Words from our guests

Reviews and excerpts from our guest

The history of a hotel is made up of tales. And these tales are not only those that are told, but also those that are heard from others. Here, then, are some testimonials from guests who have stayed at the Hotel International au Lac.

A pearl in the middle of Lugano!

Fantastic visit - super happy with everything! Location, breakfast, room, interior design and staff - all five stars.

Tripadvisor_Anders R

Old-World Traditional Elegance with Contemporary Sensibilities

The Hotel International au Lac has old-world elegance in look, feel, and service. Ripe with historic presence, they keep a sense of tradition without feeling dowdy. A small museum can be found in a room on the first floor with artifacts and information from the hotel's past. Renovations have been performed to many rooms like the one I had, with a comfortable bathroom and shower. The bed was firm but not hard - sleep came easily. The small balcony gave a partial view of the lake, as advertised. The modern windows shielded the room from outdoor noise - set back from the street, vehicle sounds were not noticeable. Complimentary breakfast provided a nutritious start to the day, a buffet with continental choices plus scrambled eggs and basic sides. Juices and coffees were included. Specialty egg dishes could be ordered for a modest charge. Hotel service was professional and friendly, from the front desk to the dining room to the service staff. The location is a short walk from the town center, away from the busy sounds of the restaurants and piazzas, but close to a bus stop (use that Ticino Ticket!), underground parking, and LAC. The owners and staff clearly are proud of this grand hotel and are eager to share its charms with their guests. I would not hesitate to stay here during future visits to Lugano.

Tripadvisor_Steve K

Great two-night stay

Had a great two-night stay at the Hotel International Au Lac and really enjoyed our stay there. Lovely old and historic hotel, nicely furnished and interesting. Very friendly staff, good facilities and breakfast was very good and plentiful too. Close to the lake but a bit of a distance from the train station which is at the top of the hill. If arriving by train it is best to catch the funicular railway down to lake level, which we missed, and then walk along the main pedestrianised street to the hotel. Fare is less than €2 but free with hotel travel pass. Despite staying during the July heatwave our room had very good aircon and nice beds. Room was quiet and we slept well. Water from the tap is very drinkable. Would definitely stay again.

Tripadvisor_Brian W, Stony Stratford, UK

Fine hospitality and location on the lake

Great traditional hotel with some modern touches for our two-night stay in Lugano. Perfect location to explore the old city area walking. Room was comfortable and quiet. Parking was available down a ramp under hotel. Breakfast was excellent.

solyluz, Boulder, Colorado

Book this hotel!

Book this hotel! Location is perfect, the staff was super helpful, and the rooms are very nice!! Very European!! A great stay!!

Google.com_Kathy Murray

A lovely experience

The location is wonderful, maybe the staff is better. Even an old guy like I could throw a stone from the front door to the bus stop, and with the Ticino card the entire canton is accessible. The breakfast is open for several hours with a vast collection of choices. It was a totally comfortable and enjoyable stop. I'm very glad I made this choice.

Tripdvisor_David D

Lugano Gem

We stayed in Room 299. For a family of 5 we had trouble finding a room to fit us all. This is maybe the best room we’ve ever had (1000+ hotel nights experience). On the courtyard. Great value, even if it was more than you expect to pay in North America, this was in beautiful Lugano, right downtown. Hotel has been in the family for over 100 years. Great art on the walls and amazing history. Breakfast was perfect, service impeccable, nightly bar in the courtyard right outside the room (not busy as they are mostly serving guests at the pool up one level. All in all, one of the greatest experiences imaginable.

Tripadvisor_sasktravels, Saskatchewan, Canada

A gem!

This is one of the best hotels we have stayed in, despite its inexplicably low 3-Star rating. The family owners have preserved the history and character of the building while modernising it sympathetically and stylishly. The location is good and, from rooms with a view of the lake, very pleasant. Our refurbished lake view double room with balcony was comfortable despite the very hot weather, thanks to efficient air conditioning and electric roller blinds. In addition to ample storage and a very smart bathroom, the provision of a small fridge was much appreciated. The breakfast offer, and service, was excellent - as was the lounge and honesty bar, and the drinks available on the terrace (a delightful area, with the added attraction of an outdoor swimming pool). All the staff were friendly and helpful, with a particular shout-out to the breakfast team. All in all, a great hotel.

Tripadvisor_Mike D

Wonderful, Charming Hotel

This is a wonderful hotel with old world charm in a terrific, yet quiet, location by Lake Lugano, with easy walking to restaurants and town. We (2 couples) loved our 3 nights stay here. Our rooms were spacious (in contrast to frequent European standards) and had balconies that overlooked the lake. While a historic hotel, the rooms were well equipped and the bathrooms modern. Breakfast buffet was extensive, very good and included hot options. There is an honesty bar which was a pleasant place to relax after sightseeing or for a pre-dinner drink. The staff were friendly, efficient and offered great advice on sights, transport, etc. We would definitely stay here again when next in Lugano.

Tripadvisor_ Stephen A, Charlotte, North Carolina

5 star service

We loved staying here. From the pictures you couldn’t tell how large the outdoor areas are and the lounge areas. My kids loved the cars in particular. The service at the pool was 5-star and we especially loved the Aperol spritz outdoor bar. The decor is traditional it was just lovely. Closet space in the rooms also huge.

Tripadvisor_Sharryn G

A Pleasant Stay in a Lovely City

The hotel is well located on the street that runs along pretty Lake Lugano, with lake views from indoor and outdoor common spaces and from some rooms. It sits at one end of a pedestrian area with many restaurants and shops. The owners have done a good job of modernizing the bedrooms while also preserving the charm of this elegant old hotel; one can easily imagine its fin-de-siècle days. The second floor has a large breakfast room and a large, comfortable lounge; and its halls are hung with original paintings. The breakfast is very good, the reception staff helpful, the gardens pleasant.

Tripadvisor_Withyscott, Portland, Oregon

A fabulous hotel in a great location.

We would highly recommend this hotel. It is lovely, located perfectly for restaurants, shops, and scenery etc. The staff are friendly and very accommodating of requests. There is a beautiful garden with a pool which is great during the summer. The breakfast is plentiful and something for everyone. There is a self-serve honesty bar with a selection of drinks including coffee wine and fizz. We had a lovely room with balcony looking across the lake.

Tripadvisor_Caroline H

Lake side Gem

Always a pleasure to come back to this hotel. Great location, great underground parking, nice hosts, super breakfast.

Thomas K, Monte-Carlo, Principato di Monaco