International Au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel – A Favorite for Families in Lugano

The hotel is the only property on Lugano's lake promenade with a private garden and outdoor swimming pool. The garden features sun loungers, sun umbrellas, and an infinity pool with seasonal access. A children's playground and outdoor play equipment are available on site, along with a giant chess set, ping pong, and go-karts for added entertainment.

An exhibition about the hotel's 100-year history is displayed on the first floor, with artifacts and photographs from the family-owned property. Each room is furnished with premium bedding and local character, including canopy beds in the Belle Époque double rooms. Panorama rooms offer balconies with direct lake views, while family junior suites provide spacious accommodations with separate sleeping areas.

A complimentary full breakfast is served each morning in a dining room overlooking the lake, with a buffet that includes fresh fruit, homemade pastries, and gluten-free pancakes. The on-site honesty bar is open 24 hours and offers wine, beer, lemonade, and snacks, with complimentary filtered water, tea, and coffee. A separate breakfast room is provided for guests traveling with dogs, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the meal.

Family-friendly facilities include a games room, a library, a children's playground, and kids' outdoor play equipment such as go-karts and ping-pong tables. Pets are welcome with pet bowls, a pet basket, and a door sign to inform staff, plus a separate breakfast area for dogs. The hotel provides a free Ticino ticket to all guests, granting access to public buses, trains, and funiculars throughout the region.

The hotel sits on the lake promenade next to the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, a 1515 church with a fresco by Bernardino Luini, and is a short walk from Lugano's Old Town shops and restaurants. Private underground parking includes an electric vehicle charging station, and the bus stop to the main train station is directly outside. Lugano's ferry terminal and the funicular to the train station are both within a 5- to 10-minute walk, making exploration of Lake Lugano straightforward.

Location: Lakeside promenade, next to 1515 church with Luini fresco

Amenities: Private garden, infinity pool, honesty bar, 100-year history exhibition

Dining: Complimentary full breakfast with lake views, gluten-free options

Family: Children's playground, games room, giant chess, ping pong, go-karts

Parking: Private underground garage with electric car charging station

Transport: Free Ticino ticket for public buses, trains, and funiculars