We read the reviews of this hotel and thought it sounded ok so we booked for a week. The first thing we noticed was that reception is on the first floor up two flights of stairs - not ideal for arriving with suitcases and a pram and kids in tow after a long trip. There is though lift access via the basement, but this too requires negotiating a flight of stairs down or a narrow ramp so steep as to be positively dangerous. So far so quirky and the hotel itself is pleasantly clean in a thoroughly minimalist style which seems somewhat out of keeping with Lugano with another oddity that the reception doubIes as a bar in the evening. I don't see where the previous reviewer sees the "charm" in this but each to their own. More positively though it does command some commanding views of the lake from some rooms which stems from the elevated position. The downside of the hotel's high location is that you have to get up and down a steep hill to get to the lakeside and towncentre as the funicular that is on the map located next to the hotel is no longer in use. The biggest problem we encountered was that the hotal seems geared up for dealing with large groups of elderly tourists or business travellers and we felt we were being tolerated rather than welcomed as a family with a three year old. We have stayed at several 4 star hotels throughout Switzerland and have never been less than happy at the way our daughter has been welcomed and frankly made a fuss of: it is the main reason we enjoy the country so much. For the price, the breakfast and facilities simply did not meet our expectations, the former was very limited and unvaried and the latter included the smallest swimming pool I've ever seen. After four days we called it a day and moved to the (much cheaper) Calypso where we felt more welcome and were closer to the lake. I simply cannot recommnd the Albatro to families or people who might have access problems and think it represents rather poor value to other travellers.

I rather enjoyed my stay at this hotel. I was with a group and the hotel was a little small in the lobby area, but it was ok. I loved the decor and the view was gorgeous. It was a walk downhill into town where a music festival was going on. There were tons of people there and everyone was rather friendly. I enjoyed myself and would go back if given the opportunity.

Nothing special to look at but a great place for trainspotting, if you are so inclined. Just head for the rear stairway on the 4th(?) floor and you'll find a nice outdoor deck on which to sit and enjoy the nonstop show of passengers and freights. Comfortable euro-sized rooms. Air-conditioned (not so common in Lugano), which is a must for us during summer. Walking distance from rail station. Fairly easy downhill walk into city center. Take the funicular or the bus back uphill if you don't want to walk. I did not experience the mustiness of the other reviewer, but every room is different. That's why it pays to ask to be moved.