Giardino Ascona

Giardino Ascona is an oasis of relaxation and beauty somewhat removed from the town and waterfront of Ascona itself. One of the top three hotels in the area, it boasts an indoor pool, spa, outdoor pool with expansive surrounding lawn and copious lawn furniture, outdoor sitting area with umbrellas for shade, and a pleasant indoor - outdoor bar area. The positives began the moment we arrived. Our rental car was whisked away by the valets immediately (with a promise, kept, to charge its hybrid battery), the front desk staff explained the hotel and escorted us to our very pleasant, spacious balcony room, and our guest services member made dinner reservations for us. We enjoyed both of its outstanding restaurants on successive nights: Hide & Seek, and the two-Michelin star ECCO. Service in both was top level and, in ECCO the sommelier is helpful, knowledgeable and unpretentious (and introduced us to the unpretentious young chef after dinner, an added treat). Breakfast is buffet style with a very broad and offering of highest quality, from breads to meats and cheeses, fruits, drinks, and sweet pastries. The Ascona waterfront is a 30-minute hike away past a golf course, yacht basin and public beach areas. We would not hesitate to return to this garden oasis.

We recently had the immense pleasure of spending a few days at Giardino Ascona, and it truly exceeded every expectation—it was the perfect escape to celebrate my husband’s birthday. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed into a serene oasis tucked away in the vibrant heart of Ascona. The lush garden surrounding the hotel instantly set the tone: peaceful, elegant, and meticulously maintained. It felt like stepping into a world of calm—a true retrait from the everyday. The service was impeccable from start to finish. Highly personalised and warm, the staff made us feel not only welcomed but genuinely cared for. A special thank you to Claudio, Wolfgang and the entire team, who helped me plan every detail to ensure my husband’s birthday was nothing short of perfect. Their attention to detail and thoughtfulness made this a truly unforgettable experience. Dining at Ristorante Ecco with Chef Reto Brändl was another highlight. His cuisine was both innovative and emotionally stirring—each dish a carefully crafted work of art. It wasn’t just dinner; it was a sensory journey. Every bite told a story, and the presentation was like looking at a painting on a plate. The spa was equally exceptional—high quality treatments in a tranquil setting that further enhanced the sense of relaxation and well-being we were looking for. This stay was more than just a luxurious getaway—it was a meaningful experience, full of warmth, beauty, and care. We left feeling truly rejuvenated and full of joy. We will definitely return soon and continue our exploration.

We loved being there and being taken care of by amazing staff.

The hotel was friendly but very family-oriented. We sat around the pool, but so many children were running around and screaming. This was not what we expected. Our booked room was unavailable at 3 pm, so they upgraded us to the same room in the new wing. However, it was close to the baby pool, which was even noisier. The reception staff were fine but not friendly. It took them more than 30 minutes to check us in. When we left, they did not help to lift the luggage to the car, but the staff did for the French before us. Maybe I was an Asian....... The staff in the restaurant was the best—very friendly and efficient. The food in the Hide & Seek and the ECCO restaurant was nice. While the hotel is clearly designed for families, it may not be the ideal spot for couples seeking a quieter retreat. There were some instances where the staff could benefit from additional training to ensure a consistently high level of service.

As a fairly seasoned world traveler, I can emphatically say this is the most spectacular place I've ever stayed. Everything about the property (and village of Ascona) is magical! They made this birthday one to remember (and the cake delivered to the room was excellent)! The hotel is pure luxury in a very relaxed setting and this is a difficult balance to strike, but they do so with perfection. The grounds and rooms are immaculate. We stayed in a beautiful two room suite, and loved the pop of color with the purple sofa in the living room. Sitting on the balcony and looking out at the mountains was mesmerizing. And the heated floors in the bathrooms are a nice touch! The service is top notch, as expected. I'd like to recognize Sophia, who checked us in, Salvatore and the bar, and Jennifer, at Ecco, for their particularly wonderful service. Speak of Ecco, that is the best meal my wife and I have had. It is most definitely not an everyday meal, but was worth every penny. The courses and the flavors all complemented one another with perfection. Meeting Chef Rolf at the end was a real treat! We took advantage of the complimentary bicycles and rode into Ascona for a lovely afternoon. I wish we had time for the pool and spa, but both looked just as immaculate as the rest of the property. Everyone should be so lucky to get to experience a place like this. Returning is at the very top of our list!

A beautiful hotel with great facilities. Staff is amazing and the food experience excellent and creative. If you are on the “Swiss Riviera” it is the place to stay!

Can not say enough about this hotel. Absolutely beautiful grounds, great food, and wonderful service. The kids club onsite is great and the hotel and staff really make kids feel welcome but it doesn't give off a family hotel vibe. We will be back!

Love this place. Service was impeccable but not at all presumptuous. Everyone was super helpful. Front desk was incredibly thoughtful. Details on the property and room were beautiful. Rooms felt like a home without the kitchen. Garden and pool are immaculate. Breakfast was very good for a European bk. They would bring pillows and tea at night. We didn’t get to eat at the 2* place as it was closed on the days we stayed. Next time Highly recommend.