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Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#2 of 40 hotels in Lugano
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.5
Value
4.1
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Prime location in the old-town quarter and shopping district of the city centre and on the lake-promenade.Historical Downtown Hotel with extended facilities such as private garage parking, lobby-bar, garden with swimming-pool and WiFi Internet. A variety of restaurants, pizzerias and typical bars are located close to the hotel.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is officially classified according to Hotelstars Union standards.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
City View
Languages Spoken
English, French, German, Italian
Location
Via Nassa 68, Lugano 6900 Switzerland
Name/address in local language
Hotel International au Lac - Historic & Lakeside
947 reviews
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Hotel International au Lac - Historic & Lakeside offers a scenic getaway with its praised amenities, including stunning views, a beautiful pool, and an honesty bar. Highly regarded for its cleanliness and central location, the hotel allows easy exploration of nearby attractions.
Guests frequently commend the professional and courteous staff, adding to the hotel's value despite some concerns over room updates. The charm of the rooms and the inviting atmosphere, enriched by the property's historical elegance, are often highlighted by travelers.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Well-appointed
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The hotel is not lakefront as there are buildings in front of some of it. However we had booked a room with a lateral lake view. We were celebrating our anniversary and had asked for a nice view. We certainly got this - the view was incredible. The room was advertised as having a balcony and I had envisioned us sitting on the balcony together with a bottle of wine but what we got was not really a balcony. It was 2 separate tiny semi circles of ‘balcony’ where one tiny chair would barely fit and did not feel safe at all to me. Other rooms above and below had larger balconies where more than one of us could have sat. This was disappointing but we just got on with our stay. If I ever returned I would insist on a proper balcony. The hotel had left us a nice card and small cake as a gift which was sweet. The lady who checked us in was lovely and friendly. They have a small car park which they charge 20chf per day for. You should book this in advance as it’s only 36 cars and on our final day cars were blocking us in so it’s busy. The room was one of the recently renovated urban chic rooms which my husband thought was a bit stark and plain. The bathroom was a good size with a nice large shower head. The doors to the ‘balcony’ are super noise reducing - when open it is very noisy around the hotel but when shut you can barey hear anything . The hotel has a good location for restaurants and boat tours etc. There is a bar with great views but it was closed. They had a fridge where you could buy a limited selection of beer and soft drinks and charge to you room. We visited the pretty garden and pool area for a short period but we both got loads of bites from being sat there for 15 mins so we went back inside. Breakfast was ok but the room is a bit dull and uninviting. The food choices for breakfast were ok and the staff very efficient and friendly If returning we would be happy to chose the hotel again but would want a usable balcony we could both sit on.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 2 nights in the International whilst exploring bits of Switzerland that I didn't know so well. Lugano itself was rather empty. The hotel is a traditional, very well maintained structure, and everything that the chain hotels are not. Staff were friendly and always helpful. The rooms have been renovated, but maintain their character. There are plenty of power points in the room. We had a room with a balcony, with a view over the lake. The bathroom was really what I always look for in a bathroom, a proper walk-in shower which didn't flood the floor, for example. At the back of the hotel there's a peaceful terrace and swimming pool, away from the bustle of the road. Whilst we were there the bar was self-service and you noted drinks on a chit. Location is perfect, right at the end of via Nassa, a couple of minutes walk into the main square and plenty of bars and restaurants.
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Date of stay: June 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Roberto Schmid, General Manager at Hotel International au Lac - Historic & Lakeside
Responded Jul 7, 2020
Thank you 'catmouse' for your nice words. Our destination, like many others, is still facing the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic; the city is getting more and more livelier as we are all trying to get back to normal life, combined with the health and safety measures in place. Your appreciation about our newly renovated room made my day! and I thank you for that. Hope to welcome you soon again at the International au Lac Sincerely Roberto Schmid Hotel International au Lac, Lugano * * *s Fam. Schmid, propr. dir.
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A classic older, but renovated hotel that is located central to many shops, lake activities, and the train station.
We stayed in a "family" accommodating room for 5 of us. Very comfortable beds, exceptionally large and updated bath/shower rooms (one with nighttime star ceiling lighting), and large enough to allow us to spread out.
Breakfast is served in a very large and nicely decorate/organized central seating area but there are two smaller rooms where you can sit with only a few tables. The food ranges from fresh breads/pastries to hot dishes (eggs, bacon, sausages) to cold meats, cheeses, yogurt/muesli, and fruits - all very fresh. Coffee is brought to the tables along with hot milk. One of the best breakfasts we've seen in moderately priced hotels.
The hotel has a heated pool, games area, and lounge area with free coffee (and small balcony with seating that looks over the main walking path along the lake).
Staff was helpful and spoke English and several other languages. Check out was quick and accurate.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were so looking forward to our stay, but were seriously disappointed by the poor customer service when sharing an experience we had at the restaurant that the hotel collaborates with, Ristorante Palace Lugano. Before our trip, we received an email encouraging us to try this restaurant. We went there on our first night and the food was terrible. For the first time ever, my husband took one bite of his meal and had to have it removed from the table, as it was horrible. He explained to the server that his meal was inedible. He was not offered another option, and we were then charged for his full meal. When I asked the server why we would be charged and not offered an alternative, he just shrugged. We then told the hotel staff that evening of this event, and they also shrugged. On our check-out, I was asked about our stay and said it was average but that we were surprised at how the restaurant complaint was not addressed at all. Basically, I was told by reception that this was the way it is and some restaurants handle complaints in this way. I explained that this collaboration with a local restaurant of poor quality did not reflect well on the hotel. Very disappointed that the hotel did not offer to follow up with the restaurant they recommended to us, nor did they seem sympathetic. Finally, while the location is excellent, the hotel is run-down/worn-out looking and we could hear the noises from other rooms/neighboring voices during our stay.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Roberto Schmid, Owner at Hotel International au Lac - Historic & Lakeside
Responded May 25, 2021
Thank you 'lindawQ4175RW' for your review. We sincerely regret your experience at the external restaurant (Palace Restaurant) which is run independently from our hotel. We do not operate a restaurant in our hotel and due to the restaurant closures (Covid-19 restrictions) we entered a cooperation with 2 restaurants in the close surroundings of the hotel that were allowed to serve only our guests. I particularly regret that your dinner, that you perceived as poor, affected the overall impression about your stay in our historic hotel. Hopefully when the pandemic will be over, you will give us another chance. Thank you for choosing to stay in our hotel and we look forward to welcoming you again. Sincerely yours Roberto Schmid Hotel International au Lac, Lugano * * *s Fam. Schmid, propr. dir.
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A lovely old, but in good condition City hotel in the centre of Lugano overlooking the lake. A Good reception by friendly staff. Going up and down provides nice pictures of this hotel with tradition (lots of pictures). Nice relaxation room with piano and bar but the staff is not willing to serve you apparently . There is also a self serving fridge with beer an local wine witch was good priced.
We stayed at a Renovated double 'Urban Chic' room with side lake view. What was firmly expensive. Very suitable for families but in terms of price interesting only if there is an offer. Room isolation good be better to avoid noise from above rooms and hallway. They serve a moderate breakfast witch is variable in quality. At the back is a garden and swimming pool. What was cold and with lot’s of Chlorine into the water.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Very suitable for families but in terms of price interesting only if there is an
offer.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
With the new beautifully renovated rooms this family owned and run hotel continues to improve the experience of a relaxing stay in Lugano. Perfect location and service. Excellent breakfast buffet to start a day by the lake.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:small balcony with view of lake are best
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Roberto Schmid, Owner at Hotel International au Lac - Historic & Lakeside
Responded Oct 14, 2021
Dear 'PrProPa', We sincerely appreciate your very positive review. This rewards my team and my family for the efforts we bring up on daily bases in our 115-year-old historic hotel. Looking forward to welcoming you soon again in Lugano, we thank you for your loyalty. Roberto Schmid Hotel International au Lac, Lugano * * *s Fam. Schmid, propr. dir.
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This hotel was excellent. It is very tasteful and steeped in history. Our room was characterful in every respect. Breakfast was very good. The "honesty" bar is also a helpful feature and the prices very reasonable. One particular touch deserves special mention. I originally paid in full in 2020 for a non-refundable booking. When covid came, as far as I was concerned, that was that and I had lost my money - I had paid the cheaper, non-refundable, price. However, the hotel insisted on holding over the amount towards a later stay. When we could not go in 2021 or 2022, they honoured it for this year. And they kept writing to remind us once every six months or so. It is rare to have such personal service going above and so far beyond what is necessary. The position of the hotel near the lake is also outstanding.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We fell in love with this hotel. It has a very special charm. The swimming pool area is amazing same as the bar area. Staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Last but not least, the breakfast was delicious. The location is very convenient, in the heart of Lugano, public transport accessible just by stepping out from the door.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Do not miss the swimming pool area
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I returned to this hotel right after this Pandemic crisis. I was stuck between Milano and Luzern in the middle of the night and they allowed a very unusual last minute booking. I arrived at 2am and all check in was prepared, quick and flawless. Further renovated rooms with separated bathroom and shower. A very functional room that I enjoyed very much. If international travel will be further restricted, that it the hotel where I will spend some holidays in Switzerland. Lovely pool and garden, and the lemonade at their new Honesty bar was perfect (a bar where clients may server themselves from a fridge and just write down what was consumed at any hour of the day)
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Date of stay: June 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
Room Tip:There are many rooms with view on the lake bookable. Ask for it.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived in this beautiful old hotel after a long journey & were greeted very warmly at reception. Our room was wonderfully cool as it had air conditioning, which was a real bonus as it was exceptionally hot & humid for mid June.
The breakfasts were very good, so much to choose from, we ate out every evening as the hotel doesn’t offer dinner. We found excellent restaurants within 10 minutes walk & also very close to the boat stations. The bonus for me was the hotels tropical garden & wonderfully refreshing swimming pool, after a days sightseeing a dip in the pool & a sunbathe was heaven.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheltenham, United Kingdom60 contributions83 helpful votes
Book on the hotel website directly and you can choose renovayed rooms. Priced well versus price comparison websites. We stayed in a renovated room a few months ago and it was brilliant
Hi Maldoc,
please visit our Official Web-Site -> Directions &Location, where you will find all information concerning the funicular and the arrival of Bernina Express.
Cheers from Lugano, Roberto
Hi Bruce,
Ticino Ticket will be haded out upon check-in at the hotel and after completing registration. Your reservation is NOT valid for free transportation.
The train station is around 800 m from the hotel; for guests who are travelling light, our hotel is a pleasant 10- to 15-minute stroll away through the old town. (downhill as the station is up and we are located along the lake)
If travelling with luggage and as an alternative to the taxis on stand-by 24 hrs, we recommend taking bus number 4 from outside the station towards "Lugano-Centro" to the stop "Piazza Luini", which is right in front of the hotel; travel time is around 6 minutes. The cost i currently CHF 2,20 pax/ride
The "funicolare" (cable railway) takes you from the train station to the city centre (Piazza Cioccaro). From there walk through the old town, along Via Pessina and Via Nassa, to reach our hotel in just 5 minutes. The cost is currently CHF 1.30 pax/ride
We are looking forward to welcoming you soon in Lugano - have a safe journey.
Roberto
The train station is around 800 m from the hotel; for guests who are travelling light, our hotel is a pleasant 10- to 15-minute stroll away through the old town.
If you prefer public transport, we recommend taking bus number 4 from outside the station towards "Lugano-Centro" to the stop "Piazza Luini", which is right in front of the hotel; travel time is around 6 minutes.
The "funicolare" (cable railway) takes you from the train station to the city centre (Piazza Cioccaro). From there walk through the old town, along Via Pessina and Via Nassa, to reach our hotel in just 5 minutes.
Double Classic, with lateral view rooms are : Sunlit Double Classic rooms, overlooking the Santa Maria degli Angioli Church, the restored monastery cloister and with a glimpse of the lake. Twin or a queen bed, bath/shower and WC and mostly with elegant parquet floor.
Make sure you get the best price and conditions and book directly with our hotel. Google for our official Intenet-site.
Hello ikemod,
thanks a lot for your message about our hotel. Yes, we have a lift to all 5 floors and our rooms of the category "Chic with balcony" have a walk in shower. No elevator for the garden and swimmingpool area.
Looking forward to welcoming your parents at the Hotel International au Lac, we remain
with best regards from Lugano.
Roberto Schmid
Hotel International au Lac, Lugano
Fam. Schmid, propr. dir.
There are more places to choose from in the Lugano area.
PRICE RANGE
$218 - $326 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
international au lac lugano, international au lac hotel
LOCATION
SwitzerlandSwiss AlpsCanton of TicinoLugano
NUMBER OF ROOMS
80
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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HOTEL INTERNATIONAL AU LAC - HISTORIC & LAKESIDE - Updated 2024
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel International au Lac - Historic & Lakeside
Which popular attractions are close to Hotel International au Lac - Historic & Lakeside?
Nearby attractions include Church of S. Maria degli Angioli (0.03 miles), Piazza della Riforma (0.2 miles), and LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura (0.09 miles).
