Hotel Villa Principe Leopoldo & Spa

It's difficult to write this review because we expected so much more. We congratulate the new GM, Matteo, for his commitment to improvement. The hotel is in a wonderful position with a spectacular view of Lugano and beautiful gardens. and there are some lovely staff. The pool onsite is small so we went to the lovely larger pool and gym at the hotel next door to swim laps. The main fine dining restaurant is very good (though expensive) and I’ve completed a separate review on it. The things which need improvement include: 1. The AC which never went down below about 21 degrees which is too warm for good quality sleep. 2. Charges. You need to be very careful you are not charged for things which you have not requested eg. We were charged 45 Swiss francs for a taxi into Lugano which turned out to be a limousine which we did not request. Normal cost to go into Lugano is 15-20. It’s better taking Ubers than taxis as way cheaper 3. At the second outdoor restaurant/bar we were charged 15 fra for a pot of hot water with lemon in it! We got this removed from the bill. 4. Furthermore, the cost of the food in the second restaurant/bar is too high and should ideally differ in style and offering to the Main restaurant. 6. Breakfast is not at the quality of the hotel. The offering needs to include many more healthy and gluten-free options, organic eggs and fruits (where possible), more cooked dish options like healing porridges, some kind of soup or bone broth, more egg options with interesting sides, crepes/pancakes etc. 7. Pillows were either too soft or too hard. 8. The Spa Suite with steam room and sauna etc should be complimentary for any guests staying in house because these sorts of facilities are generally a normal inclusion in these sorts of hotels. We trust the hotel will make the necessary improvements to services and offerings to offer true value.

This restaurant is a straight 10 with food and views that can only be described as magical. Something you’ll never forget! And, of course the sommelier and wait staff was excellent.

We have stayed in several Relais Chateaux properties and this was by far the worse. The hotel is in desperate need updating and repairs and the service needs attention.

a hidden gem. a small paradise to unwind and find peace surrounded by lush nature and the most beautiful view over the lake Lugano. I already gave my recommendation years ago, but I had the urge to write down some sentence again. Villa Principe Leopoldo is my „secret“ place to go, if I need a break, to slow down, to „breathe“. The whole team is from top notch. Any time I come back, it’s like coming home again. This quiet peace on earth is a heaven to me. The management is from such a high level but at the same time you just feel familiar. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens, wonderful nature, beautiful coffees and restaurants, hiking trails and historical places. The beautiful rooms/ Suites are facing the most stunning and unique view over the lake Lugano, I spend hours just gazing at the horizon and get lost in this gorgeous landscape. (Highly recommend a Suite with Lake View and Balcony…) The restaurant does not only serve you at the highest level, I would say it will guide you to another world. It speak itself as a holder of Michelin star with a panorama view… Excellent service. —I fell in love with the grilled branzino! The spa… thank you Francesca! Your hands are golden! I highly recommend to try a treatment and don’t miss to get use of the privat spa experience to relax, refresh and revitalize. Thanks to Danilo who made my arrival just perfect and smooth, always leaving me with a little smile. Thanks you Aurora who leaves no wishes unseen and made sure I’ll experience my best time. You truly did! Thank you Arianna for your kindness and perfect organization, your help and everything. Thanks to Martina and Erik for your great service. I could name the whole team as everyone is in such a thrill to make the best and they truly do. Simply excellent. Thank you.

Truly we loved this place. Coming up the hill, on the narrow street and surprise, it opens up to the leopoldo and instantly you know you're somewhere special. And then the concierge meets you and the breakfast is incredible, the people are super the view out the back for dinner, Surprise, and live music is second to none. The rooms are special, they are set up so efficiently and so beautifully.