7 Best Hotels in Lugano, Ticino

This local landmark opened its doors in 1888, and much of the Victorian luster of its common areas—colorful frescoes, crystal chandeliers, ornate antiques—has been respectfully preserved. If you'd like a sleeker room, opt for the newer wing, where discreetly modern rooms are decorated in beige and gold. The balconies and terraces open onto lake or garden views. For the panoramic view of Lake Lugano, head to the Michelin-starred restaurant I Due Sud. Some of the famous clientele, including Sophia Loren, Lauren Bacall, Stevie Wonder, Patti Smith, and Tina Turner, have signed the lobby's livre d'or (guest book).

Right in the middle of town and steps from the lake, this renovated older hotel offers excellent value, with rooms that are simple, clean, and functional. The restaurant offers a new menu each day with mostly Ticinese dishes, including several vegetarian selections. No alcohol is served, so to sample local wines you have to find another place.

Ideally located on Lugano's main shopping street, this family-run hotel has a reception area that doubles as a coffee shop that serves up some of the best espresso drinks in town. It's near the funicular and a block from the waterfront, but manages to remain peaceful after sundown.

Next to the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, this historic hotel's 1908 interiors are exuberantly decorated, with gilded paintings, ornate antiques, and heavy, sumptuous furniture. Family-run for more than 100 years, it's the only hotel in the Old Town with a large garden and pool area. Light sleepers should request a room away from the street.

Friendly and well decorated, this lodging is rated by many travelers as the best deal in town, and the location, in the Old Town just steps from the funicular, could not be more convenient. The staff goes out of its way to make your stay memorable, and what the hotel lacks in luxury it makes up for with excellent service. The breakfasts here put those served at other hotels to shame—from crisp green salads to homemade cakes, the delicious buffet suits every taste (and waistline).

Spectacularly perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Lugano, this mansion offers an unparalleled location and old-world service. Although the villa was built in 1868 for Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern, most of the rooms are either staidly modern or snoozily traditional, but this may not be an issue once you take a glance at the stunningly arranged pool-and-terrace complex encircled by a double staircase—a slightly baroque touch. Chef Christian Moreschi is renowned for his simple, graceful cuisine, making dining here a notable experience.

Set on a hill overlooking Lugano, Villa Sassa's lake and mountain views are so pretty, you might find it hard to leave the hotel to make the trek into town. The state-of-the-art wellness center is a popular workout hub for local and visiting athletes. Rooms are bright and clean, and each unit has a balcony. The hotel is a 10-minute walk downhill to town, or you can skip the hill and take the funicular for CHF1.30.