The best hotels in Ascona

What are the best hotels in Ascona?

Ascona sits on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, with palm trees, pastel-coloured houses and lakeside cafes all surrounded by the snow-capped Alps. It feels more Mediterranean than Swiss, with good wine, swimming, boating and plenty of lovely walks and hikes nearby. For somewhere special to stay, Giardino Ascona is our top choice, with beautiful Italian-style gardens, a peaceful lakeside setting, a superb spa and two Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s luxurious without feeling stuffy, and a great base for enjoying Ascona at its most laid-back.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Ascona or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay on Lake Maggiore.

The best places to stay in Ascona

For pure luxury

• Giardino Ascona is a beautiful five-star lakeside retreat set in lush Italian-style gardens, with lovely views across Lake Maggiore and the mountains beyond. Rooms are light, colourful and contemporary, while the gardens, pool and polished service give the whole place an easy-going sense of luxury. The real draw is the exceptional dining, with the restaurant holding two Michelin stars. Barefoot luxury at its best.
• Castello del Sole is an exceptional lakeside estate surrounded by vineyards, gardens and mountains, with an impressive stretch of private lakeshore. Rooms pair contemporary comfort with elegant antique touches, while the huge spa, indoor pool and extensive wellness facilities make it easy to settle in and stay put. There’s also an excellent restaurant and plenty of space to unwind. Divinity enshrined.

For a romantic break

• Eden Roc is a luxurious, intimate lakeside retreat with a wonderfully romantic setting overlooking Lake Maggiore. Couples can spend their days lounging by the water, indulging in treatments at the excellent spa or relaxing over dinner in the superb restaurant. With beautifully appointed rooms and attentive service, it’s a particularly lovely choice for a special escape.
• Castello Seeschloss has a very romantic setting right on the shores of Lake Maggiore, with elegant, palatial-style rooms and terraces made for taking in the views. The lakeside restaurant is the perfect spot for a leisurely dinner as the sun goes down, while the peaceful atmosphere makes this a lovely choice for couples looking to get away from it all.

For a chic boutique

• Art Hotel Riposo is a stylish little hideaway on the edge of town, with a strong artistic feel throughout. The rooms are fresh, contemporary and full of character, with most opening onto private balconies overlooking the lake. There are two restaurants to choose from, plus occasional live music, giving the hotel a relaxed, sociable feel without losing its boutique charm.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• Fly either to Zurich Airport and then on to Lugano, 45km away, or to Milan Airport, 119km away and then get public transport.
• If you want to rent a car we recommend you contact our partner Rentalcars.
• The best time to go is during the summer when the temperature ranges between 16 to 27 degrees.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include nearby Locarno or Brissago,
• Browse through all the best places to stay in Switzerland,
• Or, contact one of our Gurus for advice.