Grand Hotel Eden
N. Italy: Lombardy: Lake Lugano, Lugano
Consider that this is a hotel with Italian charm, Swiss efficiency (one must cross the border into Switzerland to reach the hotel) and a superb Italian manager and from its windows, one is looking across the lake at Italy! The building itself is not impressive; however, what is impressive is the situation directly on the lake (the only one), the very efficient and friendly staff, the outstanding manager (who has done tours of duty at the Splendido as well as the Quisisana), and the wonderful floating bar/lounge that he designed. During the day, it serves for sunbathing directly on the lake. In the evening, it is full of patrons eating sushi, having drinks and sometimes dancing to the (recorded) music. The hotel's restaurant features Mediterranean specialties. For further enjoyment and relaxation, guests can enjoy the hotel's 50 ft. indoor pool and full service spa, offering a wide array of health and beauty treatments. JDB is working with one of the two hotel buildings where the rooms have been renovated and are perfect for JDB guests. However, the Presidential Suite is situated on the top floor of the main building and has an outstanding view of the lake and the Alps. It is approximately 1000 sq. ft in size, has one large bedroom with two bathrooms, and a separate living room. Things to do in the area include outlet shopping, cable car trips up the mountains, tours of the lake towns, relaxing and sunbathing. Lake Lugano is only a short drive from Como. This property is less than an hour's drive from Malpensa Airport in Milan and within that hour, one is transported to one of the most scenic lakes imaginable.