Caffè dell'Arte Boutique Rooms Locarno

I’d like to keep this hotel a secret so we can always stay here without fear of it being booked-out. I think this has to be our favourite holiday accommodation ever. Loved the location in the old town a bit away from the busy tourist areas, the unique décor, the comfortable bed, the Venice room’s separate sitting area with a writing desk and coffee making corner (ask for more coffee if you need it), the old-world charm, the little balcony with French doors opening to a view of old buildings and palm trees but most of all, we loved the incredibly welcoming, friendly, and helpful staff. It’s a family run business and the breakfast chef, Niels, who was not family said he felt like he was! And that’s the treasure in this hotel, you’re treated like visiting family.||We liked the hotel’s simplicity which seems more environmentally friendly than huge hotels with 24-hour reception and lots of wastage. Instead of fridges in every room, for example, they have one big one in the hall to share. There also weren’t little bottles and packets of toiletries which are usually wasted. Instead, they had big re-fillable soap and shampoo dispensers.||Now back to Niels. Breakfast was also a unique and creative experience. No big wasteful buffet or menu with standard fare. Instead, they have a talented and creative chef offering something special. We had freshly made pancakes and the softest wholemeal, grain croissants I’ve ever had, both topped with warm homemade raspberry compote. (You can see these special pancakes on their Instagram site.)||My only suggestion would be that it would be wonderful if they could open the Café for breakfast every day. (It’s closed on Monday and Tuesday) Although the family sent us off to some perfectly good breakfast spots on those days, once we got to try their offer, I was very sorry that we only got to eat there once.||So, although I’d like to keep this hotel a secret, I’m writing this long revue in appreciation for all the effort, thought, warmth and creativity they put into their business. Thankyou to you all.|

Upon arrival we were told that there are no window shutters. We were presented with some excuses as to why this is. How can the host sell us a room when the new window shutters are not installed yet? We won’t be able to sleep at night and have to rise with dawn. This is impertinent and a rip-off.

The best brunch we have ever had! We ordered the pancakes, pita, eggs and chia pudding. Chef Niels did an amazing job with both presentation and taste, plus he is very Passionate about using fresh ingredients. Would highly recommend.

I would stay here again. I would stay here forever! This is a beautiful old building that is lovingly cared for by the owner's family. They are so warm and friendly. The apartment was huge with a separate living room and kitchen. The bed was comfortable and everything was very clean and welcoming.

We arrived at the hotel and had to temporarily park on the side of the street to register and leave our luggage. There is no parking nearby as we are in the heart of the city. I had instructions for the parking but got lost on the way and so finally reached the hotel by foot..||Our room was nice and comfortable but with a noisy air conditioning; We liked the bathroom. The breakfast was original, it was presented to us one course after another. It was not by choice but we enjoyed it very much. The garden is very pleasant with beautiful plants, an oasis in the heart of the city. It is a family run hotel and the staff was very pleasant. We enjoyed the city and tour of the stunning lake.

What a wonderful little gem in Florence! Wonderful view from some of the rooms but also the interior of the rooms in wonderful. Aneta prepares a wonderful breakfast and also the design of the breakfast is amazing - very stylish. The staff is very friendly and helpful - I immediately felt at home. Thank you for making my stay in Florence so nice!

My dad and I spent a couple of days in Ticino on a spontaneous 2-day trip without planning anything more than visiting Lugano, Monteggio (our place of origin), and Locarno.||When we arrived in Locarno mid-afternoon we parked our car and started perusing Tripadvisor in search of a place to stay for the night. And there it was: the place we were looking for! A cute, quirky boutique hotel in the heart of Old City, steps away from Piazza Grande, the shores of Lago Maggiore, and a wealth of authentic osterias and trattorias to choose from.||The rooms are all differently themed (oriental, guepard, zebra, petit nuage...). The owner showed us a few of the available rooms and we settled on the Zebra room. Let’s say it delivered on its name. I won’t post photos, because you need to see it for yourself :-)||We took the Bed & Breakfast formula and weren’t disappointed. The 4-course breakfast was served by the owner and her sister and was prepared fresh. It changes every morning, so I can’t speak for the other days... but ours was delicious!||Speaking of the owner, she was one of the most personable and attentive people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. She was helpful from the room choice to the restaurant recommendations. For the evening, she recommended Osteria Borghese, which was a perfect choice for us (more in my separate review of the place). As a side note, the owner also told us to avoid the restaurants on Piazza Grande itself. ||I could go on and on, but in a nutshell Caffè Dell’Arte Boutique Rooms is a true gem. If you ever plan to sleep in Locarno... just book there. Chances are high that you won’t be disappointed. ||

Excellent location, very close to everything. “Live like a local” kinda experience. You feel at home when you enter this small hotel, and we also understood why: it’s a real family run business: we met the owner, a lovely lady who made us the best breakfast ever, her smiley daughter, her talkative son and also her professional sister! Everybody is there to make you feel welcome.|Breakfast is served at the table (no typical buffet!), and each day you get something new. You want an experience, this is a great experience.|We also enjoyed the combination of the décor, the art, the fashion store and art gallery.|Very strongly recommend.