What Actually Matters When Staying in Locarno, Switzerland
We’ve been to Ticino more times than we can count. Whenever the weather in Zurich is bad, we check the forecast in the south. And most of the time it’s sunny, so we end up on a train to Locarno.
Over time, it’s become one of our favorite quick getaways in Switzerland. The palm trees, Lake Maggiore, the warmer air… it just feels completely different from the rest of the country.
If you’re still planning your first trip to Switzerland, Locarno is the place we’d add when you want lakes, warmer weather, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
It’s one of those places where you arrive and immediately feel like you can slow down and unwind.
But one thing we didn’t really think about at the beginning was this: Where you stay in Locarno actually makes a big difference.
At first, we thought it didn’t matter much. The towns are close together anyway, right? You think it doesn’t matter that much. But after a few trips, we started to notice how different each area feels.
Some places are more practical and easier if you’re arriving by train. Others are quieter, a bit more scenic, or just more expensive.
And then there’s the question most people end up asking at some point: Should you stay in Locarno or in Ascona?
That’s exactly what we’ll help you figure out in this guide.
We’ll show you which areas we personally think make the most sense, what each part of Locarno actually feels like, and which hotels are worth booking (depending on your budget and travel style).
Here are our top 3 hotel picks in Locarno:
- Best Luxury: Hotel Belvedere Locarno – best views + spa, slightly above the city but still close
- Best Mid-Range: Hotel la Palma au Lac – perfect lakeside hotel with a great location right by the water
- Best Budget: Hotel Garni Montaldi – basic but affordable
Where to Stay in Locarno, Switzerland (Quick Answer)
If you want a quick decision, this is how we’d choose:
| Area | Best for | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| Locarno (Old Town / lakefront) | First-time visitors, easy stay | This is where we usually stay. It’s central, walkable, and just the easiest option overall. |
| Ascona | Couples, relaxed trips, nicer vibe | Definitely the most beautiful area. We love going here in the evenings, but it’s noticeably more expensive. |
| Muralto | Train travel, short stays | Super convenient if you arrive by train. Not the prettiest, but very practical. |
| Minusio | Quiet stays, lower prices | A bit outside, more local and relaxed. Good option if you want something calmer. |
For most trips, we’d choose Locarno itself. It just makes everything easy. You can walk to restaurants, the lake, the old town, and you’re well-connected for day trips.
But honestly, you don’t have to overthink it too much. The good thing is: Everything that makes Locarno worth visiting is nearby. You can easily stay in one place and explore the others without any stress.
What Locarno Is Like (and What You’ll Actually Do Here)
Before choosing where to stay, it helps to know what Locarno is actually like.
Most of the time, our days here are pretty simple. We walk through the old town, spend time by the lake, and end up sitting somewhere for lunch longer than planned.
A few things we always come back to
- Piazza Grande – the main square, a good starting point, and nice in the evening
- Lake Maggiore promenade – easy walks, especially around sunset
- Ascona – colorful houses & palm tree-lined promenade
- Cardada / Cimetta – if you want views and a perfect escape into the mountains
- Castello Visconteo – small, but worth it if you’re interested in a bit of history
It’s not a place where you rush from one attraction to the next. It’s more about slowing down, being outside, and enjoying the setting. Which is also why choosing the right area to stay in makes such a difference.
For a more detailed plan, our guide to the best things to do in Locarno covers these places, nearby day trips, and realistic one- and two-day itineraries.
Best Areas to Stay in Locarno, Switzerland
Locarno (Old Town & Lake Front) – Best Overall Choice
If it’s your first time in Locarno, and you want an easy, stress-free stay, this is where we’d book. This is also where we usually stay.
The area stretches from the old town down to the lake promenade. You’ve got small streets, cafés, little shops, and then just a few minutes later, you’re by the water. Everything feels very close and walkable, which is exactly what we like for a short trip.
One thing we noticed after coming here a few times: Locarno feels a bit more “alive” than the surrounding areas. Not busy in a stressful way, but there’s always something going on.
In the morning, it’s actually pretty calm. Especially if you walk through the old town early, before everything opens. By the afternoon, it gets a bit busier, but never overwhelming.
And in the evening, this is usually where we end up anyway. Even when we’ve stayed outside Locarno, we kept coming back here for dinner or a walk by the lake.
Location-wise, it’s just very practical. You can walk to most places, take boats from the harbor, or reach the train station within minutes to discover the surrounding mountains and nature.
Best For
✔ First-time visitors
✔ Short stays (2–3 days)
✔ Travelers without a car
✔ Anyone who wants everything within walking distance
Not Ideal For
✘ Very quiet, slow-paced trips
✘ Travelers looking for a more “polished” or resort-style atmosphere
✘ Strict budget trips in peak season
Average Price
Realistically, you’ll pay around CHF 180-350 ($ 200-380) per night here, depending on the season and how close you are to Lake Maggiore.
Prices can go up quickly in summer, especially for hotels with lake views. We’ve noticed that booking a bit earlier makes a big difference here.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Locarno
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Very central and easy to get around | Can feel a bit busy in peak season |
| Everything is walkable | Not as “pretty” as Ascona |
| Good mix of restaurants and cafés | Prices go up quickly in summer |
| Close to train station, boats, and day trips | Some hotels feel a bit dated |
| Lively but still relaxed atmosphere |
Hotels We’d Personally Consider
Hotel la Palma au Lac – If we wanted to stay right by the lake, this would be high on our list. The location is hard to beat, especially for sunset walks.
Hotel Garni Muralto – Simple, clean, and very practical. We’d choose this for a shorter stay where location matters more than design.
H4 Hotel Arcadia Locarno – A good all-round option. Slightly bigger and more modern, and we like that it’s still close to everything.
Ascona – Most Beautiful & Romantic Area
If we wanted something a bit more relaxed, Ascona is where we’d stay. The lakefront, the atmosphere, and the breathtaking views make it also feel a bit more special.
It’s only a few minutes from Locarno, so it’s also easy to visit. And somehow, we almost always do.
The only reason we don’t always stay here is the price. Compared to Locarno, hotels are noticeably more expensive for a similar standard.
And one practical thing: there’s no train station. So if you’re arriving by train, you’ll always pass through Locarno first and then take a bus or taxi.
If Ascona sounds more like your kind of stay, our guide to where to stay in Ascona compares the lakeside hotels, quieter options, and different price levels in more detail.
Best For
✔ Couples
✔ Relaxed, slower trips
✔ Special occasions or weekend getaways
✔ Anyone who cares a lot about atmosphere
Not Ideal For
✘ Budget-focused trips
✘ Travelers relying only on trains
✘ Short stays where convenience is key
Average Price
Expect around CHF 220-450 ($ 240-500) per night.
Lakefront hotels can easily go higher, especially in summer. We’ve definitely had moments where we loved the vibe but decided to stay in Locarno instead because of the price.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Ascona
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Most beautiful lakefront in the area | More expensive than Locarno |
| Relaxed and slower atmosphere | No train station |
| Great for evenings and dining | Can feel touristy mid-day |
| More “special” overall feel | Fewer budget options |
| Perfect for couples |
Hotels We’d Personally Consider
Hotel Eden Roc Ascona – If we were going all-in on a special stay, this would be it. Right on the lake, very polished, and one of the nicest hotels in the region.
Hotel La Meridiana Ascona – A smaller boutique-style option. Feels a bit more personal and tucked away, which we like.
Hotel Tamaro – More simple and central. Not luxury, but a good option if you want to stay in Ascona without going all out.
Muralto – Most Convenient Option
Muralto is basically where you arrive. If you’re coming by train, this is the first place you see. The station is here, and a lot of hotels are just a few minutes away on foot.
We stayed here once when we wanted something simple and didn’t feel like dealing with transfers or walking far with luggage. It’s not the most exciting area, but it’s very easy.
You can walk into Locarno in a few minutes; the lake is right there, and everything you need is close by. It just feels a bit more functional compared to the old town or Ascona.
For a short trip, especially without a car, it actually makes a lot of sense.
Best For
✔ Short stays
✔ Train travel
✔ Easy arrival and departure
✔ Practical, no-stress trips
Not Ideal For
✘ Scenic or “special” stays
✘ Romantic trips
✘ Anyone wanting a more local or atmospheric feel
Average Price
Usually around CHF 150-280 ($ 165-310) per night.
We’ve noticed that prices here can be slightly lower than in central Locarno, especially for similar standards.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Muralto
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Right next to the train station | Less charm than other areas |
| Easy to walk to Locarno | More functional than scenic |
| Often slightly better prices | Fewer standout hotels |
| Good base for short stays |
Hotels We’d Personally Consider
Hotel Garni Muralto – Simple, clean, and very convenient. We’d pick this for a short stay where location matters most.
Hotel Lago Maggiore – Modern and right by the lake. A bit more stylish while still being very practical.
Hotel Alexandra – Smaller and more classic. Good option if you want something a bit more personal.
Minusio – Quiet & More Local
Minusio is a place we considered a few times, but only for certain types of trips.
It’s just next to Locarno, a bit further along the lake. You’re still close to everything, but it already feels quieter and more residential. Less going on, fewer restaurants right outside your door, but also less busy.
We’d choose this area if we wanted a slower stay. Maybe for a few days, with more time to relax, go for walks, and not feel like we need to be in the center all the time.
It’s also one of the places where you can sometimes find better value for money, especially compared to Ascona or the lakefront in Locarno.
The trade-off is that you’re a bit less flexible. You’ll probably take the bus more often or plan things a bit more in advance.
Best For
✔ Longer stays
✔ Quieter trips
✔ Better value for money
✔ Travelers who don’t mind taking the bus
Not Ideal For
✘ Short trips (1–2 days)
✘ Travelers who want everything on their doorstep
✘ Evenings out without planning ahead
Average Price
Usually around CHF 140-250 ($ 155-275) per night.
We’ve seen some really good deals here compared to more central areas, especially outside peak season.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Minusio
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Quieter and more relaxed | Less central |
| Often better prices | Fewer restaurants nearby |
| More local feel | Need to use bus or walk more |
| Close to the lake | Less atmosphere in the evenings |
Hotels We’d Personally Consider
Giardino Lago – If we wanted something a bit more design-focused and right by the lake, this would be a really nice option.
Boutique Hotel Remorino – A really good choice if you want something calm with a beautiful garden and a more boutique-style experience.
Riva Rooms & Studios – Simple, modern, and very well-rated by guests, especially if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly.
Best Hotels in Locarno, Switzerland (By Category)
Once you’ve decided on the area, choosing a hotel gets much easier.
One thing we’ve noticed in Locarno: there isn’t a huge number of “wow” hotels. It’s more about location, views, and overall feel than ultra-modern design or big luxury brands.
So instead of listing dozens of options, we’d focus on a few good ones depending on what kind of trip you’re planning.
Best Luxury Hotels
If we wanted to treat ourselves a bit more, these are the places we’d look at.
Hotel Eden Roc Ascona
This is probably the nicest hotel in the area. Right on the lake, very polished, and everything just feels well done. We’d book this for a special occasion or a longer, slower trip.
Castello del Sole Beach Resort & Spa
A bit more secluded and surrounded by nature. It feels quieter and more private, which we like. Good if you want to fully switch off.
Hotel Belvedere Locarno
This is one we’d seriously consider if we wanted something a bit more special but still close to Locarno itself. It sits slightly above the town, which means you get really nice views over Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains.
Best Boutique Hotels
These are the ones we personally find the most interesting.
Giardino Lago
Right by the lake, very clean design, and a bit different from typical Swiss hotels. We’d pick this if we wanted something more modern and relaxed.
Hotel La Meridiana Ascona
Smaller and more personal. Feels a bit tucked away, which we like, especially in a place like Ascona.
Best Mid-Range Hotels (Best Value)
This is probably where most people will end up, including us most of the time.
H4 Hotel Arcadia Locarno
A solid all-round option. Good location, a bit more modern, and reliable for a comfortable stay.
Hotel La Palma au Lac
Great if you want to be right by the lake. Not the most design-focused hotel, but the location makes up for it.
Best Budget Hotels
Locarno isn’t cheap, but there are still some good, simpler options.
Hotel Garni Muralto
We like this for short stays. It’s simple, clean, and very close to the station.
EasyRooms dell’Angelo
Very basic, but one of the more affordable options in a central location.
Locarno vs Ascona: Where Should You Stay?
This is probably the question we’ve asked ourselves the most.
At first, it doesn’t seem like a big decision. Locarno and Ascona are only about 10 minutes apart, and you can easily go back and forth. But after a few trips, we started to notice that they actually feel quite different.
Locarno is the more practical option. It’s where you arrive, where the train station is, and where everything is a bit easier. You’ve got more restaurants, more hotels, and you can walk pretty much everywhere. It just works well, especially if it’s your first time or you’re only staying a couple of days.
Ascona, on the other hand, feels a bit more like a holiday. It’s quieter, more polished, and especially in the evening, the atmosphere is just really nice. We’ve gone there so many times for dinner and ended up staying longer than planned, just sitting by the lake.
That being said, it also comes with a few trade-offs. Hotels are more expensive, and getting there is slightly less convenient since there’s no train station. You always pass through Locarno first.
Ascona generally costs more, particularly near the lake, so it’s worth checking how expensive Switzerland is to visit before deciding how much of your budget to spend on accommodation.
What we usually end up doing is staying in Locarno and spending time in Ascona. It gives us the flexibility and better prices, while still being able to enjoy the nicer atmosphere in the evenings.
If it’s your first trip, we’d stay in Locarno. It’s simply easier. If you’re planning something slower or a bit more special, and the price is okay, then Ascona is definitely worth it.
And honestly, you can’t really go wrong. The distance is so short that you’ll probably experience both anyway.
If you’re still deciding how Locarno and Ascona fit into the rest of your trip, our Ticino travel guide compares the main bases and shows how we’d divide a few days across the region.
How to Choose the Right Hotel
At some point, it usually comes down to a few small decisions. After a few trips, we noticed that in Locarno, it’s less about finding the “perfect” hotel and more about choosing the right location and setup for your trip.
The first thing we’d think about is how you’re arriving.
If you’re coming by train, staying in Locarno or Muralto just makes things easier. You can walk straight to your hotel and don’t have to think about buses or taxis. We’ve done both, and especially for short trips, it makes a difference.
Our guide to public transport in Switzerland explains the tickets and passes you may need for the rest of your trip.
Then it’s really about the kind of trip you want.
If you want something easy and flexible, stay central in Locarno. You can walk everywhere, go out spontaneously, and don’t have to plan much.
If you’re more focused on relaxing and enjoying the setting, Ascona is worth it. It’s calmer, a bit more polished, and just feels more like a “stay in one place and slow down” kind of trip.
Another thing we always check is how close the hotel actually is to the lake or the center. On the map, everything looks close, but even an extra 10-15 minutes of walking can feel like a lot if you’re doing it several times a day.
And one small thing that’s easy to overlook: many hotels in Ticino include a free transport card. We’ve used that quite a bit to take buses or trains around the area, so it’s definitely worth checking when you book.
What we personally look for
- walking distance to the lake or old town
- easy access from the train station
- good reviews for cleanliness (this matters more than design)
- a fair price for the location
We’ve also learned that paying extra for a lake view can be worth it, but only if you actually plan to spend time in the room or on the balcony.
Best Time to Visit Locarno, Switzerland
One of the reasons we keep coming back to Locarno is the weather.
Compared to the rest of Switzerland, it’s usually warmer and sunnier. That’s often all we need to decide to head south when Zurich is grey.
From our experience, spring and early autumn are the best times to visit. It’s warm enough to sit by the lake, but not too crowded, and prices are usually more reasonable.
Summer is great if you want that full holiday feeling. Everything is open, the lake looks amazing, and there’s more going on. But it’s also the busiest and most expensive time, so we’d book early.
Winter is much quieter. Not everything is open, but you can still get sunny days, which already makes it worth it for a short escape.
FAQ
Is it better to stay in Locarno or Ascona?
It depends on your trip.
If it’s your first time or you want something easy and flexible, we’d stay in Locarno. It’s better connected, more practical, and you can walk almost everywhere.
If you’re looking for something more relaxed and don’t mind spending a bit more, Ascona has a nicer atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
We usually stay in Locarno and go to Ascona for a day trip.
How many days should you stay in Locarno?
We think 2 to 3 days is a good amount of time.
That gives you enough time to explore Locarno, spend some time by the lake, visit Ascona, and maybe do a short hike or day trip.
If you’re using Locarno as a base to explore the region, our 3-day Ticino itinerary shows how we’d combine it with Ascona, Valle Verzasca, and Lugano without changing hotels.
Is Locarno expensive?
Yes, but it depends on where you stay.
Hotels in Ascona and near the lake can get quite expensive, especially in summer. If you’re trying to keep costs down, areas like Muralto or Minusio are usually better value.
Is Locarno walkable?
Yes, very. If you stay in or near the center, you can do almost everything on foot. We rarely use public transport within Locarno itself.
Do you need a car in Locarno?
No, not really. We’ve always traveled by train, and it works perfectly fine. The connections are good, and many hotels include a free transport card, which makes getting around even easier.
But if this stop is part of a road trip, our guide to driving in Switzerland explains the practical rules, costs, and situations where a car is actually useful.
What is the best area to stay in Locarno?
For most trips, we’d choose Locarno (Old Town or near the lake). It’s central, easy, and works well whether you’re staying for a weekend or a few days.
