Hi all, well I've just about got my whole Switzerland Itinerary set except for the Lakes area. I originally booked a hotel in Lugano because of the central location and convenience to the train. However I am re-thinking that decision. I think I would like to find a Beautiful, quaint location where we can just wonder, catch a ferry to the other towns and sit outside and enjoy the peaceful views. I am traveling with my 76 year old mother and we won't have a car. I don't care which lake (don't think) Maggiore, Lugano or Como but since we don't have a car, we will need to be able to get to the train station fairly easially since we will have luggage. I saw some postings about Menaggio and since that is close to both Lugano and Como lakes might work. Any other suggestions? the hotel or B&B would have to be around a 3star rating within walking distance to other areas of the town.
we will be there 3 nights in mid-september. I welcome all your suggestions of towns AND accommodations.

If you stay in Locarno, you can:
- visit Ascona (by boat or bus)
- visit Brissago Island (by boat)
- visit Verzasca valley (by bus)
- walk to Tenero along the lake shore and take the train/bus back.

any hotel recommendations?

I totally agree with you....next time we'll go back, instead of staying in the city, we want one of those quiet places on the lake with ferry access. Gorgeous place....but we're definitely not city lovers.

I think Lake Como (which is in Italy, not Ticino) may suit you well. Towns are more quiet than Lugano. You can reach Como by train from Lugano or Milan; or Varenna, from Milan. YOu can also reach Menaggio, and other towns along that side of the lake, as well as Bellagio, by bus. Once there, the most enjoyable way to move around (IMO) is by ferry. In the middle of the lake you can get an unlimited daily pass for 10 euro (as we just did last week). There are ferries from Como all the way to the northernmost point.

If you do decide on Lugano, Hotel Federale is right by the RR station and the funicular, and has great views of Lugano not to mention a great breakfast, etc..

Hope it helps,

-e

Another thing to add to schuler's list of things to do from Locarno:
Ride the Centivalli train, perhaps making stops along the way [which you can do on a Swiss pass - as far as Domodossola in Italy]