Hotel DU LAC Locarno

The best thing here is the spot, right between the train station, promenade, and town square. That also means noise comes up from the restaurant downstairs and the streets, though so far it's been okay. We had a clean room, a coffee machine, and an upgrade to a balcony with a partial view of Lake Maggiore. There's a sharp edge on the balcony door handle pointing down. I hit my head hard on it while standing up from the chair after putting on my shoes, and it started bleeding. At reception, a young staff member said the hotel wouldn't have vegan yoghurt and couldn't get it for a one night guest. A small tub at Coop costs CHF 2.00, so I skipped the CHF20 breakfast and bought it myself. Later I asked about milk for the room's coffee machine, and the next receptionist couldn't, or wouldn't, speak English. When I asked for latte, she rattled off what sounded like a long, complicated no. I don't understand how people get hospitality jobs in Italy if they can't understand or speak English. Staff here aren't friendly or helpful. For me, it's a no.

Getting around is easy from this centrally located hotel, and the rooms were clean with good service. The reception and breakfast buffet ladies were especially friendly and helpful. We had a great stay and will definitely come back.

We had a very good stay and would visit again. The room was cleaned well, with fresh sheets and towels, and it had all the basics: air conditioning, a mini fridge, coffee machine, hair dryer, and little balcony. The receptionist at check-in was respectful and friendly, and the breakfast attendant was efficient and helpful. There was a nice choice of fresh food, and breakfast on the terrace came with a beautiful view. Little birds sometimes swooped down to steal unattended food, which gave us a good laugh. It's central, with the main connections nearby. Since it's close to Piazza Grande, festivals can make it loud, but that didn't bother us. The Ticino ticket is included, with free train, boat, and bus rides around Ticino, plus discounts at many attractions. We recommend Hotel du LAC Locarno.

The rooms were good, but in our family room the bathroom was dated and its door offered very little privacy. We were shown two twin beds for four people, though one turned out to be a sofa bed. The location is unbeatable. Breakfast, though, wasn't worth the price.