International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel

Quite possibly my favorite hotel I’ve ever stayed at. This family run establishment has character and is also modern. Rooms have been renovated within the past year and have AC and awesome waterfall shower heads. My husband called it a 5 star shower experience. The pool is relaxing. The included breakfast was a treat. They had some gluten free options and it was served on china with coffee service. The breakfast area and lounge has nice old school decor. There is a room on the first floor that details the hotels history in immense detail. They had photo books detailing all the hotel renovations over the years and the different generations of family members. I loved it to bits and hope that this stays a family run establishment for years to come. Going to tell everyone I know to come to Lugano and stay here!

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. Complementary 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.

We stayed at Hotel International Au Lac for three nights in early August : two rooms for two adults, two teenagers and our dog. Honestly, we loved every minute of it.||The hotel is super dog-friendly. They gave us a mat/towel, water bowl, and even a little sign for the door so people knew there was a dog inside. For breakfast they set us up in a separate room so our dog could be with us, and we just picked up our food from the main buffet. The waiters still brought us coffee , which was excellent, by the way. Breakfast in general was fresh, good quality, and the coffee was great.||Our rooms were spotless when we arrived, and you can tell the cleaning team really take their time. We didn’t need cleaning during our stay, but the staff still checked politely to make sure we had everything. Beds were very comfortable and the air-con worked perfectly, even though it was really hot outside.||There’s an honesty bar on the first floor which is open all the time : wine, beer, lemonade, Coke, and really good still and sparkling water. There’s also free filtered water, ice, tea and coffee. It’s so handy and the prices are fair (for Switzerland).||We parked in the underground garage but didn’t touch the car again until we left because the location is brilliant. Everything is walkable and the free Ticino public transport pass from the hotel made it even easier to get around.||The pool and terrace were lovely - the water was warm (26°C) and there were always towels available. Evenings were perfect with a Spritz or Amarò Generoso from the terrace bar. It was never crowded, just very relaxed.||The staff really make the place. They’re friendly, helpful and nothing seems too much trouble. You can see they work well together and genuinely care about guests. The hotel is family-owned, and our daughters had a nice chat with the owner about the 100-year-old cutlery at breakfast .||We left feeling relaxed and really well looked after. This is one of those rare hotels where you just know you’ll be back.

Lovely hotel. Check-in was easy. The very friendly staff had us off to our room in no time. The hotel has a swift lift. ||Our room was one of the renovated rooms and, though it was small, it was very well appointed and fairly well lit. The bed was comfortable and had nightstands and power outlets on each side--perfect for two people to charge devices at bedside. Unfortunately, the sharp corners on the bed's edge bruised us almost every time we exited the bed--rounded or padded corners might help here. The room had a mini fridge, electric kettle, coffee & tea, and a safe.||The bathroom was a good size and very well lit (yay!). There was plenty of counter space for toiletries. The shower (only) was large and the water pressure was good. The towels were large. ||The WiFi was strong but not password protected (boo!). The breakfast was good with many offerings. I've stayed here before and will happily stay again.

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.

Coming from America I highly try recommend this hotel. The garden and pool on the 2nd floor was gorgeous. The water was 80° we loved swimming in the evenings when the sun was setting on the mountains. The rooms were spacious as were the bathrooms. The ac was great (I did ask for a fan at the front seat because I like movement of air. The location was great to all the things. We sat out on our balcony’s in the morning and evening and you could be in all the action but not hear any of it once the doors were closed! I was sad to have to leave to our next city. This hotel was spectacular!

A gem that punches above its rating. The public areas exude old-world charm and civility: breakfast served with white linen and silver cutlery. |Our recently refurbished bedroom contained all mod cons and near-silent air-con. Bed very comfy with quality cotton bed-linen and the room was very quiet and dark.|A great location at the end of Via Nassa with its smart shops, adjacent to the lovely Saint Mary church and MASI Art museum. A stroll from restaurants and public squares.|Bar balcony great for lake views and watching shoppers and glam. motors parading along the Riva. |Lovely planted private grounds with pool and games. Very peaceful. Keen to return.

This was a hotel as you want a traditional hotels to be. The staff were formal and professional. The common areas were large and beautiful in a traditional style. Fantastic backyard with pool and very good sun conditions. The rooms were also in a traditional style which certainly has its charm. Our room could perhaps have needed a little upgrade considering what you need in 2025, but it was clean and nice. The bathroom was large and felt more modern than the rest of the room. The breakfast was continental with a good selection and it could be taken in several rooms. Parking in a private garage, with a private entrance to the lobby, absolutely great. The location was very good for us, close to the beach promenade and in a pleasant street towards the old town. We will be back!

the best thing about this hotel was the breakfast buffet. Go stay here just for that! I stayed 2 hours... :) The rooms were nice, the beds average comfort, and the view spectacular. the pool is nice, with a nice little courtyard to sit and relax.... there is a reading room and a room with antique items there too! Hotel staff are helpful and nice.

What a great location to stay at in Lugano. Its walking distance from the main shopping district and center squares in town, plus across the street from the lake..hotel has lake views. The rooms seem to all be renovated recently and some super new. The hotel has old fashioned decor but it doesnt look old and grungy? Weird but its the only way I can describe it. The service was fantastic from front desk to bar and restaurant. The front desk recommended a great place to eat and they were super helpful. The breakfast was a nice selection of food for all types of eaters, coffee was so so. The only complaint is the walls were thin. I could hear the people next door to me so if you are a light sleeper, it may not be the place for you. Parking was right under the hotel and easy in and out during the day if needed.