A small hotel (17 rooms only) covering the ground floor of a 5-storey apartment block, hence bedrooms do not have great views. They are plainly furnished but have exceptionally good cupboards and hanging space. Large, comfortable beds. The owner, Mr Fuchs, is very much to the fore and sets energetic example to hard-working and attentive staff. Large swimming pool - part indoors, part outside - does not have shallow end (1.5 metres depth throughout). Garden (southerly aspect) goes down directly to lake and has ample supply of loungers, sunshades, etc.
Imaginative food well cooked and well presented in elegant dining room or outside terrace on two levels beside lake. Well-kept gardens, spotlessly maintaned buildings, close to promenade etc but nevertheless quiet and secluded.

In 1998, I accompanied a friend to Europe for two weeks. My friend is the epitome of the 'Ugly American', insisting that we be treated as royalty no matter where we were in England, France or Switzerland. Upon arriving at the Hotel Asco Lago, we learned that our reservation had been lost. My English-speaking-only friend raised his voice and caused all sorts of mayhem, but I stepped in and, in a few sentances in Italian, learned that our room was, indeed, available and prepared.
From that moment forward, the Family Fuchs treated us like royalty. The room was immaculate and beautifully appointed. All consideration was given to our needs and desires, and the food in the restaurant was beyond excellent. I am planning another trip to Ascona----sans Ugly American friend----and will be staying at the Hotel Asco Lago again. I would think of staying nowhere else!

In my 35th year I accompanied a friend to Europe.
The fourth day of the two-week vacation found us in Ascona, on Lago Maggiore. We stayed three nights at the Hotel Ascolago, which were the best of the entire trip! The staff at the hotel had lost our reservation, made months in advance, but worked quickly to prepare a room for us. All areas of the hotel were immaculate, second only to the hotel in Paris. No other hotel during the vacation had as nicely-appointed, nor as large, a bathroom.
The food in the elegant dining room was superb, and the Italian waitservice the best of the entire trip.
I would stay at the Hotel Ascolago again, without hesitation!