We enjoyed our short stay at the Delfino, with only one problem - do not leave anything on your dining room table in the morning!! We were taking multi vitamins to ward of colds and flu, and our first day I left them on the table in the dining room. Obviously I didn't miss them until the next morning, was sent from pillar to post, and eventually ended up in the reception, where I was rather snootily told that as I hadn't claimed them the day before they had been thrown away.She made out as if she had done me a great favour keeping them even for the day, and shame on me for not claiming them earlier. I wasn't impressed, and made it clear. Most people taking meds in the morning won't notice them missing until the next morning! In so saying, the hotel was very comfortable, clean, very good breakfast, and apart from this particular lady, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The only problem we had with the location is that, yes, it's a short distance from the front and town, but, what goes down must come up, and as a bit of a fattie, I did battle with the climb back up, but that's my problem not the hotel's! The bus from the station stops right outside, which is great. Overall, a very good visit.

We arrived in Lugano and at the hotel quite late. The reception staff were welcoming and spoke fluent English which faciliated our check in considerably. There was parking available, but in reasonably cramped quarters (took about 10 minutes to get in a space - but it was certainly better than trying to track down a space in the neighbourhood). Our room was beautifully appointed - in a modern boutique hotel style. It was, however, a little bit on the small side. We were travelling with our young daughter and although a cot would have been possible, it would have left little room to negotiate, so we opted to all sleep in the one bed. The room was much more up to date than photos of the hotel would suggest. It had a sweet little balcony overlooking Lake Lugano and the city itself. It would be perfect for a couple. Although we didn't use it because our stay was short, there was a pool, which looked very pleasant. If going to Lugano for a weekend in the summer, the pool would definitely have been a selling point for us - a nice retreat in the afternoon after a morning of touring. A good continental breakfast is served in the morning which we thoroughly enjoyed. The Delfino is perched up the hill from the centre of the city which is great for views, but might be a little further out than desired if you want to leave the car behind. All in all, though it was a little small in our particular circumstances, we thought the Delfino represented good value for money and was a great little boutique hotel in a fantastic city!

Had a wonderful time at the Delfino. Nabbed a great Internet rate and used it as a base to do day hikes throughout the lake region. What a great little place to come home to! The innkeepers here are Frederico and Livianne Haas and they have done a first class job in turning a modern hotel into a delightful home. Being from the United States, my first intuition was to hang my hat at one of the tried-and-true larger named chains we see here and not try the Delfino. What a mistake that would have been! The Delfino is professionally managed and maintained, but with a more pleasant family atmosphere. The hotel staff is uniformly pleasant, professional, and helpful beyond belief. You are about two blocks walk down the hill to the lakefront. Joggers will find it convenient. (If you get tired on the way back up, take a rest in the 17th century Italian garden “La Florida” on the proximate block. Life could be worse…) What you have here is a modern hotel that has made the effort to put charm and elegance into the common spaces. They get the little things right. A well-stocked bookcase in a tastefully decorated lounge area of harmonic antiques. A side terrace opens out to the pool area. Pool and patio remind me of the Summer House in Nantucket - just lovely. Unfortunately, the view of the lake is largely obstructed, so you have to make do with a view of either Mont Bre or Mont San Salvatore – more beauty. At night, pool patio turns into a wonderful place to sip an after-dinner glass of Port or limoncello. Rooms/Services: Clean, clean, clean! Modern, with dark wood paneling all around. Beveled mirrors, large, comfortable bed with down comforter and pillow. My room had a small balcony with a view of Mt. San Salvatore. Air conditioning was advertised, but the only AC I found was in the reception area. Not a worry, since by opening the windows, the natural cool breezes of the valley infiltrated the room by sundown. Light sleepers be advised: My room was in the back by the train tracks, so if you like to get to bed early try to get a room toward the middle of the building. Even so, the trains decrease after 23:00. High-speed internet hookup at reception (small fee) offered no problems for email checking and informational surfing. Also has a printer if you need one. Breakfast (Included): Advertised as “Continental,” but they must have taken Asia, the world’s largest continent, as their model – it was huge and healthy. Abundant fresh breads, cereals, fruit, juices, meats, eggs, and yogurt. Coffee and tea served. The dining room is very pleasant, but there is also an attractive greenhouse where meals are served. In the evenings, the restaurant serves a formidable (and reasonable) prix-fixe menu. The skinny: This is a wonderfully run European hotel. I was traveling alone, but the place would be great for couples. It is small by U.S. standards, so feel free to book at the big U.S. chains that have set up shop in Lugano. There you will get your dose corporate stiffness, mild ugly Americanism, and Martha Stewart décor. But if you like a little civilization to go with the sheer beauty of Lugano, book at the Delfino.