Hostel Montarina

From the station, walk all the way to the front of track 4, pass the car park and cross the small road. Go up the elevated road and you would reach the place. I was worried when I read about the dorm room could accommodate 16 people; so I requested for a bed on the lower bunk, at a corner; and my request was granted! So I had a bit more space to open my luggage. Perhaps I was lucky that the room was at most half full for both nights. I like the light & electrical outlet at bedside; also the big lockers outside the room. The staff were friendly, most facilities were clean. But I didnt like that the toilets were not gender-divided. Close to midnight, I actually came across a man who did not close the door when he was doing his business. Though there are not many toilets and showers, I had never encountered full occupancy. But I find the design of the sink to be quite gross. Overall the stay was comfortable and the close proximity to station was worth it.

We stayed as hostel guest and would recommend to avoid this place. There are WAY too many people in one dorm and beds are very close together, exploiting people on a low budget as the prices are relatively very high. There were only two showers and two toilets for 3 dorms of 12+ each. At 10pm they close the common room, and it kind of feels like being on high school camp and you are told it's bed time. The outside door does not lock automatically, so you are depending on your many dorm mates for sufficient security in your room. Avoid!

Decent priced hostel with a great reception staff (available until 11pm). Right next to the Lugano station from where you can get into Gothard express. Unfortunately, my stay was pathetic. I felt like am in a refugee camp. Each room has 16 beds, feels so crowded. I am not sure if any other type of rooms with less beds available. With 16 people in room, loads of noise all through the night. For all these crowd, you have a tiny bathroom area with 2 showers and 2 toilets (need to beat the queue). Kitchen area is super small (only 1 person at a time can use it). Lugano, in general felt super expensive. Food, drinks and even water were atleast 2-3 times expensive than most other places I visited. I enjoyed the long walk around the lake side and pretty evening lake view in the park.

I had a fantastic stay at Hotel y Hostel Montarina! The location couldn't have been better – just a short, less than 10-minute walk from the train station. Getting to the city center was also convenient, either by tram or a scenic walk down the stairs. Despite staying in a shared room, I felt completely safe thanks to the respectful atmosphere created by fellow guests. The common areas provided ample space for relaxation and socializing. One area for improvement could be the addition of more bathrooms and showers to accommodate guests more comfortably. Overall, it was a pleasant stay with an excellent location and friendly atmosphere.

In all honestly, the rooms are just ok. The only issue with the rooms are the fact that you'll literally hear your neighbours and since our bedroom was underneath the dinning room, we could hear the cleaners moving tables and chairs above us around 5 or 6am in the morning. This was very annoying as we could not get a good rest. The receptionists are very, very helpful and the location is amazing as it is situated near the train, tram and bus station.

Great prices, kind staff, and good rooms/facilities. To get there easily you can walk up a ramp and approach it from the bottom (saves you the hassle of pulling luggage up stairs). I arrived having paid for a dormitory shared room (44 CHF), but having brought more luggage than expected, I upgraded to a personal room to myself for 40 CHF. The room was clean, air conditioned, and nicely lit with a skylight. The showers worked well, with plenty of hot water and water pressure available. Only downside were the walls, which don’t seem to absorb sound very much. At night it was fine since my neighbors were quiet, but I could imagine it would be hard to sleep if a room didn’t respect the quiet hours.

For the single traveler or just want to safe some money, this hostel will be your best choice. The location is wonderful 5 mins walk from train station, your could get free transportation ticket (bus/cable car) from hostel which is included in the room fee. The facilities are great or we could say it’s even better than imagination, sharing space, refrigerator, small kitchen, green garden, swimming pool and some outdoor high confidentiality resting spaces that could utilize. Despite some comments confront about the noise from the train station but it’s really not a big deal. Highly recommendations for everyone who are considering this place!!!!!