My wife and I are going to Ascona in the Ticino in Switzerland sometime in June. So far we're thinking of staying at the hotel Tamaro, but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a better (mid-priced) hotel? The Tamaro doesn't have air condition. We're going on to Bellagio afterwards, by train. We're in our fourties. We've travelled extencively in Italy, but have no experience in the northern areas and would be thankful for any responce, advice, etc. No tickets have been bought, so we're flexible.

Trying to keep my question current. Maybe it was an incredibly boring question. Or maybe no-one goes to Ascona. Could be a good thing. Ha! Get the place to ourselves. Maybe I should have rephrased.Exciting places in northern Italy and a good hotel room in Ascona. Anyone?

I'm a fan of Ascona. My favourite town on the lake in Ticino. The Asco hotel comes highly recommended. Might want to check it out. It's not far from the lake, quiet and yet very central.

Ascona has a real mediterranean feeling, a lovely public beach, a nice walk to the port and back, and nice car-free promenade. I've made it a habit to visit Ascona at least once a year.

The neighboring valleys are lovely and the ferry to Brissago Island (with a nice visit on the island) is very nice.

Thank you, schuler, for your helpful reply. I certainly will follow your advice and look at the Asco. We were wondering about going to Brissago, and now probably will. Ascona sounds like a lovely town. Thanks again.

Hello Oliverg

I can recommend the Ascovilla which is just a short walk from the lake and near the luxury Eden au Lac (a nice place for before or after dinner drinks). More like a villa than a hotel: stylish and understated at the same time. Nice breakfast room. Caters to an "older crowd" (my husband and I are in our mid-40s and feel quite at home there). I live in Switzerland, and we travel down to Ascona with a stay at the Ascovilla at least once a year. The promenade can get a bit loud and overcrowded in the summer, and you might appreciate being just a stone's through from all the activity. We also like to take the hydrofoil from Ascona to the Borromean Islands with a stopover in Stresa (nice old town, worth an hour or two for coffee, shopping, people watching). In the evening, we love the Ristorante della Carra in Ascona - a bit expensive, but excellent food and not as touristy as some other places.

Have fun!

Thanks, Bluewave. Good tips.

Just came back from a long weekend in Ascona. New hotel garni has opened along the promeande called "La Meridiana" - modern, trendy, seems to have a/c. There is also a chain of restaurants under the name "Seven". Check out the one at the end of the promenade before you head up the hill direction Monte Verita; interesting bar scene. Two other ideas - nice garden restaurant called Ristorante Borromeo (pleasant, low key, good kitchen although nothing gourmet). Wherever you go, make sure you rent a bicycle and follow the path along the lake & the delta past the five star hotels and over the bridge to Locarno. There you can sit at a cafe around the lake or Piazza Grande and enjoy the scene there before heading back to Ascona. And just in case you head to Stresa for an outing, look for the large piazza in the old town which has lots of outdoor cafes and activity. Last idea for you - it is worth a trip on the "Cardada" funicular above Locarno for the spectacular views and mountain air (station was designed by architect Mario Botto).

Ciao!

Thanks again, Bluewave, for the tips.

We have also stayed in the Ascovilla as recommended by our Swiss neighbors. Low-key, helpful, rooms clean, bathrooms modern but not fancy... Easy walk to everything.

See if they have a renovated room... I believe one side of the hotel the rooms were more recently updated than the other.

We are in our late 40's... If that matters...

gruezi