The hotel offers beautifully appointed accommodations that honor its historic status while ensuring modern comfort. The Classic Double Rooms with Courtyard View provide a peaceful sanctuary away from the bustle of the lakefront promenade. These rooms are designed with a classic aesthetic, featuring elegant furnishings, high ceilings, and a color palette that evokes traditional Swiss charm. Each room is equipped with essential modern conveniences including air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV, and high-speed WiFi. The courtyard orientation ensures a quiet night's sleep, making these rooms an ideal choice for those who value tranquility after a day of sightseeing. The meticulous upkeep of the rooms highlights the family’s commitment to maintaining excellence in every detail.

Amenities

Location

Address

Via Nassa 68 - Piazza Luini, Lugano, Switzerland

Breakfast with a View & Local Flavors

The day at International au Lac begins in the grand breakfast room, where guests are treated to a rich buffet featuring local Swiss specialties, fresh pastries, and artisanal cheeses. The setting, with its large windows and classic decor, provides an inspiring start to your morning. For those looking to unwind in the evening, the lobby bar serves as a sophisticated meeting point for a cocktail or a glass of Ticinese wine. While the hotel focuses on providing an exceptional breakfast experience, its location in the heart of Lugano means that the city’s finest trattorias, Michelin-starred restaurants, and charming lakefront cafes are all within a five-minute walk, offering endless opportunities to explore the renowned gastronomy of the Ticino region.

The Neighborhood

The hotel is located in the most prestigious part of Lugano, where the historic city center meets the lake. Piazza Luini is home to the stunning Santa Maria degli Angioli church and the modern LAC cultural center. Steps away, Via Nassa offers world-class shopping under its historic arches. This neighborhood is the perfect blend of Mediterranean lakeside leisure and Swiss urban sophistication, with everything from boat piers to gourmet restaurants within a few minutes' walk.

About International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel

The International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel is a rare gem in Lugano, offering a storied past that dates back to 1906. As the only large hotel in the city center located directly on the lakefront that has remained under the management of the original founding family, it offers a level of continuity and personal service that is hard to find. The property is architecturally stunning, retaining its historic façade and grand interior spaces that reflect the elegance of a bygone era. Its location is arguably the best in the city, situated at the entrance of the pedestrian old town on the corner of the famous Via Nassa. This puts guests within easy walking distance of Lugano's finest shopping, dining, and the modern LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura) center. Despite its central location, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat via its private garden and outdoor swimming pool—a luxury for a city-center property. The rooms are designed to provide comfort and quietude, with the Classic Double Rooms with Courtyard View offering a serene environment away from the lively promenade. Each room is a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern functionality, featuring essential amenities like air conditioning and high-speed WiFi. The hotel’s commitment to preservation is balanced by its dedication to modern hospitality standards, ensuring a stay that is both culturally enriching and exceptionally comfortable. Whether you are here for a romantic getaway or a cultural exploration, the International au Lac provides an authentic Ticino experience that resonates with history.

A Century of Hospitality on the Shores of Lake Lugano

Established in 1906, the International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel stands as an elegant landmark at the prestigious entrance of Lugano’s old town. Managed by the same family for four generations, this historic property offers a seamless blend of grand tradition and modern Swiss hospitality. Situated directly on the lakefront promenade at Piazza Luini, next to the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura center, guests find themselves at the cultural heart of the city. The hotel maintains its historic soul through preserved architectural details and a collection of antique furnishings, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and welcoming for travelers seeking a genuine connection to Lugano's storied past and vibrant present.

The Lakeside Experience

Staying at the International au Lac is about more than just a room; it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of Lugano. The hotel’s prime location on the Via Nassa—famous for its luxury boutiques—places you in the city’s most sophisticated quarter. After a day of exploring the winding streets of the old town or visiting the neighboring Santa Maria degli Angioli church, guests can retreat to the hotel’s rare urban oasis: a lush garden terrace complete with an outdoor swimming pool. This tranquil space provides a stark, peaceful contrast to the lively city center just outside the doors. The dedication of the staff, many of whom have served the hotel for decades, ensures a personalized service that reflects the property’s century-old heritage.

Direct access to lakefront promenade
Adjacent to LAC Cultural Center
Historic 1906 architecture
Charming garden terrace with pool
Private parking available onsite

Your Historic Home in Lugano

Choosing the International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel means choosing a piece of Lugano's history. It is a place where the grandeur of the Belle Époque meets the efficiency and warmth of modern Swiss service. Whether you are visiting for the world-class art at the LAC, the luxury shopping on Via Nassa, or simply to enjoy the Mediterranean flair of the Swiss Riviera, this hotel serves as the perfect base. The combination of its family-run atmosphere, historic prestige, and unbeatable lakefront location makes it a standout choice in Lugano. Reserve your stay today and experience the timeless elegance of one of the city's most beloved landmarks, where every guest is treated as part of the hotel’s long and storied history.

The Nova Collection Says

Dating back to 1906, the hotel retains its Belle Époque charm within a family-run estate.

Historic Splendor

The hotel is ideally situated directly on the Lake Lugano promenade, adjacent to the LAC cultural center and steps away from luxury boutiques.

Hyper Local

This is a family-run boutique hotel that offers both historic grandeur and modern comforts in a prime lakeside location.