We spent 3 nights at this hotel in August and found it very good; we had a triple room with balcony and paid around 180 CHF a night which I felt represented pretty good value for money in Locarno.

The room was reasonably spacious, very clean with comfortable beds and we found the owners friendly and helpful. It's only about 10 minutes walk from the railway station and about the same down to the lakefront.

The only slight problem we found was with noise - not from the hotel itself which was very quiet - but from the road which runs alongside, I found it difficult to sleep with windows open.

The best thing about this hotel though was the breakfasts which were outstanding - a huge buffet with loads of fresh fruit, organic cereals, breads, croissants, meats and cheeses - the best I think I've ever enjoyed at any hotel!

Talking of which if you need to eat cheaply in Locarno (or anywhere throughout Switzerland) head for the 'Manora' self-service restaurants. The one in Locarno is just past the station on the way down into the main square : really good food (especially with kids menus), reasonably priced - about half what you'd pay in a normal restaurant, plenty of choice for vegetarians as well - it seems to be where the locals go.

Anyway I would recommend the Albergo Camelia - you just might want to pack earplugs!

My husband and I stayed for 3 nights in this hotel last September (2003). This hotel was very modern and clean, and the views from our room were fantastic. The room was small but adequate and we shared the shower on the top floor, which didnt bother us at all. Breakfast was very tasty, and the owner/manager was a very friendly man, only too happy to help with tourist advice. Approx 10 min walk from the train station (slightly uphil). Very reasonably priced and well worth the money.