Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside

Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside

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About

#2 of 40 hotels in Lugano
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.1 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers 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.
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Property amenities
Electric vehicle charging station
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Bar / lounge
Boating
Game room
Children's playground
Indoor play area for children
Paid private parking on-site
Car park
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Vending machine
Table tennis
Highchairs available
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Taxi service
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Room features
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Flatscreen TV
Bidet
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Clothes rack
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Walk-in shower
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
City view
Landmark view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
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.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
City View
Languages Spoken
English, French, German, Italian

Location

Via Nassa 68, Lugano 6900 Switzerland
Name/address in local language
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles953 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled in a prime lakeside spot, Hotel International Au Lac has been lauded by many travelers for its blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The hotel's rooms, noted for their comfort and cleanliness, provide picturesque views, though some guests suggest they are on the smaller side. The service receives high marks for professionalism and friendliness, contributing significantly to the guest experience. While the hotel's amenities, including the honesty bar and pool, are popular, a few guests have mentioned a lack of certain room features. Overall, the central location and inviting atmosphere make it a well-regarded destination.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Helpful
Amenities
Well-appointed

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Detailed Reviews
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renzo b wrote a review May 2024
Rimini, Italy
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The hotel is in a splendid position, from which it is possible to visit Lugano on foot and reach the entire Canton of Ticino (the hotel offered us guests a free ticket to travel on all public transport throughout the Canton of Ticino).
The hotel wanted to maintain some traditional features and may give the impression of a somewhat vintage structure: the rooms are traditional, but comfortable and clean.
It is very striking that an entire wing of the first floor has been dedicated to guests, instead of being transformed into other rooms, as usually happens in many modern hotels. Guests can sit in a reading room or the Honesty Bar's great room to talk, read or meet friends. Breakfast is served in two rooms, one of which is immense and offers an excellent buffet breakfast, traditional, vegetarian, American, continental, gluten-free products, local cheeses, vast choice of fresh seasonal fruit, excellent choice of dried fruit, etc. . etc. No queues in front of the dishes given the vastness of the offers.
The staff is very kind, always ready to collaborate without being intrusive.
In short, this time Lugano seemed even more beautiful to us.
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Google
Date of stay: May 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled 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.
Bill T wrote a review Jul 2023
San Diego, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled 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.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
834florianw wrote a review Apr 2024
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Hotel International au Lac is a traditional hotel in Lugano in a prime location on the noble via Nassa with a beautiful view of Lake Lugano. The hotel will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. The room we had was beautifully furnished and the bed was very comfortable. The bathroom is newly renovated and very high quality! Breakfast is served in a beautiful dining room and the buffet is very extensive and with high-quality products from the region. On the first floor there is a bar where you can serve yourself and comfortable lounge seats invite you to linger. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful! The stay was wonderful!
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Google
Date of stay: April 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled 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.
Jean-Paul M wrote a review Oct 2023
Bettembourg, Luxembourg
3.0 of 5 bubbles
We arrived in a group. The hotel is very centrally located for visiting the city and most of the sights. Ships and public transport are in the immediate vicinity.
The hotel is very clean and the staff are courteous and very friendly. The self-service concept in the bar, which is always open, is very pleasant.
As we were travelling in a group, most of the rooms were very small and in dire need of renovation, which is apparently currently taking place.
We chose a higher room category for a very respectable and hefty surcharge of CHF 540 per week. Unfortunately, we only had a wardrobe of around 1 m. The wardrobe also contained a fridge, a safe and a kettle, so there was little storage space left. Despite reporting this to the management several times, nothing happened and no financial compensation was received.
Groups are served a meal in the evening, but unfortunately it is not freshly prepared, but warmed up. The breakfast buffet is, however, plentiful and varied. Unfortunately, fried eggs cost an additional charge.
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Google
Date of stay: October 2023
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Donna P wrote a review Sep 2024
Phoenix, Arizona
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and I enjoyed staying two nights at this beautiful hotel. Our room 337 was exceptional overlooking like Lugano.… Just beautiful! There was a little balcony, perfect for evenings with a bottle of wine. The beds were comfortable and our room had the largest shower I have ever experienced in Europe. The beds were comfortable and the room had automatic shades that came down with the press of a button so it would be completely dark in our room. It was still quite warm and humid outside so the air conditioning in the room was bonus. The establishment offers free breakfast, which had quite a variety, and I really pretty pool area which we definitely took advantage of. Isabella at the front desk was especially helpful and we really appreciated her help with some of our questions. If you are ever in Lugano, this is definitely a place we would return to.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled 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.
infoN2582QM wrote a review Apr 2024
4.0 of 5 bubbles
The location of the hotel is unbeatable. The friendliness of the staff is impressive. Five points for both. The beds are a bit creaky and because the rooms are very noisy you can hear them from the room next door. This deducts a little, although the lack of soundproofing is due to the hotel's history, which is justified. In my opinion, the price-performance ratio is good. The breakfast has very good bread and the service is very friendly. The food is sufficient and of good quality (veal sausages, gratinated tomatoes, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, mortadella, bresaola, one or two types of cheese, muesli, yoghurts, croissants, etc.). The coffee is three out of five points. The room cleaners get five points for cleanliness and friendliness. The fact that a hotel like the Internationale is still family-run is impressive and deserves five points.
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Google
Date of stay: April 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled 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.
André M wrote a review May 2024
4.0 of 5 bubbles
My experience mirrored exactly what was advertised in their photos. The highlight of the stay was undoubtedly the breathtaking views of the lake from the balcony. While some areas of the hotel could benefit from a refurbishment, particularly the parts with carpeting, the overall experience was elevated by the stunning vistas, prime location, and the warmth of the staff.

One of the conveniences was the underground hotel car park, allowing for easy access right outside the hotel entrance. The seamless check-in process, where they didn't even require my credit card, was a pleasant surprise. The presence of an honesty bar added a charming touch, and I particularly enjoyed indulging in some wine there.

The hotel's location is another major plus, with restaurants, shops, and cafes just a one minute walk away. Additionally, the beautiful walk across the road, spanning from one end to the other, provided a picturesque experience.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would recommend this hotel to anyone seeking a blend of stunning views, convenient amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere in Lugano.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
czhammer wrote a review Jul 2024
Chicago, Illinois
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Our stay at Hotel International au Lac exceeded our expectations. As hesitant travelers due to selectiveness of accommodations, we wish we could experience the service and cleanliness of Hotel International au Lac everywhere! The staff were professional & helpful, and the location couldn’t be better for enjoying the Via Nassa and lake. The hotel common areas, amenities, and room were impeccable. The Hotel International au Lac embodies old world charm but meets modern accommodations. We would gladly stay again and it should be your first choice of stay when traveling Lugano!
Read more
Date of stay: June 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled 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.
Philip3 wrote a review Jun 2023
Sussex
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled 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.
Mehmet K wrote a review Apr 2024
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Always great. We had the corner room on the 4th floor, and every morning we woke up to a fantastic view. A few things have also been improved: there are now doors between the rooms, which makes family stays very pleasant. There are plenty of sockets, and there's also a USB port for your cell phone.

But we still preferred the classics: great rooms, great bathrooms, great ambience, a fantastic terrace/garden/pool area, and the location on Via Nassa.

We could spend whole days on the terrace, it's so beautifully designed. The only thing that could do with replacing the chess pieces is that the chess pieces. ;-)
Read more
Google
Date of stay: April 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled 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.
…
dabbagmm asked a question Jul 2021
Haywards Heath, United Kingdom250 contributions288 helpful votes
Are all rooms renovated? How can I make sure I get a renovated room? Thank you.
Answer from Sonny_Crockett
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
Answer from RobertoSchmid
1 contribution
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
Answer from RobertoSchmid
1 contribution
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
Answer from RobertoSchmid
1 contribution
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.
ikemd asked a question Jul 2016
maryland105 contributions28 helpful votes
is there an elevator or walk in showers for my elderly parents? thank you
Answer from RobertoSchmid
1 contribution
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.
James Chan wrote a tip Oct 2024
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania203 contributions81 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Go for it. "
Read full review
Dave W wrote a tip Oct 2024
Caldwell, New Jersey174 contributions71 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Find the funicular at the main train station for an easy ride into town with luggage. If you intend to walk up or down to the train station pack lightly!"
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Lulu69 wrote a tip Sep 2024
Lake Oswego, OR6 contributions23 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The easiest way to reach the hotel from the train station is to take the #4 bus to Piazza Luini. You are then right in front of the hotel."
Read full review
alanaj1623 wrote a tip Sep 2024
Brisbane, Australia61 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Perfect in every way. Location is great and very lovely staff. "
Read full review
Kathryn Z wrote a tip Sep 2024
Hanover, New Hampshire11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Balcony room worth it!"
Read full review
…
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PRICE RANGE
C$274 - C$396 (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 Prices, Reviews & Photos

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 (0.04 km), Piazza della Riforma (0.4 km), and LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura (0.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a bidet.
What food & drink options are available at Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside?
Guests can enjoy a lounge and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside?
Yes, a parking garage, paid private parking on-site, and paid public parking nearby are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside?
Conveniently located restaurants include Flamel Restaurant & Mixology Bar, Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, and La Tinera.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.7 km away from the centre of Lugano.
Are pets allowed at Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Italian.
Are there any historical sites close to Hotel International Au Lac - Historic & Lakeside?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Villa Fogazzaro Roi (6.9 km), Santuario della Madonna d'Ongero (4.0 km), and Chiesa di Santa Marta (5.0 km).
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