Nestled on the Swiss side of sparkling Lake Maggiore, Sunstar Brissago is a family-friendly gem just a stone’s throw from the Italian border. Lake Maggiore itself is a unique destination, straddling both Switzerland and Italy, and the charming town of Brissago sits only a 5- to 10-minute drive from the border. Our family spent three wonderful nights here, soaking up the sun, scenery, and Swiss-Italian hospitality.
Swimming: Pools and Lakefront Fun
Sunstar Brissago offers two inviting swimming pools—one indoor and one outdoor—perfect for families. The hotel provides pool towels and robes for the whole family. The outdoor pool was a bit chilly but incredibly refreshing on a warm afternoon, and we loved being able to order drinks and snacks poolside. Beyond the pools, there is a small deck over the lake with four chairs and umbrellas, which is a lovely spot for relaxing. Additionally, there are stairs that lead directly down to the lake for a swim (just ask the front desk for the key). Our kids loved swimming in both the pool and the lake.
Relaxation for Adults: Spa and Gym
Adults can unwind in the spa area, which features a sauna, steam room, and a tranquil relaxation space. There’s also a small gym with an elliptical and a stationary bike. The hotel offers massages and spa treatments as well, though we didn’t try them this time.
Lake Activities: Boats, SUPs, and Kayaks
Lake Maggiore is less than a five-minute stroll from the hotel. From the hotel, we rented a boat with a captain for a two-hour tour, learning about the history of the area while enjoying a cooler packed with local cheeses, bread, fruit skewers (featuring the kids’ favorite fruits), prosecco, local beer, and plenty of water. The highlight? Jumping off the boat into the lake! On another day, we rented stand-up paddleboards, which the kids adored—especially leaping off into the cool water and learning to paddle on their own.
Dining: Delicious and Family-Friendly
Breakfast was included with our stay. There was a buffet with teas, coffees, fresh juices, and breads, plus a menu of cooked options like eggs, salmon, bacon, cheeses, salamis, and yogurts. The kids’ favorites were the croissants and pancakes, which they gleefully smothered in Nutella. In the evenings, the poolside transforms into a charming restaurant. The kids were thrilled with the activity and coloring packs provided at dinner, and the kids’ menu offered pasta and chicken nuggets. The adults enjoyed perfectly cooked steak and gnocchi topped with Parmesan foam. Some nights, live entertainment added a festive touch to our meal.
Rooms: Thoughtful Touches and Lake Views
The staff at Sunstar Brissago are incredibly welcoming and attentive. We arrived to fresh-squeezed orange juice and homemade ice pops in our room—a delightful welcome after a long drive. The kids were excited to find their own shower products and a small pool toy hippo on their beds. Our room was spacious, with a separate area for the kids and two large balconies overlooking the lake. The bathroom was recently renovated and very stylish. The only minor downside was that the AC was located in the kids’ room, but a fan kept the adults’ room comfortable.
Other Amenities: Lounge and Games
There’s a quiet lounge area perfect for unwinding, complete with a pool table and foosball—ideal for some friendly family competition after a day of exploring.
Parking: Easy and Convenient
Sunstar Brissago makes arrival and departure easy with temporary parking at the lobby for unloading luggage. There are two parking options: paid garage parking or unpaid outdoor parking on the property, both subject to availability. For those with electric cars, charging stations are available.
Exploring Brissago: Family-Friendly Fun Nearby
For more information on things to do in the area, click here to see all our recommendations.
- Within a five-minute walk, there’s a lovely playground, a lakeside promenade, and a giant chess set for kids and adults alike.
- We enjoyed meals at Ristorante Pizzeria Gabietta and Restaurant Kalea, both lakeside and very family-friendly.
- Don’t miss a ferry trip to Brissago Island to explore the lush botanical gardens—there’s even a flower treasure hunt for kids!
- For a bit of adventure, try the “Die Schatzsuche in Brissago” family treasure hunt, a fun way to learn about the town’s history together.
Our stay at Sunstar Brissago was the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and family fun. With its welcoming staff, thoughtful amenities, and unbeatable lakeside location, it’s a fantastic base for exploring Lake Maggiore and the surrounding area.