Relais Castello di Morcote

We only booked one night and two rooms for our family of four during a longer trip around Switzerland, and wished we could have stayed longer. The walk through the vineyard and up to the castle is a must. The hotel is beautifully decorated, the staff were excellent, and we had an exceptional meal at Vicania. A five-star stay in every way, and I’d recommend it without hesitation.

The reception team sorted out our accidental double booking without any fuss, and breakfast was great too. By the second morning, our waitress already knew what we liked to drink. The hotel is in a small village up a winding road, away from the busier tourist areas. From there the views are incredible, and Morcote’s restaurants and lovely waterside walk are about an eight-minute drive away. We liked this quieter part of Morcote even more than Lugano, though having nearby parking made trips to Lugano and other towns easy. We especially enjoyed Gandria. Our room was spacious, comfortable, pretty, and had AC. The building has a lovely vintage look, with pleasant indoor and outdoor spots to sit, read, or have wine. The hotel’s vineyard is about a five-minute walk away. Guests can wander through with an access code, or join an organized wine tour. Our sunset walk there was a highlight. The staff were great, and my wife and I loved our stay. We’ll come back next time we visit.

The only drawback for me was the room lighting. It was quite dark, which suited the atmosphere but wasn’t great for putting on makeup. Otherwise, the room was lovely, the bed very comfortable, and the view breathtaking. The hotel’s design and architecture are stunning, and the whole place feels peaceful, perfect for a weekend away. The staff were so friendly and helpful that they really made our stay special. Vicania was delicious, and the area is great for hiking.

Andrea welcomed us warmly and gave us a tour, sharing the hotel’s history and details. The rooms are on the small side, but cozy, and breakfast was very good. There’s no parking right at the hotel, though they provide a free garage nearby. Be sure to walk up to the castle and winery for the amazing view. We had a wonderful stay at this lovely hotel.