Hotel International au Lac Lugano - Lakeside Comfort & Pool

FAQ – Hotel International au Lac (Lugano)

On this page you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about your stay, rooms, breakfast, swimming pool, parking, pets, accessibility and services at Hotel International au Lac in Lugano (Ticino), centrally located on the lakeside promenade and on Via Nassa.

Is it worth booking through your official website?

Yes. By booking directly on the official website of Hotel International au Lac in Lugano, you have access to our best price guarantee and any available special offers.

What is your cancellation policy?

The hotel offers different rate plans:

Flexible rates, which can be cancelled up to a few days before arrival (depending on the selected rate conditions).
Prepaid rates, which are more convenient but non-refundable and cannot be cancelled.

Conditions may vary depending on the period, room type and length of stay.

Is a credit card always required to book?

Generally yes: a credit card is required as a booking guarantee or for payment of prepaid rates. However, for certain room types, during certain periods and for short stays, it may be possible to book without a credit card guarantee.

How much is the tourist tax (city tax) in Lugano?

The tourist tax is charged per person, per night and currently amounts to CHF 5.45. City taxes are payable in addition to the room rate.

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

Yes, breakfast is generally included in the room rate. At the moment, the hotel does not offer “room only” rates without breakfast.

How much does a room cost?

Room rates vary depending on date, room type and availability.
To check the up-to-date price for your preferred dates, we recommend visiting our official website www.hotel-international.ch or contacting reception directly.

On third-party booking platforms (such as Booking.com or Hotels.com), the availability of room types may differ from the official website.

By booking directly on the official website of Hotel International au Lac www.hotel-international.ch you have access to our best price guarantee and any available offers.

What time is check-in?

Check-in is available from 3:00 pm.

What time is check-out?

Check-out is by 11:00 am.

Is a late check-out possible?

Yes, you can request a late check-out until 1:00 pm, for a fee of CHF 20.–. The request must be made the evening before.

Can I store my luggage before check-in or after check-out?

Yes. Luggage can be stored on the ground floor near reception.

Is the reception open at night?

Yes, reception is staffed 24/7. When the main entrance is closed, simply ring the bell.

Where is Hotel International au Lac located in Lugano?

The hotel is located in the heart of Lugano (Ticino), in a central lakeside location and in the shopping area of Via Nassa.

What time is breakfast served?

The breakfast buffet is served on the 1st floor from 6:30 am to 10:45 am.

Do you offer options for dietary intolerances (gluten-free / lactose-free)?

Yes. Gluten-free products and lactose-free beverages are available on request.

Is it possible to have breakfast in the room?

Yes. On request, we serve continental breakfast in the room for a supplement of CHF 6.–. Orders can be placed in the morning by contacting reception.

Do all rooms have air conditioning?

Yes. All rooms have air conditioning, individually adjustable. We recommend keeping windows closed while using it.

Is Wi-Fi available and free of charge?

Yes. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

Is there a safe in the room?

Yes, a room safe is available for valuables. The hotel declines all liability for valuables not stored in the safe.

Do you have a pool and a garden?

Yes. The hotel has a garden, a swimming pool (Size: 5.5 m x 10.5 m; Depth: 1.40 m to 1.60 m; not supervised) and a terrace (2nd floor). Pool towels are available on site.

When is the swimming pool open?

The swimming pool is open from early April to late October, from sunrise to sunset.

Are there games or activities for children?

Yes. In the garden there is a play area and activities such as table tennis and giant chess. For children: pedal go-karts and table football.

Do you have parking? How much does it cost?

Yes. Parking spaces are available in our underground garage or in a public car park nearby. The cost is CHF 20.– per car per night. No reservation is required.

What is the maximum height for the underground garage?

The maximum height is 2.20 m.

Do you have charging stations for electric cars and e-bikes?

Yes. We have 4 charging stations for electric cars (payment by credit card) and the possibility to charge e-bikes.

Do you accept pets?

Yes. Small pets are welcome with a supplement of CHF 20.– per day (food not included).

Can pets access breakfast, terrace, garden and pool areas?

No. For legal and hygiene reasons, pets are not allowed in the restaurant/breakfast area and they are also not allowed on the terrace, in the garden and in the pool area.

Is the hotel non-smoking? Where is smoking allowed?

Yes, the hotel is non-smoking. Smoking is allowed only in outdoor areas, for example on the garden terrace and on room balconies where available (not all rooms have a balcony).

Do you have accessible rooms for guests with disabilities?

Yes. We have two accessible rooms (Panorama category) with a bathroom equipped according to accessibility standards.

Are common areas barrier-free?

Barrier-free routes and common areas are available, including:

Access to the hotel via a side entrance (garage) with no significant steps.
Lift with suitable dimensions for access.
Barrier-free breakfast area.
Barrier-free terrace on the 2nd floor.

Are there accessibility limitations to be aware of before booking?

Yes. Some limitations include:

No dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking space.
No wheelchair-accessible public WC.
The outdoor pool can only be reached via stairs.
Not suitable for groups: maximum 2 accessible rooms.
Barrier-free access is only possible via a separate side entrance (garage).

Has the hotel’s fire safety been inspected by the competent authorities?

Yes. Hotel International au Lac underwent an official fire safety inspection on 29 October 2025. The conclusion of the report issued by the VKF-certified expert is: “Assessment according to the Fire Protection Act; Acceptable risk (green – highest rating)”.
Responsible for the inspection: Certified Fire Brigade Technician, VKF Expert (VKF No. 00211430), Eng. C. Lucini.

Do you offer services for families and babies?

Yes. We provide baby cots free of charge. Extra beds cannot be added: please book the room with the required number of beds (double for 2 guests, triple for 3 guests or 2 adults + 1 child, quadruple for 4 guests or 2 adults + 2 children).

A baby changing table is also available (ladies’ WC, 1st floor).

Do you have a bar in the hotel?

Yes. An Honesty Bar (self-service) is available in the lounge on the 1st floor, 24/7 for paid drinks. Coffee, cappuccino and herbal teas are free of charge.

Is ice available for guests?

Yes. Ice cubes are available free of charge at the Honesty Bar (1st floor).

Do you offer laundry and ironing services?

Yes. Laundry service: please hand in items by 9:00 am and they will be returned the following day by 12:00 pm (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). On Fridays, an express service is available with return by evening.

A self-service ironing station (iron and ironing board) is also available: please ask reception for the key.