Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola Switzerland
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
Viale Castagnola 31, 6906 Lugano
Switzerland
www.Villacastagnola.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
June 1885
Hotel General Manager
Mr Ivan Zorloni holds a degree from the SHL, Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Lausanne.
Ivan Zorloni has had a long and diverse career at Villa Castagnola since 1991, taking on multiple roles and responsibilities throughout his tenure. As General Manager of the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola, he oversees the overall management and operation of the hotel, ensuring that it maintains its high standards of luxury and services.
Hotel Positioning
5 superior
Development Strategy
Strengthening Brand Identity
• Highlight Heritage: Emphasize the historical charm and prestige of the hotel through storytelling in marketing campaigns.
• Exclusive Offerings: Develop unique services, such as signature spa treatments or culinary experiences, that tie into the hotel’s identity.
Enhancing Guest Experience
• Luxury and Personalization: Invest in training staff to provide exceptional, highly personalized services.
• Innovative Packages: Offer themed stays (e.g., wellness retreats, art weekends, culinary journeys) tailored to various guest interests.
• Eco-Luxury Initiatives: Introduce sustainable practices without compromising luxury, such as eco-friendly products and green energy.
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
History & Story
The Timeless Charm of Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
Nestled on the sunlit shores of Lake Lugano, the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola is more than just a hotel; it is a living testament to the timeless elegance and rich history of Swiss hospitality. Originally built in 1880 as a stately private residence for a noble Russian family, the villa served as a peaceful retreat, surrounded by lush subtropical gardens with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
In 1885, the property changed hands and began its transformation into a grand hotel. Under the stewardship of the Schnyder family, it quickly gained renown as a luxurious sanctuary for aristocrats, artists, and intellectuals from across Europe. The hotel’s unique location in Lugano, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, offered a captivating blend of Mediterranean charm and Swiss precision, making it a favoured destination for travellers seeking tranquillity and refinement.
A significant chapter in the hotel’s history began in 1982 when the Garzoni family acquired the property. With a passion for hospitality and an unwavering commitment to preserving the villa’s legacy, the Garzonis revitalized the estate, ensuring its grandeur was maintained while introducing thoughtful modernizations. Under their care, the hotel flourished, blending its historic charm with contemporary luxury, and becoming an enduring icon of elegance on Lake Lugano.
The Villa Castagnola’s subtropical park, spanning over 6’500 square meters, is a marvel of natural beauty. This verdant sanctuary, featuring exotic plants, vibrant blooms, and winding paths, offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of modern life. The gardens’ unique microclimate, influenced by the lake, makes it a lush haven year-round.
Gastronomy plays a vital role at the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola. The property is home of three Restaurants: Le Relais ‘Mediterranean-inspired’, Gallery Arté al Lago, where fine dining meets art and panoramic views and La Rucola for fresh and easy dining. The hotel’s cultural dedication extends to its curated art exhibitions, celebrating the synergy between fine living and creativity.
The Garzoni family’s vision also brought enhancements to the wellness offerings, including a SPA, indoor pool, and fitness center, and a Lido CLUB by the lake catering to those seeking rejuvenation and harmony.
Today, after 140 years of history, the Villa Castagnola stands as a beacon of sophistication, where heritage, nature, and heartfelt hospitality come together to create unforgettable experiences.
Date Renewal
We refurbish the Hotel every year in January / February
Painting, carpets, wall paper
Date added extensions
N/A
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• Villa: Our Hotel was born as a Villa and you can still feel the spirit of it
• Gastronomy: Three Restaurants
Location
• Lugano
• Cassarate
Key sites/activities in the area
• Milano is 1 hr
• Lake Come 30 min
• Locarno 1H famous for its film festival and Jazz Festival
• Bellinzona : Unisco Heritage Castles
Fun Facts
The villa was originally a private residence built in the 19th century before becoming a luxury hotel. Imagine staying in a place that has hosted guests for over 140 years ! Over the years, the hotel has hosted numerous celebrities, artists, and dignitaries. Guests often try to guess who might have stayed in their room!
Each room and suite is individually designed, giving every guest a unique experience. No two stays are exactly alike.
Children’s Corner
We have a small child playing area, with table tennis and games and books
We accept children from 0 to 13
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of suites: 30 Junior Suites and Suites
• 11 Junior Suite Standard: On about 45 sqm you will find everything you need to feel good. Spacious, elegant and traditional interiors. Standard junior suites have a queen bed or two single mattresses with two bathrooms (1x tub and 1x shower). The single sofa bed in the living area can accommodate a child up to 13 years. Private balcony overlooking the lovely park and Lake Lugano. Each room offers flat-screen HD TV, minibar and free WiFi.
• 8 Junior Suite Executive On around 55 sqm you will find everything you need to feel good. Spacious, elegant and traditional interior. The Executive junior suites have twin mattresses with two bathrooms (1x bath and 1x shower). The single sofa bed in the living area can accommodate a child up to 13 years. Private balcony with a view of the enchanting park and Lake Lugano. South-facing Junior Suite allows most winter sunlight and direct sun during the summer with a marvellous park and lake view. Each room offers flat screen HD TV, minibar and free WiFi.
• 11 one-bedroom Suite: Each suite of 60 sqm offers a unique atmosphere with warm tones and views from both the bedroom and the salon of Lake Lugano and/or park. They have an individual design for two comfortable, independent rooms: a salon to receive guests or to relax, and a room with a bed with twin mattresses. Bathroom with bathtub and shower, ideal for a relaxing break.
South-facing Suite allows most winter sunlight and direct sun during the summer with a marvellous park and lake view.
Number of Luxury rooms: 3 two-bedroom Suites
• Suite San Salvatore Located on the top floor, the two-bedroom suite San Salvatore offers from its balconies a breathtaking view of the magnificent park and Lake Lugano. South-facing Suite allows most winter sunlight and direct sun during the summer. The 100 sqm suite with its beautiful, comfortably furnished living room is ideal for hosting friends or business relationships. The separate bedrooms have one double bed and twin beds, a bathroom , one with bath tub and one with shower and bath tub. The very bright living room has 2 single sofa beds.
• Suite Ceresio Located on the 1st floor, the 2 bedrooms Suite Ceresio has two comfortable bedrooms. One room has a King Size double bed and the other has one double bed with two single mattresses. A single sofa bed is available for a child up to 13 years. A living room, 3 bathrooms (one with bathtub and 2 with shower), and a spacious patio equipped with sun chairs. South-facing Suite allows most winter sunlight and direct sun during the summer with a marvellous park and lake view.
85 sqm
• Suite Monte Brè Suite Monte Bré, nestled on the 3rd floor with breathtaking views of the park and lake. This spacious suite spans 75 sqm and features two bedrooms: one with a king-size bed and the other with a double bed. Relax in the elegant living room, indulge in the luxury of two bathrooms (one with a bathtub and one with a shower), and savor the scenery from three private balconies. With its south-facing orientation, this suite offers a perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty for an unforgettable stay.
Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 72
Restaurants & Bars
• La Rucola Fresh & Easy Dining – Executive Chef Alessandro Boleso, à La Carte
• Le Relais, Gourmet Restaurant, 15 Gaullt&Millau Points, Executive Chef Alessandro Boleso, à La Carte
• Artè al Lago, Gourmet Restaurant, 16 Gaullt&Millau Points, Executive Chef Alessandro Boleso, à La Carte
• Le Bar
In Summer: Banano Bar, Pool Bar and Lido Club
Wellness
• Wellness Area with Sauna, Bio Sauna Calidarium and Steambath
• Indoor Pool
• Fitness with Technogym equipment
The Lido Club by the Lake (in Summer)
Corporate & Celebration Events
• 10 meeting and conference facilities
From 6 to 110 (theatre style)
Banquet: 80 seated in Sala delle Palme or 64 seated in Salone Artè
Extra Notable Features
• Lido Club, a private terrace on the lake
• Cooking classes on request
Hotel and restaurant Awards
N/A
Number of employees
134