Review of Hotel Villa Principe Leopoldo, Lugano, Switzerland

Tremendous views, nice rooms, good restaurant:

My husband and I stayed a weekend at this hotel wonderfully located above the Lake Lugano in a historical mansion with astounding views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

You have to be aware that the hotel is not in the centre of Lugano but maybe five minutes by car away or 30 minutes by foot (downhill, uphill more). We had a Deluxe Room in the Villa (you may prefer the main building to the residence which is a few steps away and has no view whatsoever), which is newly refurbished and overlooks the gardens. The room is quite large (45 square meters) and contemporarily decorated. We were quite fond of this comfortable, well-appointed room.

Breakfast was okay but nothing to write home about. We once ate in the Principe Leopoldo Restaurant, which has 16 points in Gault Millau, and had the menu. Food was very good, especially the risotto, although portions are really huge and I would eat à la carte next time. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very Italian meaning quite traditional but staff was eager to please. This can be said for all the personnel we met. We used the pool by the villa, but not the one by the residence. It is nice but the deckchairs probably need to be replaced (quite dated).



All in all, we enjoyed our stay at this hotel, especially the really splendid view of the lake and the area.

Date of stay: August 2011