When I read that the town of Bellinzona in southern Switzerland, which is the capital of the canton of Ticino, hosts three UNESCO Heritage Site Castles, I knew we had to go there. The castles, which grace the hillsides and hilltops of Bellinzona with their impressive gray crenelated walls and tall fortress towers, can be seen from the small historic town center.
The town lies east of the Ticino River, along the river valley and is surrounded by the southern ranges of the Lepontine Alps to the east and west, and by the Lugano Pre-alps to the south. The entrance to the Italian Lake District and the city of Lugano lie across the border to the south of Bellinzona. This proximity to Italy makes the Ticino area distinctly Italian in culture and orientation and you almost feel as if you have left Switzerland for Italy.
Hotel & Spa Internazionale Bellinzona, was the hotel we chose for our stay in this beautiful Swiss-Italian town.
The town lies east of the Ticino River, along the river valley and is surrounded by the southern ranges of the Lepontine Alps to the east and west, and by the Lugano Pre-alps to the south. The entrance to the Italian Lake District and the city of Lugano lie across the border to the south of Bellinzona. This proximity to Italy makes the Ticino area distinctly Italian in culture and orientation and you almost feel as if you have left Switzerland for Italy.
Hotel & Spa Internazionale Bellinzona, was the hotel we chose for our stay in this beautiful Swiss-Italian town.
The Hotel & Spa Internazionale Bellinzona is housed in a historic building built in 1909 and is conveniently located across from the railway station, but we were driving so the nearby hotel parking with direct entrance into the hotel was particularly welcome. Parking reservations are required.
When we entered the hotel, we were warmly welcomed by the staff. You definitely get the feel of a spa-resort in the lobby with its artistic, modern décor and display of spa, hair and body products. Knowing that I would be checking out the facilities, I picked up my robe and slippers at the desk.
Our fifth floor suite turned out to be colorful and modern.
The large suite was comprised of two stories with a sitting room downstairs and a large bedroom with a second sitting area upstairs. The bed was very comfortable and clean and fresh. You felt like you were tucked up cozy into the rafters of the historic hotel.
The large suite was comprised of two stories with a sitting room downstairs and a large bedroom with a second sitting area upstairs. The bed was very comfortable and clean and fresh. You felt like you were tucked up cozy into the rafters of the historic hotel.
I was thrilled to see there was a bathroom on each floor which worked out perfectly for us. Jim took the one downstairs which had a shower, and I got the ensuite bathroom upstairs with its big luxurious bathtub. One of my favorite hotel amenities are separate baths! The bathrooms were well designed, modern and sparkling clean.
Downstairs Bathroom
Upstairs Bathroom
Another favorite hotel perk is an expresso (Nespresso) machine and this room had one, so I was able to indulge my expresso addiction!
The suite had a small balcony which is really only for standing and enjoying the view, but let me tell you….The view was gorgeous! First thing each morning, I stepped out and took in the fresh air and sunny view of the Castle Grande and Bellinzona the charming town nestled at the foot of the Alps. What a perfect way to start the day!
After settling into our room, we checked with the reception staff and they pointed out restaurants, sites and directions to the town square. The town is quite small, so it didn’t take us very long to memorize these directions!
The hotel is well located for walking the historic center of Bellinzona and visiting all of its sites. We happened to be there on market day, so the square was populated with colorful stalls with vendors selling locally made crafts, foods and produce, fashion and accessories. The whole town was out enjoying the beautiful day!
The hotel is well located for walking the historic center of Bellinzona and visiting all of its sites. We happened to be there on market day, so the square was populated with colorful stalls with vendors selling locally made crafts, foods and produce, fashion and accessories. The whole town was out enjoying the beautiful day!
Breakfast in the small breakfast room was tasty and efficient, providing the typical abundance of choices for a Continental Breakfast. The restaurant which is attached to the hotel is as modern as the rest of the property and that evening when we stopped by for a glass of wine to take to our room, was busy with a young lively crowd. We did not eat dinner at the hotel, so we really can’t comment about its food, but it looked good going by us on trays!
After a busy day of visiting the UNESCO Heritage Castles, I tried out a few of the spa facilities. Relaxing in the sauna and then the hot tub were exactly what my aching shoulder needed after a day of carrying my heavy camera equipment. I wish I had had time for a massage…..
We definitely enjoyed staying at the Hotel & Spa Internationale Bellinzona; the suite and spa facilities were very nice, the location was great and the staff was professional and welcoming. A great starting point for any visit to Bellinzona Switzerland!
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