas...I'm sure you know about the Centovalli and Bellinzona, both great little trips from here. The area is soooooo beautiful.

cls2paris

Just wanted to report back on this hotel. It was great. The double room was about $500 for 3 nights and that included the ferry ride and admission to the Isle Brissago (about $50). The hotel staff was very helpful and directed us to great restaurants. In fact, one of the reception agents was the daughter of the man who owns Albergo Navenga, so she made us reservations for our first night there. (A truly wonderful meal, but that's another story!). The location is great - a couple blocks from the lake promenade, train station and closer to the casino and shopping arcades. I would definitely stay here again.

jmw44

Here you are again! Thanks, cls. Will you or have you already written a detailed trip report? J.

susanna

Glad to hear you had a great time...let's have a trip report so I can relive my vacation from last year.