Given Lugano's outrageous rates, €150 paid for evening (family of 3) seemed reasonable. Location cannot be more central and convenient, provided you are not driving or do not rely on taxis. Agree 100% with other reviews here: very friendly and helpful staff at reception, that made our stay even more enjoyable. The rooms are O.K. in size, the furniture is... More

Stayed at the Hotel San Carlo for two nights in August 2011. The fantastic location puts you in the heart of Lugano, on a pedestrian-friendly street just a few minutes from the Piazza della Riforma, the lakefront, and the funicular to the train station. Rooms were quirky but clean -- a good choice if you're used to affordable European accommodations,... More

This hotel was a real dream and a great find. It is perfectly placed on via Nassa, one street back from the road running alongside the lake, and only 10 mins away from Lugano station (via the funicular). The hotel is only small but has a lot of personality and charm. The staff are great and extremely friendly and willing... More

Our family of 4 stayed for 2 nights here in Sept 2010. We booked a "family room for 4", which basically is 2 rooms converted into one. Despite that, the room is still rather cramped. One half is filled with a double bed; the other half has 2 twin beds; and there are 2 small stools for sitting. However, the... More

We stayed for 3 nights and I had no particular expectations of this hotel being anything more than a convenient place to stay. As it turned out, the experience was very good. Rooms were furnished in a charmingly retro way (although our double bed was pretty saggy in the middle, and the head end was significantly lower than the foot... More

Room was very clean, recently renovated, modern, although small. Location is terrific - just a block from the lake, walking distance to everything in town and Via Nassa was gorgeous. The breakfast was wonderful - staff were terrific, especially with our small children. Staff at the front desk were very helpful and spoke several languages. My only criticism is their... More

The hotel is located at the main shopping street in the center of Lugano. It's also close to the lake. The prices are ok but the rooms are rather small and not that nice.

Small place, right in the centre of Lugano with friendly staff. Finding the place is a little hard as it is in a pedestrianised shopping area in the centre of town and you cannot get a taxi directly. It is very close to a little courtyard where a free outdoor classical music concert was being played when we arrived -... More

We've stayed at the San Carlo on a number of occasions. The location is great on the Via Nassa, 5 mins from the funicular which brings you from the station and 1 minute from the lake. Lots of restaurants and shops nearby. The rooms are fine and perfectly comfortable. The bathrooms are simple and the walls thin, you can always... More