The Hotel International au Lac in Lugano, managed by the Schmid family for four generations and awarded with the Swiss Welcome Trophy by Gastronomie & Tourisme, announces the completion of a significant renovation aimed at preserving the historic charm of the hotel, improving the rooms and bringing the guest experience at an even higher level.
An award for dedication and excellence
Alessandra and Roberto Schmid, brother and sister at the helm of the Hotel International au Lac in Lugano, were awarded the Swiss Welcome Trophy by the well-known trade magazine Gastronomie & Tourisme. This prestigious award is awarded annually to hoteliers who demonstrate excellence in service, hospitality and sustainable management. The award once again highlights their commitment to preserving and renovating this historic hotel located in the heart of the city, helping to maintain high standards of welcome and hospitality in Switzerland. A commitment that the current owners wanted to carry forward by taking over from their parents Giulio and Beatrice Schmid and continuing the extensive renovation of the building, which has just been completed.
Tradition that looks to the future
The recent renovation involved the modernization of 14 rooms and the replacement of infrastructure on four floors. Started in 2023 and completed in just five months, this phase is part of a larger project, which has been ongoing for 12 years and which has involved 20 local companies in the works so far.
Roberto Schmid, Director of the hotel, said: “I proudly manage, as the fourth generation, this hotel opened in 1906 by our great-grandfather. The living comfort and the preservation of the historical charm of the building constitute a rare mixture, but one that I continue to seek in every modernization work.”
An evolution, therefore, which still aims to maintain a welcoming "old-time" atmosphere and a coherent fil rouge, as Roberto Schmid continues to tell us: "The atmosphere at the International au Lac, with antique furniture, works of The art and the height of the spaces is unique and we want to preserve it and reproduce it in the rooms too. In fact, the project harmoniously combines the historical charm of the centuries-old building with modern living comfort.”
The history of the Hotel International au Lac
Founded in 1906 by the great-grandfather of the current owners, the Hotel International au Lac is a renowned institution in Lugano, with a long tradition of hospitality. The hotel – which today boasts 80 rooms, a garden with swimming pool, a garage with 36 spaces and 4 charging stations – has welcomed generations of guests, always guaranteeing a perfect balance between the charm of the Belle Époque and modern conveniences. A true "tradition of hospitality" which will be 2026 years old in 120.
To enhance this aspect even more, in 2006, on the occasion of its centenary, the hotel opened a small museum on the first floor which tells the story of the Schmid family and the structure through historical objects and documents.
A hotel that boasts numerous awards
This is not the first time that the Hotel International au Lac has been awarded for its history and corporate culture: last year it was ranked among the top four best historic hotels in Switzerland in the prestigious Hotel-Rating 2023 of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ). The jury recognized the International au Lac's merit in enhancing tradition and making the entire hotel a real habitable "exhibition", where past and modernity meet in a beautiful union. Furthermore, since 2007, the structure has also been included in the ICOMOS/UNESCO Guide to Historic Hotels.
Commitment to sustainability
For over a hundred years the Schmid family has paid great attention to the territory and the society in which the structure is located. The commitment to sustainable development, both in the social and environmental spheres, is an integral part of the company culture.
For example, the hotel recently reduced its CO₂ emissions by 47,5% and implemented a low-impact pool disinfection system. This aspect also contributed to a positive rating from Gastronomie & Tourisme, which ultimately led to the decision to award the Lugano hotel the prize. Further details on the hotel's sustainable initiatives are available at www.hotel-international.ch/WeCare.
Enhance the past for an ever better future
The Hotel International au Lac continues to be a point of reference for hospitality in Lugano, combining tradition and innovation to offer a unique experience to its guests. Alessandra and Roberto Schmid, with their dedication and vision, are carrying out a mission that honors the past while looking confidently to the future. “Our goal” – they declare – “is to increasingly elevate the guest experience, so that every tourist or visitor to our beautiful city can always feel pampered and immersed in comfort.”
