Lugano or Paradiso or.......? Oh, and what about air conditioning?
Apr 17th, 2004, 05:19 AM
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Lugano or Paradiso or.......? Oh, and what about air conditioning?
We will be spending two nights in the Lugano area in early August. Since we have such a short time to enjoy the area, are we best off staying right in town, or should we stay in Paradiso or one of the other little hamlets around the lake. We will have a car, so that is not an issue.
One thing that does seem to be an issue though is air conditioning. Do we need it? I think I'd be willing to risk going without it but my Uncle who's traveling with us is 75. It seems like only 1/4 or less of the hotels mention that they have air conditioning. Most of those are the real big places and we prefer smaller, more intimate hotels. Any Suggestions?
Thanks again as always!
One thing that does seem to be an issue though is air conditioning. Do we need it? I think I'd be willing to risk going without it but my Uncle who's traveling with us is 75. It seems like only 1/4 or less of the hotels mention that they have air conditioning. Most of those are the real big places and we prefer smaller, more intimate hotels. Any Suggestions?
Thanks again as always!
Apr 17th, 2004, 05:55 AM
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It is so iffy. You could get lucky and hit a cool spell in August, I suppose. But my last two June visits were very warm. I think I'd splurge on the AC, or. . . find a place with a balcony right on the lake and maybe cross-ventilation. There are some quaint hotels like that along the water in Gandria and between Gandria and Lugano. With a car, you might be interested. I don't remember if you described your lodging requirements. J.
Apr 17th, 2004, 06:21 AM
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I was in Lugano during last summer's heat wave and I would say go with Airco. We *really* regretted not having it--the heat wave was exhausting, esp. for my 70-something mother. we're going back to Lugano in May and will be staying at the Hotel Delfino in Paradiso, which does have airco. The Delfino is moderately sized and modern in decor (our preference) and rooms do have balconies overlooking the lakes and mountains; the Michelin Green Guide says it's very good value for the price, we'll find out for ourselves next month
However, one small hotel in one of the Lugano lakeside towns is the Hotel Parco Lago in Caslano, near the Ponte Tresa. It was delightful and had its own little park and beach for lake swimming, really pleasant. No airco, though, but the rooms had large balconies and well equipped kitchenettes (the hotel also has a nice restaurant, but it closes fairly early, by 9 pm) We stayed there when visiting relatives who lived in Caslano and were very pleased.
Of the two most popular smaller lakeside towns, Gandria and Morcote, we liked Morcote better. But Gandria is perfectly pleasant too.
The casino in Lugano has powerful air conditioning, FYI, so if you get really hot while you're downtown, it's worth the splurge of a few francs on video poker while you cool off.
However, one small hotel in one of the Lugano lakeside towns is the Hotel Parco Lago in Caslano, near the Ponte Tresa. It was delightful and had its own little park and beach for lake swimming, really pleasant. No airco, though, but the rooms had large balconies and well equipped kitchenettes (the hotel also has a nice restaurant, but it closes fairly early, by 9 pm) We stayed there when visiting relatives who lived in Caslano and were very pleased.
Of the two most popular smaller lakeside towns, Gandria and Morcote, we liked Morcote better. But Gandria is perfectly pleasant too.
The casino in Lugano has powerful air conditioning, FYI, so if you get really hot while you're downtown, it's worth the splurge of a few francs on video poker while you cool off.
Apr 17th, 2004, 06:25 AM
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Forgot to add, if you take the 2.5 hour lake cruise ("giro"
be sure to sit *inside*. Snag a window table and then roll the window down. You'll get a nice breeze without the strong sun beating down on your head. If you're not dark-skinned and used to hot sun, wear plenty of sunscreen anyway because of the light reflected from the water. Drinks are served on the boat, but bring some mineral water with you (the service is slow and half-hearted).
The Movenpick in the city park makes terrific, elegant sundaes, indulge!
be sure to sit *inside*. Snag a window table and then roll the window down. You'll get a nice breeze without the strong sun beating down on your head. If you're not dark-skinned and used to hot sun, wear plenty of sunscreen anyway because of the light reflected from the water. Drinks are served on the boat, but bring some mineral water with you (the service is slow and half-hearted). The Movenpick in the city park makes terrific, elegant sundaes, indulge!
Apr 17th, 2004, 06:28 AM
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Thanks all for the quick responses. I guess we're going with AC. I'd hate for my uncle to be miserable.
BTilke, I looked at the Delfino in Paradiso, but got the impression from their website that they had NO ac. I'll look again or send them an e-mail. Thanks again!
BTilke, I looked at the Delfino in Paradiso, but got the impression from their website that they had NO ac. I'll look again or send them an e-mail. Thanks again!
Apr 17th, 2004, 06:49 AM
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By the way, August is a great time to be in the Ticino! There are usually celebrations and events all around the area. We were in Caslano on August 1 and there was a great fireworks display launched near the Ponte Tresa bridge and it looked like the fireworks (really interesting, different from typical U.S. fireworks shows) were going off right in front of the hotel. We sat on our balcony and watch the show with a bottle of wine. Magical!
There are usually outdoor opera performances during that time at the largest castle in Bellinzona; worth attending one if you like opera. The smallest of the three castles in Bellinzona has an unbeatable view and hardly anyone visits it.
There are usually outdoor opera performances during that time at the largest castle in Bellinzona; worth attending one if you like opera. The smallest of the three castles in Bellinzona has an unbeatable view and hardly anyone visits it.
Apr 17th, 2004, 06:52 AM
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By the way, August is a great time to be in the Ticino! There are usually celebrations and events all around the area. We were in Caslano on August 1 and there was a great fireworks display launched near the Ponte Tresa bridge and it looked like the fireworks (really interesting, different from typical U.S. fireworks shows) were going off right in front of the hotel. We sat on our balcony and watch the show with a bottle of wine. Magical!
There are usually outdoor opera performances during that time at the largest castle in Bellinzona; worth attending one if you like opera. The smallest of the three castles in Bellinzona has an unbeatable view and hardly anyone visits it.
P.S. again, apologies if this double posts, either my computer or the Fodors site is really slow today!
There are usually outdoor opera performances during that time at the largest castle in Bellinzona; worth attending one if you like opera. The smallest of the three castles in Bellinzona has an unbeatable view and hardly anyone visits it.
P.S. again, apologies if this double posts, either my computer or the Fodors site is really slow today!
