Stunning location over the lake. Hotel was built in the 60s and has been perfectly maintained and upgraded only where needed. What a relief to stay in a family hotel which is neither part of a chain or modeled after the usual over-priced "boutique hotels".
Unique gem with fine restaurant and professional and helpful staff.
It is not absolutely necessary to own a car to stay there (good bus connections and one can ride the "funiculaire" during the day), unless one is intent on whatever night life Lugano may offer (we were very happy with the hotel restaurant menu and specials on 3 different nights).

As a travel writer I stay in a large number of hotels and my assessment of the Hotel Colibri posed unique dilemmas.

It has such a stupendous view over Lake Lugano and such friendly elderly owners one tends to forgive its other shortcomings that in any other hotel would be seriously negative. The view fortunately keeps you breathless on the balcony and away from the perfectly preserved time-warp 1970s accommodation and public rooms. Nothing has been upgraded (although everything well maintained and clean) to fit in with the more modern demands of an hotel at this price. Even telephones and reception switches in punishing heavy plastic are as they were when first installed - a real museum piece. A curious experience this.

The restaurant is stunningly located too but again the food very mediocre and amateur in style - a real disappointment when you consider the million-dollar potential of this site. Also as the hotel is so far above the town alternatives for the tired traveller do not readily beckon. It is a long and circuitous way to drive down to real Lugano cuisine.

In my travels I have encountered a number of hotels that rely on their fabulous location to distract you from the disappointing realities. Their sites were obtained relatively inexpensively forty years ago and not much in the way of modernisation has happened since. There is an excellent outdoor kidney-shaped swimming pool, again with sun loungers with overwhelming views. An island sporting a palm tree lies at the centre which means you can swim in a never ending circle of beneficial mountain exercise.

Overall I considered I was paying a premium for the view but what of that ? A melancholy mood assailed me in the face of this fabulous but unrealised potential.

Michael Moran

We stayed for 3 nights and got this tip from the Lugano tourist office. The hotel is located a bit away from Lugano center on the mountain Brè, but it provides one of the best views on the lake!
The hotel itself is clearly dated (I guess it was built early 70's), but the owners and personell where very friendly. Also the pool is only accessible after crossing the road, but it is clean and a nice refreshment for the kids.
Meals are served on the terrace (in July, temperature is high enough), so you can also enjoy the magnificent view. Many dishes are served and even prepared at the table, giving an extra special touch. The food was very good, and Italian style with Frenh influence.
The rooms are old fashioned, but have the comfort you may expect from a *** hotel. The only thing I really missed was an airco, since days are hot in July.
We think it is a perfect hotel for a short stay in Lugano, and worth the price.

The Hotel is up the hills, and from some rooms or the restaurant you can have best views from Lugano. Pay a little bit more and choose the rooms with lake view. A little bit far from the city, but it worths. Nice swimming pool. Free parking. In a very kind way, the manager asked if we could pay cash... Nice breakfast.