Hotel Belvedere Locarno

Hotel Belvedere Locarno, nestled on a sunny hill overlooking the picturesque city and Lake Maggiore, stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, offering guests a blend of traditional elegance and modern luxury. The hotel consistently receives high praise for its exceptional facilities, breathtaking views, and dedicated service, making it a highly recommended destination in Locarno, Switzerland.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel Belvedere Locarno enjoys an overwhelmingly positive consensus, with impressive overall ratings such as 8.9 on Agoda, 9.0 on Booking.com, and 9.1/10 on Trip.com. TUI also rates it as "Excellent" with 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 546 reviews. The selection of the hotel as a Michelin Key property further solidifies its reputation for providing a very special stay. Guests frequently describe their experiences as "unforgettable" and a "perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and exceptional service."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Hotel Belvedere Locarno. A major highlight is the comprehensive Oasi Belvedere Spa, Wellness & Beauty area, featuring an indoor pool with an outdoor section, a whirlpool, saunas, a steam bath, a Kneipp path, and a fitness room. The hotel's stunning views of Lake Maggiore, the city, and the mountains are frequently mentioned. The impeccable and friendly staff, combined with excellent dining experiences, also contribute significantly to guest satisfaction. The hotel's unique character, blending historical roots from a 15th-century noble family with contemporary design, is also appreciated.

3. Room Quality

The 90 rooms and suites at Hotel Belvedere Locarno are described as clean, spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed. Many rooms offer beautiful views of Lake Maggiore, the city, or the mountains, and some include balconies. Rooms are fully renovated and feature modern conveniences such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, a minibar, coffee/tea making facilities, and a writing desk. Bathrooms are equipped with a separate toilet, shower, hairdryer, and bathrobes. Guests also appreciate hypo-allergenic bedding and blackout drapes for restful sleep.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hotel Belvedere Locarno is highly rated. The daily buffet breakfast is described as rich and tasty, offering a generous selection of cheese, charcuterie, pastries, fruits, and an egg station with an open kitchen. Guests can often enjoy breakfast on the outdoor terrace, sometimes with live music, facing the hotel's historic fountain.

The main restaurant, La Fontana, offers Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh, local products in a lively, casual, and trendy atmosphere. It features an open-view kitchen and a terrace. La Fontana has been recognized with 14 points in the prestigious Gault & Millau fine dining guide. During the summer, the "Grotto al Sasso" serves traditional Ticino cuisine in the garden. The hotel also has a stylish bar that serves cocktails and offers an extensive list of local and international wines.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel Belvedere Locarno consistently receive excellent feedback. Guests describe the staff as "very friendly and fun," "welcoming and accommodating," and going "above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay." Reviewers highlight their attentiveness, kindness, and knowledge, contributing to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Daily service is described as excellent.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a prime hilltop location, offering panoramic views and a serene environment. It is conveniently situated near the Locarno-Madonna del Sasso funicular, with the hotel even having its own stop, providing easy and quick access to the center of Locarno, Lake Maggiore, and the train station. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service upon arrival and departure from the Locarno train station. Guests receive the Ticino Ticket, which allows for free travel on public transportation throughout the canton and discounts on various regional attractions. The Piazza Grande is minutes away, and the Visconteo Medieval Castle is a 7-minute walk.

7. Value & Pricing

While the average price per room at Hotel Belvedere Locarno, around $339, may be higher than the city's average of $230, guests generally feel it offers exceptional value for money. The impressive facilities, including the spa and pool, high-quality dining, excellent service, and the included Ticino Ticket, contribute to this perceived value. Prices can start from approximately $240, with variations depending on the season, with October being the cheapest month and September the most expensive. Various packages are available, sometimes including gourmet experiences with a 4-course menu and regional wines.

8. Common Complaints

While overall satisfaction is high, a few minor issues have been noted by guests. Some reviews mention the absence of complimentary water and extra towels in the rooms. There have also been comments about underpowered hairdryers that switch off automatically to prevent overheating. Additionally, some guests found the motion-sensor lights in common areas and hallways to be an "annoying Swiss thing" as they activate with movement and then quickly turn off. On occasion, hotel guests have reported difficulty securing a table in the restaurant, sometimes being offered only a bar stool. There was also one report of no hot water for showering on a Sunday morning, though it later resolved.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. trip.com
4. tui.co.uk
5. michelin.com
6. booking.com
7. hotellocarno.net
8. hotels.com
9. michelin.com
10. locarnohotelspage.com
11. goforexperiences.com
12. belvedere-locarno.com
13. swissholidayco.com
14. belvedere-locarno.com
15. kayak.com
16. belvedere-locarno.com