Lugano Hotel Guide. Featuring 3 different properties tailored for all needs. Villa Principe Leopoldo. Villa Sassa. Kurhaus Cademario.
Lugano is nestled between the Swiss Alps and the shiny waters of its lake. It is an enchanting Swiss-Italian city with breathtaking scenery, world-class cuisine, lovely weather and luxurious accommodations. Whether you are here to relax by the lake, explore cultural treasures, or bask in serene landscapes, Lugano offers a variety of luxurious and more affordable hotels depending on your needs. This guide will highlight three exceptional hotels that combine luxury, comfort, and incredible vistas: Villa Principe Leopoldo, Villa Sassa Hotel, and Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa.
Villa Principe Leopoldo: Elegance and History with a View.
Perched on the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), Villa Principe Leopoldo is more than just a hotel; it’s a historic residence with roots dating back to the early 20th century. Originally the private residence of Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern, the villa has retained its aristocratic charm, blending timeless elegance with modern luxury.
I have stayed at the Villa Principe Leopoldo in November with my whole family and dog. I must say that even though this property seems to be ideal for romantic getaways we all loved our stay, including my dog. The hotel provides all the necessary amenities for children of all ages, has a kids menu and also child care that can be reserved and stay in the room with the children. Regarding the dog, they have prepared a beautiful welcome kit, that includes a picture of my dog, special snacks and comfy bedding. It was a truly 5-star experience when all members of the family felt very welcomed.
Why we loved it.
- Rooms and Suites. The rooms at Villa Principe Leopoldo are meticulously designed, with marble bathrooms, plush furnishings, and private balconies that provide panoramic views of Lake Lugano. Each suite combines luxury with classic Italian style, creating a refined atmosphere. As a family, we stayed in a Signature Lake Suite that is 130 square meters large and is ideal for 5 people. I loved that it had a dining area, space for children and many walk-in- wardrobes.
- Dining: The on-site Restaurant Principe Leopoldo offers a gourmet dining experience known for its innovative take on Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine. Guests can enjoy candlelit dinners overlooking the lake, with dishes prepared from the finest seasonal ingredients. There is also a cosy bar with live music that serves delicious food and cocktails. Also during our stay Villa Principe Leopoldo was hosting an S.Pellegrino Sapori Ticino Michelin Star dinner with Cristian Moreschi (chef of VPL) with Christian Binder.
- Spa and Wellness. The Kiso Spa features a range of wellness treatments. From massages to aromatherapy, the spa provides a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s a small and private spa, available only by booking. A beautiful outdoor pool, tennis courts, and fitness facilities are also available.
- Activities and Surroundings. The villa’s hilltop location offers guests easy access to nature trails and the city’s cultural centre. Guests can explore Lugano’s charming shops, art galleries, and museums or take a leisurely boat ride on the lake. They also have a transfer available, which was very convenient when I wanted to be quickly in the city centre.
In conclusion, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an unforgettable experience rich in luxury and history, Villa Principe Leopoldo is a remarkable choice. Everything at this beautiful property will awe you and it will give you a sense of being old times. I felt a little bit like I would go back in time to the times when Principe Leopoldo was living at the villa.
Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa: Wellness and Urban Luxury.
Located just a few minutes from Lugano’s city centre, Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa is a luxurious retreat surrounded by lush gardens with sweeping views of the city and lake. Built in the neo-Gothic style as the summer residence of Colonel and Mayor of Lugano, Giacomo Luvini-Perseghini, in the early 19th century, it then underwent Baroque-influenced alterations around the early 20th century and now it part of this beautiful property. This hotel focuses on wellness, this hotel is a favourite for travellers seeking relaxation, fitness, and peace. This was exactly what we looked for in this stay. We wanted to unwind and relax and this was the place for us. During our stay every day we indulged ourselves in the spa treatment at the DOT Spa, while our children stayed with the babysitter. The spa of the place is incredible and we explored it well and tried different treatments. This hotel even though doesn’t have a kids club on site is very family-oriented. Children received beautiful toys and colouring books. The same was with my dog Matisse. He was spoilt a lot, with nice treats and a comfy bed. Dogs are also welcomed in the bar and breakfast room.
Why we loved it:
- Accommodations. The spacious suites and apartments offer a modern yet cosy ambience, and each room is furnished with a terrace or balcony to take in the stunning landscape. Villa Sassa also provides long-term residences for those looking for an extended stay. We stayed in a Grand Lake View Suite which was a wonderful option for a family. It features breathtaking views and also has a separate bedroom for the children and a kitchen, so it was easy to prepare snacks for my little ones.
- Dining. The hotel’s restaurant, Ai Giardini di Sassa, offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a modern twist. With panoramic terraces overlooking the lake, it’s an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a refreshing aperitif at sunset. We loved the tasting menu, which featured some extraordinary dishes like Braised duck raviolo, foie gras, Lemon-shaped dessert and delicious wine pairing. However, I truly must recommend the Sassa Bistro and Bar which features a nice menu for the whole family in a simple and friendly atmosphere. The staff was wonderful and made each time there so enjoyable. Huge kudos to a man who always made something special for my children and made them laugh all the time. Also, everyone was so kind to my dog and he would always get this bawl with water straight away.
- DOT Spa. The hotel’s signature spa is one of the largest in Ticino, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, a hammam, and various wellness treatments. Villa Sassa offers tailored wellness programs including personal training, yoga, and holistic therapies designed to rejuvenate body and mind. Lastly, they also have their cosmetic brand, DOT, that features Swiss-made products for many skin needs.
- Fitness Center. With state-of-the-art equipment and professional trainers, the fitness centre is perfect for guests seeking an active stay. The hotel also offers group fitness classes, making it an ideal choice for wellness-minded travellers. It’s really large so all guests can exercise without waiting for the machines.
Villa Sassa is a paradise for those who seek balance, rejuvenation, and easy access to the vibrant city life of Lugano.
Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa: Alpine Wellness and Pure Relaxation.
The Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa is set in the mountains, in the village of Cademario and just a short drive from Lugano. This property offers a tranquil escape at an altitude of 850 meters with the most magnificent views. Surrounded by natural beauty, this hotel is renowned for its holistic approach to wellness, providing an ideal environment to unwind since 1914. There is something special about this place that you can feel right away. We only stayed there 1 night, but I am sure that after 1 week I would come back reborn. Nature is so rich and vivid, there are animals just nearby and a few certified energical points, ideal for meditation.
Why we loved:
- Rooms and Suites. The Kurhaus Cademario’s rooms are a blend of contemporary design and alpine charm, with soft colours and natural materials that create a cosy ambience. Many rooms offer spectacular views of Lake Lugano or the surrounding mountains. We also had a room with a panoramic view that was breathtaking during the sunny and cloudy weather.
- DOT Spa, the wellness centre is a true highlight, featuring indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, steam baths, and relaxation areas. The spa focuses on hydrotherapy and balneotherapy, making it a perfect choice for those interested in water-based wellness. I tried a facial with DOT ( in-hous skincare line) products and a hammam ritual, that left my skin silky soft.
- Gourmet Dining. Restaurant La Cucina and Bar Agra offer a selection of locally sourced dishes and wines, featuring an array of Swiss-Italian specialties with a healthy angle. There are a lot of healthier versions of favourite dishes and the best sweet potato fries in Lugano. Guests can dine on the terrace or enjoy a cocktail by the pool as they soak up the mountain views. During the winter terrace and pool were closed, but still, the view during meals was wonderful.
- Nature and Activities. From the hotel, guests can embark on scenic hikes through the mountains, participate in yoga classes, or meditate in tranquil outdoor spaces. The surrounding area is ideal for nature lovers who wish to explore lush alpine landscapes while staying close to Lugano.
Kurhaus Cademario’s secluded setting, combined with its luxurious spa offerings, provides an ideal choice for travellers looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature’s restorative powers. It’s an ideal retreat destination.
Conclusion: Luxury and Relaxation Await in Lugano at Villa Principe Leopoldo, Villa Sassa and Kurhaus Cademario.
Lugano is a destination where urban sophistication and natural beauty intertwine and offer a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re staying at the aristocratic Villa Principe Leopoldo, the wellness-focused, yet urban Villa Sassa, or the serene mountain resort Kurhaus Cademario you will experience bliss. Each of these hotels presents a distinct experience that reflects the charm and allure of this beautiful Swiss-Italian city.
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As always with love.
Bella
