Is parking available at the property?

Nearby parking is available for CHF 28 per night, located approximately 820 feet away from the hotel. Reservations are not required.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at the property?

No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.

What are the standard check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM until midnight, and check-out is at 10:30 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request and should be arranged by contacting the property in advance.

Are airport shuttle services available?

A roundtrip airport shuttle is available for a surcharge. Guests should arrange the transfer in advance.

What accessibility features are available for guests with disabilities?

The property features step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities in public areas. Specific accessibility details for rooms and bathrooms are not provided.

How is the property situated in relation to key landmarks?

The hotel is centrally located in Lugano, just a 5-minute walk from LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura and 7 minutes from Villa Ciani. It is approximately 1 mile from the University of Lugano and 1.2 miles from Funicolare Monte Brè - Cassarate Station.

What are the policies regarding children staying at the property?

Children are welcome at the property. However, specific age policies regarding free stays for children are not mentioned.

What are the policies for additional guests, such as extra beds or cribs?

Cribs are available for a fee of CHF 20 per day, and rollaway beds can be provided for CHF 50 per night. Availability is subject to confirmation, and advance requests are recommended.

Hotel Walter Au Lac - Lakeside Stay in Lugano

Average nightly price at Hotel Walter Au Lac by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
February	US$259
March	US$271
April	US$292
May	US$341
June	US$334
July	US$336
August	US$320
September	US$347
October	US$308
November	US$275
December	US$276

What guests think

At Hotel Walter Au Lac, guests consistently highlight the lakefront setting and beautiful views, generally friendly service, and a well-liked breakfast, while noting trade-offs such as some small or dated rooms and occasional street noise.

Parking is off site and can be a short walk or tricky if you are driving. Room comfort is mixed: bathrooms or showers can feel tight, beds may be firm or narrow, and a few guests reported hot rooms or limited AC control. Expect a characterful base in Lugano with trade-offs typical of older, central properties.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic: there is no on-site restaurant or bar, but there is an elevator and a rooftop/sundeck with lake views. Parking is not on site and can be a short walk or tricky to arrange.

Related guest reviews

10

Patrick

1 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Das Hotel ist an Top Lage direkt ab der Seepromenade. Sehr sauber , hat ein Lift , und das Frühstück war auch sehr gut .

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10

Raluca

14 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We loved our stay at this hotel. The view was amazing and it was perfectly located for our needs. The hotel does not have parking as listed however, so if you are driving keep that in mind

8

Genevieve

13 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, not far from train station and within main Lugano attractions. Historic hotel, size of rooms convenient and high ceilings, great views of Lake Lugano. Generally clean room apart from cobweb/dust on ceiling light - not entirely soundproofed: can hear bathrooms from rooms next door and sounds from kitchen via air vents in bathroom. Good breakfast selection - no restaurant onsite but within area offering many options for meals. Helpful and friendly staff.

10

Paul

7 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved the room and stay in Lugano. Wasn't sure if we wanted to stay away from the city but this was the right choice. Lots of dining options and great place to walk along the water. Only issue is that parking is a few blocks away. Location was perfect

8

Richard

31 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Well located - nice room with balcony - I missed having a bar and restaurant. The service at breakfast was fantastic - could have done with similar at other meal times

10

Catherine

19 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was large and airy, view from small balcony was beautiful over the lake, worth the extra for a room with a view. We used the free Ticino card the hotel give, to take the funicular up to Mount Bré. Breakfast was pleasant although coffee was not very nice. Not sure why there were peas & carrots on offer at breakfast never seen this before is it a Swiss thing?? Bar underneath the hotel was good. Unfortunately we had rain so didn’t go to the sundeck.

10

David

12 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

First time stay in refurbished room so accommodation was excellent. Parking was safe though a short walk away. Location of the hotel on the lake is perfect.

10

Matthew

24 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We enjoyed our stay at this hotel. The room was an ok size and the balcony overlooking the lake was amazing. The breakfast was lovely, also overlooking the lake. We utilised the rooftop terrace for sunset drinks. The only thing we didn’t like was the shower. It is dangerously narrow and very slippery.

10

Christopher

16 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Simple hotel but the only thing I didn’t like was no valet parking and the lots were not nearby

10

Mathieu

10 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Bon accueil, vu superbe sur le lac et bon emplacement ! Manque juste le parking !

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Cleanliness

Rooms and common areas are generally clean, with many noting well-kept spaces. A few guests reported maintenance or odor issues in some bathrooms and occasional dust.

Related guest reviews

10

Mingqi

11 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Got lake view room and the view is beautiful. lots of restaurants nearby. Boat dock is just cross the street. Shopping area and cable list to train station is also very close. Room is clean and in good size.

6

Jo

1 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

For the cost and star rating it was a bit disappointing. Breakfast was good, staff were nice and reception was helpful but the room was dated, mouldy, had smelly plumbing from the shower drains and really let it down. Generally the hotel has a great location with easy funicular access. Could be a gem of a hotel if they updated their rooms.

10

Patrick

1 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Das Hotel ist an Top Lage direkt ab der Seepromenade. Sehr sauber , hat ein Lift , und das Frühstück war auch sehr gut .

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10

Susanna

3 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Alltid bra rum, välstädade och renoverade. Trevlig, kunnig och hjälpsam personal. Tryggt boende med bra service och närhet till det mesta.

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10

Susan

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wonderful icon hotel. The view was incredible! Room was comfortable and clean. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

8

Genevieve

13 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, not far from train station and within main Lugano attractions. Historic hotel, size of rooms convenient and high ceilings, great views of Lake Lugano. Generally clean room apart from cobweb/dust on ceiling light - not entirely soundproofed: can hear bathrooms from rooms next door and sounds from kitchen via air vents in bathroom. Good breakfast selection - no restaurant onsite but within area offering many options for meals. Helpful and friendly staff.

10

Richard

25 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was clean and comfortable, perhaps the bathrooms could do with I some updating. The staff were friendly and the room was comfy with a great view of the lake.

6

mariana Millan

16 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

mejorar limpieza habituacion muy pequeña baño muy incomodo

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10

Susan

4 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Das Zimmer war sehr sauber und hat sehr viel Platz. Das Frühstücksbuffet war super mit einer freundlichen Bedienung.

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10

Fiona

4 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean room | staff very helpful and pleasant | gave out useful info and a map for the sights of the area.

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Rooms

Views and balconies over Lake Lugano are a standout, but some rooms are compact or dated. Bathrooms can be narrow or awkward, bed firmness varies, street noise can intrude, and AC comfort is inconsistent.

Related guest reviews

6

Duane

21 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The bed was uncomfortable the room was hot and the pillows smelled and were not comfortable

4

Mark

20 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Premium room with Balcony. Great location and views, but that’s about all. Nice enough B&B (not really a hotel). £250 per night would be £80 if not for view. 2 sleepless nights due to basic bedding…. slatted bed frame with a 10cm mattress which was harder than the floor. Style but no substance sadly. Other than a coffee machine in room, I could see no Premium additions?

8

Susan

2 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The quirkiness of this old building is fantastic and although it was a very small room it served its purpose. The only reason for just four stars is the AC will not go lower than 22 Celsius which is not suitable for sleeping. Luckily you can open a window but then you have noise and smoking scent from outside. My room had neighboring balconies very close to the window (which could not be locked in a non-entry position).

10

Lara

22 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Wie immer gut und einfach im Hotel Walter au Lac. Super Aussicht vom Zimmer mit Balkon. Etwas lärmig von der Strasse, aber ansonsten gut für eine kurze Aufenthaltsdauer.

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8

Geir

31 May 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fint hotell, topp beliggenhet, topp service. Men, presentasjonen av rommet på nett var misvisende. Bilder viste et betydelig større rom, 23 m2 ?, vårt rom var knøtt lite og det var vanskelig å bevege seg rundt på rommet to personer samtidig. Ikke plass til nattbord på begge sider av sengen.

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10

Fernanda

28 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great views from room!

10

Yvan

14 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Das Hotel war schön, sauber und ein gutes Frühstück. Die Aussicht (unser Zimmer mit Balkon!) auf den See und Promenade war toll! Bei offenem Fenster eher laut, bei geschlossenem Fenster sehr ruhig (sehr gute Fenster). Es übertrifft den Status von 3 Sternen. Einzig die Duche (in der Badewanne) war sehr eng. Es gibt aber Zimmer mit neuer Dusche, und die bestehenden Badewannen werden Schritt für Schritt ersetzt mit neuen Duschen. Alles in allem war es ein sehr schöner Aufenthalt :-)

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10

Matthew

24 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We enjoyed our stay at this hotel. The room was an ok size and the balcony overlooking the lake was amazing. The breakfast was lovely, also overlooking the lake. We utilised the rooftop terrace for sunset drinks. The only thing we didn’t like was the shower. It is dangerously narrow and very slippery.

6

Daniel

11 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Das Zimner war eigentluch gut, die Klimaanlage war super bei 36°C Aussentemperatur. Die Betten sehr schmal und sehr tief, auch waren die Betten sehr hart. Das Frühstück war sehr gut.

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6

Piedad

7 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Old hotel, very small room, uncomfortable bed. Great location.

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Service

Service is often praised as friendly, attentive, and helpful at reception and breakfast. A few guests noted unfriendly interactions or inconsistent front-desk warmth.

Related guest reviews

10

Christine

4 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Love the lake view! The reception staff was outstanding and extremely helpful.

10

jodette

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

They were so helpful with all our needs! Very welcoming and accommodating. Breakfast room was beautiful and breakfast outstanding. Easy walkable access to everything. Very clean outstanding staff

10

Susanna

3 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Alltid bra rum, välstädade och renoverade. Trevlig, kunnig och hjälpsam personal. Tryggt boende med bra service och närhet till det mesta.

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10

Valeriya

3 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic, family run hotel that really understands customer service. Everything was perfect: the hotel is very charming, the location is amazing, the rooms are clean, airy, comfy, the breakfast is varied, delicious, the staff (concierges Laura, Elizabetta) is nice, polite, and accomodating. We had a great stay at Walter Au Lac and would recommend it to other travelers, Lugano guests! 😊

8

Julie

23 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lobby personel not that friendly

10

John

4 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very helpful staff, excellent location with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and transit.

10

Dipesh

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location of the hotel is ideal. The view from my hotel room was fantastic. The breakfast was very good and the service was excellent. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, all within a couple of minutes walk. For further destinations, such as the main train station, a bus can be taken via the bus stop located a few seconds from the hotel.

10

Craig

7 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing breakfast. Very nice facilities and helpful staff. Really enjoyed being on the waterfront.

10

Michael

9 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wow! What a great hotel. Very European feeling. Super staff (shout out to Antonio at the front desk for above and beyond customer service). Great view of lake. Easy walk (and funicular) from train. Great breakfast, wonderful city. Would definitely recommend and stay there again!

8

Nihal

29 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Ich war für ein Nacht. Empfang war unfreundlich, die Frau war nicht nett sogar nervös, beim Probleme zum lösen. Sie hat kein genug Info für Zimmer. Kein Ticino Ticket mit gegeben. Hotel Einrichtung ist mit alte Teppich und Koridoren hatten kein genug frische Luft. Zimmerwar für mich sehr klein aber zum glück beim duschen Wasser laufte gut. Früchstück und Servis war okay. Die Tischen mit plastikstühlen und veraltete stoffüberbezug waren für mich unappetitlich wirkten. Lage war gut. Ich fand Hotel zu teuer.

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Location

Exceptionally central and right on the lake, with easy walking to restaurants, shops, parks, and the funicular or buses to the station. Drivers should note parking is off site.

Related guest reviews

10

Paul

7 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved the room and stay in Lugano. Wasn't sure if we wanted to stay away from the city but this was the right choice. Lots of dining options and great place to walk along the water. Only issue is that parking is a few blocks away. Location was perfect

10

Valeriya

3 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic, family run hotel that really understands customer service. Everything was perfect: the hotel is very charming, the location is amazing, the rooms are clean, airy, comfy, the breakfast is varied, delicious, the staff (concierges Laura, Elizabetta) is nice, polite, and accomodating. We had a great stay at Walter Au Lac and would recommend it to other travelers, Lugano guests! 😊

10

John

4 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very helpful staff, excellent location with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and transit.

10

Dipesh

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location of the hotel is ideal. The view from my hotel room was fantastic. The breakfast was very good and the service was excellent. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, all within a couple of minutes walk. For further destinations, such as the main train station, a bus can be taken via the bus stop located a few seconds from the hotel.

10

Carlos

8 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Localização excelente

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10

David

12 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

First time stay in refurbished room so accommodation was excellent. Parking was safe though a short walk away. Location of the hotel on the lake is perfect.

10

Laura

26 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing location!

10

Diane

4 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was close to everything.

10

Anthony

27 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lake front property with walking distance to restaurants and shops!

10

Marie

16 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is perfect

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Dining

Breakfast is frequently praised for quality and variety, often served in a pleasant lake-view room. Some mention average items, lukewarm eggs, limited dietary options, or so-so coffee.

Related guest reviews

10

jodette

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

They were so helpful with all our needs! Very welcoming and accommodating. Breakfast room was beautiful and breakfast outstanding. Easy walkable access to everything. Very clean outstanding staff

10

majid

25 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice location. Bus stop 20 feet away takes you to train station. Breakfast average. View great. Location great

10

Shaina

2 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stunning hotel and views. Amazing breakfast

8

Craig

4 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The balcony view of the lake and promenade was outstanding! The hotel is easily accessible from the Lugano train station - a short 3 minute walk from the Funicular that goes down from the Lugano train station. (Wish we had known that when we arrived 😉) Ask the hotel for the Ticino pass and it allows you to use the Funicular and buses for free. The room was spacious and clean and the breakfast was very nice! We enjoyed our stay in Lugano!

10

Catherine

19 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was large and airy, view from small balcony was beautiful over the lake, worth the extra for a room with a view. We used the free Ticino card the hotel give, to take the funicular up to Mount Bré. Breakfast was pleasant although coffee was not very nice. Not sure why there were peas & carrots on offer at breakfast never seen this before is it a Swiss thing?? Bar underneath the hotel was good. Unfortunately we had rain so didn’t go to the sundeck.

8

Paul

26 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Breakfast buffet was ok, eggs were always luke warm at best. The bed was okay, pillow’s were not good. Woke up each morning with a crick in my neck. Public transportation was excellent and the hotel will give you a pass for the day if you want.

10

Craig

7 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing breakfast. Very nice facilities and helpful staff. Really enjoyed being on the waterfront.

10

Susan

10 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

How quaint and charming this hotel is. Good lift. Breakfast was excellent fresh fruit salad bread very good. Small rooms but the little balconies are wonderful. Great people watching along the lake. Lots of wonderful restaurants close by.

10

Susan

4 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Das Zimmer war sehr sauber und hat sehr viel Platz. Das Frühstücksbuffet war super mit einer freundlichen Bedienung.

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6

Joanna

17 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

A great location with a 10/10 view of the lake. I would say earplugs are essential even if you consider yourself to be quite a deep sleeper. I now understand why they were available for free at the reception. Also, bring a pair of slippers. A good choice for a short stay and the free breakfast was of a reasonable standard, but had very limited options for those with specific dietary requirements.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1	2	3	4	5 $259	6 $443	7 $282
8 $259	9 $259	10 $259	11 $256	12 $328	13 $282	14 $271
15 $266	16 $271	17 $271	18 $271	19 $271	20 $282	21 $282
22 $282	23 $282	24 $282	25 $284	26 $282	27 $282	28 $282
29 $295	30 $322

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2 $505	3	4	5 $287
6 $285	7 $285	8 $287	9 $287	10 $287	11 $289	12 $287
13 $285	14 $285	15 $285	16 $322	17 $310	18 $289	19 $289
20 $287	21 $287	22 $287	23 $287	24 $287	25 $289	26 $287
27 $287	28 $299	29 $334	30 $335	31 $334

Hotel Walter Au Lac

Prices for Hotel Walter Au Lac

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Premium Room, Lake View

Single Room, Balcony, Lake View

Basic Single Room, Lake View

Premium Room, Balcony, Lake View

Executive Double Room, Balcony

Junior Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Connecting Rooms, Lake View

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Balcony

Basic Double Room, Lake View

Family Triple Room, 2 Bedrooms, Connecting Rooms, Lake View

Guest reviews of Hotel Walter Au Lac

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Hotel Walter Au Lac

Prices for upcoming dates