The building at Via Nassa 68, before the transformation
From Family Residence to Hotel – via the Apostolic Administration
The oldest documents preserved in our archive date back to 19 June 1886 and concern the land and the three‑storey building on which the hotel stands today. On that date, Monsignor Eugène Lachat, Archbishop of Damiata and Apostolic Administrator of the Canton of Ticino, purchased from Caroline Riva, widow Poncini née Soldini, a property consisting of a house, garden and annexes for 85,000 francs.
Between 1886 and 1905, the plots that today host the staircase, the funicular and the hotel changed hands several times. Finally, on 9 September 1905, Carlo Martinetti sold the area destined for the future hotel to Anton Disler and his business partner for 290,000 francs.
Bibliography, Sources and Acknowledgements:
- Cadastral map of Lugano from 1892-92, www.recuperando.ch
- Historical archive of the City of Lugano, thanks to Mr Pietro Montorfani and Mr Damiano Robbiani for the valuable information provided.
- File Hotel International au Lac - Historical Archive City of Lugano
-
Notarial deed dated 19 June 1886
Sale of the Riva-Poncini house to Monsignor Lachat, archbishop and apostolic administrator
pdf / 22 MB -
Sale contract dated 25 June 1886
Sale of land from Antonia Vanoni to Msgr. Lachat
pdf / 8.1 MB -
Cadastral map of 1892–93
pdf / 251 KB -
Land transfer dated 23 Jan. 1905
From Carlo Martinetti to the City of Lugano
pdf / 8.8 MB -
Deed of sale dated 9 Sept. 1905
From Carlo Martinetti to Anton Disler and partner
pdf / 11 MB
The building at Via Nassa 68, before the transformation
From family home to hotel via the Apostolic Administration
Great-grandfather Anton Disler's hotel concept
"The hotel must be comfortable, without excessive luxury, in light colours
Offer and project by arch. Giuseppe Pagani
The architect and entrepreneur in tourism development and the birth of the hotel in record time
Origin of the name "International au Lac"
Accessibility and location: how they influence hotel names
All Roads lead to Ticino
There are many ways to discover breathtaking scenic routes, from glaciers to palm trees.
The Bel-Etage: the social heart of the hotel since 1906
The noble hall: an atmosphere of bygone times, tradition evolving with the needs of the guests
From the Chamber Pot to Today's Comfort
Initially, the rooms did not have a private bathroom: they were equipped with washbasins with running water
Underground garage in the heart of the historic centre
Courage and foresight: the birth of the hotel's underground garage
Ten years of commitment to air-conditioning 100 venues
The freshness that passes through walls
The Return of the Belle Époque to Room No. 221
One room, two eras: from the founders to today's guests
A new generation thermal system is born
47.5% reduction in CO emissions thanks to the technological leap
Triptych of room renovations
Investing in the future, preserving the past and building the new, safeguarding history
ICOMOS/ UNESCO and NZZ Recognitions
Awarded for the art of combining history and modern comfort by the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Words from our customers
Based on hundreds of reviews from travellers around the world, we assure you that choosing to stay with us was the right decision.
The Hotel International au Lac Today and Tomorrow
A combination of unique services in an unbeatable location plus the fifth generation and pages yet to be written