B5 Boutique Hotel Lugano

If your sense of direction has ever let you down, you needn’t worry here. Not only is the newly opened B5 Boutique Hotel located right in the center of Lugano, but it’s also impossible to miss. The entire façade of the historic building, which dates back to 1923, has been clad in sage green ceramic panels. Architect Dario Franchini from the renowned architectural firm DF_DC wanted to give it a contemporary look, while emphasizing its history and tradition. The color is reminiscent of oxidized copper, which is often found in old Ticino villas. At first glance, the hotel, which was named after its address Via Francesco Borromini 5, could almost be mistaken for a modern new build. The interior is also dominated by urban design. However, individual raw walls, revealing old brickwork, and exposed ceilings with original wooden beams also tell of days gone by. In the sun-drenched canton of Ticino with its Mediterranean flair, between Lake Lugano and green mountain peaks, Alexandra and Daniel Hahne-Saavedra’s aim was to create an oasis in the middle of the city—a retreat with cosmopolitan flair and full of warm hospitality. After an exciting day of art exhibitions, visits to historical sights or boat trips on the lake, you can unwind on the terrace. This was designed by French landscape architect Thierry Dalcant in the style of a lush jungle. Surely it’s aperitivo time? Wonderful, because with a natural Ticino wine or beer brewed especially for the B5 in your hand, you can start making the best plans for the next day on the lake ...

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The bricks that have been turned into beds or desks creating a really relaxed, cool vibe
• Simple but with some fun details—all rooms offer up little surprises.
• Urban and relaxed, open, personal and friendly—the B5 is a modern boutique hotel.
• The works of local and international artists, curated by the Galleria Doppia V in Lugano, which give each room an individual touch
• Environmentally friendly materials are used, which are not only characterized by their durability, but can also be reused.
• The complete avoidance of fossil fuels. B5 relies on sustainable technologies such as photovoltaics and heat pumps.
• The aperitivo tradition, which is part of Lugano’s culture and way of life and is celebrated in style at B5. In addition to drinks, small savory pastries called “stuzzichini” are served.
• The seasonal and varied breakfast in the cozy “Salotto”. Freshly baked bread, flavorsome cheese, alpine butter and salametti come from local manufacturers.
• Life is too short for bad coffee! That’s why Alexandra and Daniel source their beans from their friend Fabio’s roastery Caffè Antico. At the B5 Boutique Hotel, the coffee is made with the legendary Faema E61 and is (according to the guests) the best in town.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The total of 20 rooms offer different categories, from the “Nomad” with globetrotter flair for remote workers to the stylish “Loft” for guests who want more space.
• The “Oasis” room on the garden side is completely barrier-free; and there’s also a lift.
• Children aged 14 and over are welcome. The B5 Boutique Hotel is a place for couples or solo travelers, friends or colleagues, digital nomads and parents who want to be on their own for a few days.
• There’s a wealth of great restaurants and cafés in the immediate vicinity of the hotel—and of course the hosts know where the best food is to be found.
• Hikes up Monte Brè, marveling at San Lorenzo Cathedral, day trips to Como or Locarno, a ride on the historic narrow-gauge railway to Ponte Tresa, concerts, festivals and art ... it would be really difficult to get bored here!
• Brought work with you? Large tables invite you to network with other remote workers to exchange ideas and make new contacts. Also to promote the flow: High-speed internet in all rooms, plenty of power sockets and power strips as well as technical accessories such as charging cables or creative kits to borrow.
• Some highlights, such as the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura and beautiful parks, are within walking distance. Others, such as the Alprose Chocolate Museum or Villa Fogazzaro Roi, are just a few kilometers away.
• Heading into nature? Lake Lugano and Monte San Salvatore are just around the corner, and one of the nearest ski lifts is Sciovia Bedea-Novaggio, 12 kilometers away.
• It’s easy to get here by train, as Lugano’s main railway station is just 150 meters from the hotel. Travelling by climate-friendly means of transport is doubly worthwhile—both for the environment and for your wallet, as you can get the Ticino Card free of charge on site, which allows you to use buses and trains throughout Ticino for free.