It’s a real pleasure to stay in a family-run hotel, as the attention to detail and personalized welcome makes such a difference. Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola, Lugano, is a five star property located within its own subtropical park and a member of Small Luxury Hotels. It was originally built in 1880 by a Russian noble family, the Von Witters to be their Winter residence, before being bought by a Swiss family in 1885 and transformed into a renowned hotel. The Garzoni family from Lugano acquired it in 1982 and have been overseeing its continuous evolution ever since. They added fourth and fifth floors as well as a conference centre, and in 2002 they bought another lakeside property, Hotel du Midi. They transformed this into the Art Residence, with Michelin starred Gallery Arté al Lugano on the ground floor. First Impressions of Villa Castagnola
Arriving at Villa Castagnola, you can’t help but be blown away by it’s lakeside location and huge garden with its striking artworks. Let’s take a little tour, shall we"

The owners are passionate art collectors and there are some beautiful works inside the hotel as well as in the gardens. I loved this bronze horse sculpture by the late local artist Nag Arnoldi, as well as this seated man by Fabrizio Loschi, the knotty creation by Miguel Ortiz Berrocal and the tall figurines by Ivo Soldini.
Accommodation at Villa Castagnola
Our Suite had a large balcony with two sun loungers as well as a table and chairs...