My husband and I will be visiting Switzerland in mid-April. (I know, not the best, but we'll take what we can!) Hoping to spend a weekend in the Lugano area, since we have not spent any time there before. From searching the Fodor site, I gather that the Hotel Dante is a favorite. I believe it's available. Is that a hands down recommendation?

What about sites? I remember Gandria is listed as a favorite. Some of our favorite Switzerland memories are of hiking in BO, visiting Murren, Wengen. And, similarly, Engadine region, where we stayed at a darling Chesa Randolina. We loved the Soglio diversion as well.

Please provide any recommendations, so we can tailor our plans.

Thanks in advance!
T

Take the funicolare up Monte San Salvatore and then hike down to the lakeside village of Morcote, have lunch along the waterfront and then take the ferry back to Lugano.

Still reading threads.... What about Ascona?

Thanks!1

Will you have a car? The Dante is right in town--parking will be a hassle. With a car I would stay on the lake but not in town. I agree with Tuck about Morcote. If you do Locarno/Ascona, then read about Val Versazca--a unique expereince.

Yes, we will have a car. Staying by the lake would be nice. We have been helped so much by the Fodor's site, that I have started doing my research for trip planning here, first! Last year, we traveled in the Engadin, and stayed at a beautiful spot, recommended by Ingo. Delightful.

Thanks for any tips!
T in FL

Hello bt:

If you wish to splurge a bit in Lugano, check out the Hotel Splendide Royal, right on the lake and slightly away from the centre:

http://www.splendide.ch/English/map.htm

This is a delightful spot with great views of the lake and a wonderful restaurant.

Gradyghost

Grady,

Thank you for the link. I did check it out, but you are right, it would be a splurge. We may be able to check out the restaurant, though. It's always nice to get a good food recommendation...

So far, I have the San Salvadore to Morcote walk. Any other area must see's?

Thanks all,
T.

We loved the Hotel Federale. Great views. Lovely rooms, breakfast, and staff.

If you are in Morcote, there is a wonderful lakefront restaurant belonging to the Hotel Olivella au Lac. Give it a try if you get a chance. The hotel is also quite nice.

There is a lovely hotel on the lake in the suburb of Castognola---the hotel may have that same name.
Also, there is a real gem that we love half way between Lugano and Lake Como that is a charming 3 star named Stella d' Italia. The ferry boat on the lake stops at their dock, and the food is terrific. The village is San Mamete--check it out.

Hello bt:

As for the restaurant at the Splendide, they do an especially good job with tableside flambe dishes. Quite a show also. Good luck. Gradyghost

Thanks all. I have been busy checking out all of your great suggestions. We have about 6 weeks to finalize our plans. I would say we are still leaning toward the Hotel Dante, except that it is not on the lake. Hmmmm. Splendide is out of our price range.

Any other lakeside possibilities?

Thanks again!

Any comments on Hotel Walter au Lac?

T

I have stayed there---great location and on the lake, but an old lady that is rough around the edges. What about your car--parking may be $$$.

Hello bt:

I think the hotel in Castagnola to which Bob refers is called Elvezia Al Lago. We have visited for a drink via the Lugano ferry (which is the only convenient way to reach the hotel). You may wish to check it out. Gradyghost