9 Best Hotels in Lugano Where You Can Live Your Most Bougie Life

Ever heard of Lugano? It is technically Switzerland, but it is basically hanging out with the Italian Lakes crowd, just about 30 minutes from Como. If you want to bounce between Lake Lugano and Lake Como without committing to one side, this is your spot. And let us be real: Lugano is not a “budget guesthouse and a dream” kind of place, it is a luxury-hotel-and-a-view situation. If you are not sure where the best hotels in Lugano are (or you do not feel like going down a booking-site rabbit hole), I have you covered. Also, Lake Lugano might have a Swiss address, but with the climate, mountains, and lakeside towns, it fully passes as honorary Italy.

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Best Luxury Hotels in Lugano, Switzerland

Drop this map into the post to see exactly where the best hotels in Lugano are located, from lakefront icons to Old Town stays. Use it to spot what is walkable, what has the best views, and which properties are closer to the train station or tucked away for a quieter, “do not disturb” kind of trip.

Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola

Fall into the lap of luxury at Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola. This is one the the best hotels in Lugano if you’re looking for a tranquil atmosphere, elegance, and discreet and friendly service. It’s quite literally an oasis, located far from the stresses of life and right on the shores of Lake Lugano. It’s set inside a private, subtropical park but still walking distance to Old Town of Lugano.

During your stay, you’ll have access to three gourmet restaurants, an indoor pool, a tennis court, and more. FUN FACT: this palatial mansion was once home to a noble Russian family and became a hotel in 1885. The rooms in this hotel are decorated in their own unique way and every single one of them features lake or park views. Also, you can find several cafés, shops, and restaurants just a few steps away in the city center.

Address: Via Pico 9, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

Elegant restaurant interior with tables set for fine dining, featuring large windows that frame a stunning lake and mountain view. Warm sunlight filters through striped orange-and-white awnings, casting a cozy glow on the room’s plush seating and soft-toned decor.

Grand hotel illuminated at dusk, nestled against a forested hillside with palm trees and manicured gardens in the foreground. Yellow lounge chairs and white umbrellas are scattered across the lawn, creating a luxurious and inviting outdoor space.

Indoor pool area with sleek lounge chairs lined up along sunlit windows that open to a lush green garden. Sculptural wooden accents and soft natural light create a serene, spa-like atmosphere.

Bright and elegant hotel room with a large bed, classic armchairs around a small table, and a private balcony overlooking palm trees and mountains. Natural light streams in through sheer curtains and a striped awning adds a charming touch.

Lakeside sun deck at one of the best hotels in Lugano, with lounge chairs and white umbrellas overlooking a vivid blue lake, with a boat cruising past and a lush green mountain rising in the background. The scene is bright and tranquil, perfect for relaxing in the sun with panoramic views.

PHOTO CREDITS: Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola VIA HOTELS.COM

PLANNING A TRIP TO LUGANO SOON?

Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans!

Popular Tours & Activities in Lugano:

Top Places to Stay in Lugano:

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Villa Principe Leopoldo

Live like literal royalty at this Villa Principe Leopoldo. This former palace of a prince ranks among the best hotels in Lugano for a reason. It offers eye-popping panoramic views of not just the lake, but also the vast mountain ranges that surround the property. Additionally, this luxury hotel in Lugano boasts opulent rooms, an upscale restaurant, and a delightful piano bar.

This hotel is the most exclusive of the Ticino Hotels Group and has 37 spacious suites, DOT SPA with personalized treatments, and an exclusive selection of cocktails, wines, champagne, and malt whiskies at the bar. If you want to live like a queen (or king), you should definitely book a room at this former royal residence.

Address: Via Montalbano 5, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

Elegant lounge setting with a grand piano in the background, where a server pours champagne into a flute on a round table set with snacks and two glasses. The room is warmly lit with gold curtains, soft lighting, and a cozy yet upscale ambiance.

Aerial view of a grand lakeside villa framed by manicured gardens and towering evergreens, with Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains creating a stunning twilight backdrop. The villa’s warm lights and symmetrical architecture add to its luxurious, serene charm.

Luxurious villa with a terracotta facade and lush greenery, overlooking a sparkling turquoise pool surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas. Tiered terraces with flower boxes and shaded seating areas enhance the Mediterranean-style retreat under a bright blue sky.

Spacious luxury hotel suite with a plush bed, striped sofas, and elegant gold-toned drapes framing a large window that opens to a scenic lake and mountain view. Warm lighting and polished wood floors create a refined, relaxing atmosphere.

Octagonal stone fountain set in a perfectly manicured lawn, with panoramic views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The serene outdoor space is framed by potted plants and open-air pavilions, creating a peaceful, luxurious retreat.

PHOTO CREDITS: Villa Principe Leopoldo VIA HOTELS.COM

Hotel Splendide Royal

Some of the best hotels in Lugano lean full Belle Époque “palace” energy, and Hotel Splendide Royal is the poster child. It opened in 1887 and sits right on the lake (Lake Lugano, a.k.a. Lake Ceresio) along the waterfront on Riva Antonio Caccia, with views for days.

On-site, the Splendide Lifestyle Spa has a pool, sun terrace, and gym, and the hotel’s fine-dining spot I Due Sud holds a Michelin star and 16/20 GaultMillau points, blending southern Italian flavors with Ticino ingredients. Plus, you can stroll into the city center in just a few minutes along the lake.

Address: Riva Antonio Caccia 7, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

Chic and colorful hotel bar with marble-topped tables, blue floral-upholstered chairs, and a well-stocked backlit bar framed by white paneling. Warm lighting from stained glass lamps and mirrored accents create a cozy, vintage-inspired ambiance perfect for evening drinks.

Elegant marble bathroom with double sinks, fresh white lilies, and wall-mounted lighting, featuring two open windows framing a vivid view of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains. A boat glides across the lake, adding a touch of motion to the serene landscape.

Luxurious indoor pool area with elegant chandeliers and lounge chairs, opening onto a terrace with white umbrellas and a breathtaking view of Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains. The serene setting combines modern design with classic glamour for a relaxing escape.

Elegant hotel room decorated in warm golden tones with a large bed, classic furnishings, and a private balcony overlooking Lake Lugano and green mountains. The space features royal blue accents and luxurious fabrics that enhance its refined, traditional style.

Elegant outdoor seating area with wicker chairs and a low table set with cocktails and desserts, overlooking Lake Lugano at night. Twinkling lights from hillside towns reflect on the water, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere.

PHOTO CREDITS: Hotel Splendide Royal VIA HOTELS.COM

LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel

Designed with guests in mind, this Luganodante Hotel is located in the historical heart of the city, surrounded by shops, cafés, and restaurants. If you want to get some nature in, the lake is only a 5-minute walk from the hotel. This is the ideal location if you’re a person who wants to be right in the middle of the action.

When you stay here, you’ll get concierge service, luggage storage space, an on-site restaurant and bar, WiFi, and a choice between three types of breakfast each morning – buffet, à la carte, or continental.

There is so much to do nearby with easy access via your own two feet. This is the place to stay in Lugano if you want convenient luxury.

Address: Piazza Cioccaro 5, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

Modern hotel bar with a sleek design featuring bold blue walls, red bar stools, and black high tables with minimalist decor. A wine fridge and vertical garden add a touch of luxury and freshness to the vibrant, stylish atmosphere.

Trendy and vibrant bathroom with contrasting teal and black tiled walls, featuring modern vessel sinks, round mirrors, and fresh orchids on a terrazzo countertop. A neon sign in the background glows warmly from an adjacent room, adding a stylish, contemporary touch.

Inviting hotel breakfast buffet with a wide variety of fresh pastries, cakes, tarts, and fruit desserts arranged neatly under a glass display. Warm lighting and sleek wood-panel counters enhance the cozy yet modern ambiance at Flamel restaurant.

Evening view of the entrance to the LUGANODANTE hotel, featuring a modern stone facade with large windows and illuminated signage. A glowing red question mark icon and soft interior lighting create a welcoming and stylish street presence.

Modern minimalist hotel room with a teal upholstered bed, light wood herringbone flooring, and soft gray curtains framing two wooden-framed windows. A cozy armchair, sleek lighting, and simple furnishings create a clean, comfortable space with a touch of warmth.

PHOTO CREDITS: LUGANODANTE HOTEL VIA HOTELS.COM

Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa

Villa Sassa is a distinctive Lugano stay with real history behind it. The original villa was built in the early 19th century in neo-Gothic style as the summer residence of Giacomo Luvini-Perseghini (Colonel and Mayor of Lugano), and it later picked up Baroque-influenced changes in the early 20th century. Beginning in 2002, the property evolved into the Hotel, Residence & Spa it is today.

Surrounded by a large park, Villa Sassa has panoramic views over Lugano, Lake Lugano, and the surrounding mountains, and it is about a 15-minute walk from the city center. On-site you have a large spa, a bar, and Ai Giardini di Sassa, which leans modern Mediterranean with a strong Ticino/southern Italy influence (plus lighter wellness-focused options).

Address: Via Tesserete 10, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

Luxurious marble bathroom with a skylight ceiling and panoramic windows offering stunning mountain and city views. The space features a large soaking tub, dual sinks with a dark marble countertop, and elegant finishes that reflect natural light throughout.

Romantic outdoor dining table set for two with wine, water, and gourmet dishes, overlooking the city of Lugano and the surrounding mountains under a clear blue sky. The vibrant view and elegant setup create a perfect atmosphere for an al fresco meal with a view.

Wide-angle view of a grand hotel with Mediterranean-style architecture, featuring peach-toned arches and white facades, surrounded by lush green lawns and manicured bushes. The vibrant blue sky enhances the bright, welcoming atmosphere of this upscale resort.

Stunning rooftop infinity pool with crystal-clear water, surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, overlooking the mountains and rooftops of Lugano. The hotel building in the background adds a luxurious resort ambiance under a vivid blue sky.

Elegant hotel room with a hand-painted ceiling, hardwood floors, and a private balcony offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The bright space features classic furniture, soft curtains, and a breakfast setup near large glass doors.

PHOTO CREDITS: VILLA SASSA HOTEL VIA HOTELS.COM

Where to Stay Near Lugano

If you want the Lugano views and restaurant scene without being right in the middle of the city, staying just outside town is the move. These luxury hotels near Lugano put you closer to quieter lakefront stretches and countryside scenery, while still keeping Lugano an easy drive (or quick transit ride) away.

THE VIEW Lugano

Opened in 2015, The View Hotel has 18 luxurious suites — and they all face Lake Lugano, so the name is doing what it promised. You get a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant, plus complimentary use of e-bikes and electric smart cars, and a wellness area with a sauna, hammam, indoor pool, and gym.

When you stay at this hotel, you’re also just a short 5-minute walk from Lake Lugano and the Monte San Salvatore area. Take the funicular up to the top for gorgeous views. If you want something easy and walkable that is not just “stare at the view and pretend you do not have emails,” you’re about a 20-minute walk from the Museum of Art of Italian Switzerland, with LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura also close by for exhibitions and performances.

Address: Via Guidino 29, 6900 Paradiso, Switzerland

Sophisticated fine dining restaurant with round tables draped in grey linens, contemporary chairs, and a sculptural ceiling design. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal a terrace and mountain views, while a backlit wine display adds a modern, upscale touch.

Modern hillside hotel with illuminated balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, built into a lush green slope. The contemporary design and evening lighting create a warm, inviting glow against the surrounding natural landscape.

Sleek indoor spa pool with bubbling water jets, modern water features, and lounge chairs along the tiled floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light and reveal lush greenery outside, while blue LED ceiling lights add a calming, contemporary vibe.

Modern luxury hotel room with sleek wood paneling, ambient lighting, and a cozy seating area, opening to a balcony with panoramic views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding hills. The room’s minimalist design is elevated by natural tones and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Tranquil spa relaxation room with curved heated loungers facing a softly lit Himalayan salt wall, creating a warm and calming ambiance. Rolled towels and a peaceful, minimalist design enhance the serene, wellness-focused atmosphere.

PHOTO CREDITS: THE VIEW LUGANO VIA HOTELS.COM

Grand Hotel Campione

This luxury lakefront hotel is beyond words. There’s literally no proper way to describe it, you just have to experience it for yourself.

Located in the Italian enclave of Campione d’Italia across Lake Ceresio from Lugano, the Grand Hotel Campione features everything you could possibly need. It has a restaurant, modern rooms, and a spa with a hydrotherapy bath, sauna, Turkish bath, and relaxation area with a tea corner. You can also request private in-room massages!

Every room has unbelievable views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and a delicious buffet breakfast is served daily. You can get to the center of Lugano in about 20 minutes by car and the hotel has on-site parking available. It’s a little outside of the main city but totally worth it for the views alone.

Address: Via Matteo da Campione, 2, 22061 Campione d’Italia CO, Italy

Luxurious bathroom with a freestanding soaking tub positioned in front of floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of a turquoise lake and rugged mountains. Warm lighting, modern fixtures, and a single white orchid add to the serene, spa-like ambiance.

Cozy indoor spa area with a narrow, glowing blue pool lined by dark lounge chairs, rolled towels, and soft candle lighting. Ambient light patterns dance on the walls, creating a tranquil and inviting space for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Modern hotel suite with floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of a turquoise lake and distant mountains. The room features a plush bed, cozy sitting area with armchairs and a round coffee table, and a stylish wood-paneled divider that adds warmth and elegance.

Relaxing spa setup with black woven loungers, rolled white towels, and flickering candles on wooden side tables. In the foreground, a round table holds an ornate golden tea set and green glass cups, creating a cozy and indulgent atmosphere.

Panoramic view from a modern hotel balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass reflecting the vivid blue waters of a lake and surrounding mountains. Below, charming buildings and a narrow street line the shore, creating a picturesque lakeside scene under a clear sky.

PHOTO CREDITS: Grand Hotel Campione VIA HOTELS.COM

Resort Collina d’Oro

This upscale 5-star resort sits in the green hills of Ticino just outside Lugano (roughly 10–15 minutes by car, depending on traffic). It’s known for panoramic views, a full spa and fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools, and an on-site restaurant.

Rooms lean polished and modern, with details like oak flooring and stone bathrooms; many hotel listings also note extras like a pillow menu and complimentary mineral water. In summer, you’ll typically find outdoor dining options and a poolside bar vibe. The property also includes parkland with a vineyard, plus a garden used for fresh produce.

For transport, the nearest bus stop is only a couple minutes’ walk away. And yes — guests receive the Ticino Ticket for free public transport across the canton plus discounts on select attractions.

Address: Via Roncone 22, 6927 Collina d’Oro, Switzerland

Charming outdoor café terrace with wrought iron tables and chairs under arched porticoes, overlooking a garden with white umbrellas and distant mountain views. Sunlight filters through the arches, creating a bright and peaceful spot perfect for relaxing with a drink or book.

Aerial view of a luxurious hilltop resort surrounded by lush green forests and terraced lawns, perched on a ridge overlooking Lake Lugano and distant mountain ranges. Winding trails and panoramic scenery create a peaceful, secluded escape in the heart of nature.

Sparkling outdoor infinity pool with wide steps leading into turquoise water, surrounded by elegant loungers and large sun umbrellas. Set against a backdrop of rolling green hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky, the scene offers a luxurious and tranquil retreat.

Cozy hotel room with a red upholstered headboard, crisp white bedding, and warm lighting from bedside lamps. A set of glass doors opens to a private balcony with a view, framed by bold red-and-orange striped curtains that add a touch of elegance.

Modern wooden sauna with ambient lighting beneath the benches, where a person wrapped in a towel is reclining on the upper level. The glass door offers a sleek, open view into the warm, relaxing space designed for ultimate comfort and rejuvenation.

PHOTO CREDITS: Resort Collina d’Oro VIA HOTELS.COM

Swiss Diamond Hotel & Spa

Swiss Diamond is full-on pampered luxury. Set right on the shore of Lake Lugano, this 5-star hotel has three restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, and a beauty and health center/spa. Rooms are elegant and spacious, with lake or mountain views. Restaurant Panorama pairs fine cuisine and wines with panoramic views, while Restaurant Lago sits on the lakeshore and is known for fresh homemade pasta and fish dishes.

A free shuttle to Lugano Airport and Lugano Train Station can be arranged upon request and availability, and guests also receive the Ticino Ticket for public transport perks and discounts around the canton.

Address: Riva lago Olivella 29, 6921 Vico Morcote, Switzerland

Sophisticated lounge bar with emerald leather barstools, polished wood finishes, and shelves lined with premium spirits. A central table features a decanter, snifters, cigars, and a chessboard, evoking a classic, upscale ambiance perfect for refined relaxation.

Luxurious spa area featuring a marble steam room with bold red stone accents and a separate wooden sauna equipped with towels and a traditional water bucket. The contrast of cool stone and warm wood creates an elegant and soothing wellness environment.

Lakeside relaxation area with rows of sun loungers and navy blue umbrellas set on a grassy lawn lined with tall palm trees. Overlooking calm waters and misty mountain silhouettes, the space offers a peaceful retreat perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the view.

Luxurious indoor spa pool surrounded by vibrant mosaic tiles featuring floral and lotus designs, with a cascading water feature and soft lighting enhancing the tranquil ambiance. Cushioned lounge beds, white orchids, and a tea set add a touch of elegance and comfort.

Elegant hotel room with a plush tufted headboard, classic wood furnishings, and a bed accented by a deep red throw. A large window with ornate green drapes opens to a stunning view of turquoise lake waters and a forested hillside village.

PHOTO CREDITS: Swiss Diamond Hotel & Spa VIA HOTELS.COM

Can’t Get Enough of the Luxe Life?

Whether you want a lakefront five-star, a polished boutique stay in the center, or a resort-style escape just outside town, these picks cover the best hotels in Lugano for living your best luxe life.

Once you lock in your room, plan out one day in Lugano so you can hit the lake, Old Town, and the best viewpoints without overthinking it, then save my guide to Lugano nightlife for when you are ready to trade spa time for cocktails.