FAQ
Find answers to frequently asked questions. If you do not find what you are looking for here, contact us and we will gladly help you.
ARRIVAL ON THE ISLAND & TRANSPORTATION
How do you get to the island and where can you park your car?
Villa Emden is located on the Brissago Islands and can be reached exclusively by lake, by scheduled boats from the main ports on Lake Maggiore or by private cab boat service upon request.
Parking lots are available at ports of departure.
For updated schedules and detailed directions, please see the How to Reach Us section of our website.
Can you arrive by your own boat?
It is possible to dock at the island with your own boat.
Berths are free of charge and available subject to availability. There is no advance reservation.
For those who wish to have lunch at the restaurant, an entrance fee to the Botanical Park is required, according to official rates.
Hotel guests do not pay for admission to the Park.
For dinner, admission is not required provided you arrive after 5:30 pm.
For updated information or special needs, our team is available.
If I stay in the hotel, can I go out and return to the island in the evening?
Yes, it is possible to reach the mainland within the timetable of public transport links.
For return in the evening hours, a cab boat can be requested by reservation.
To fully experience the island, we recommend devoting the evening to dinner at the villa, when the atmosphere becomes more intimate and quiet.
In case of bad weather, do the scheduled boats sail regularly?
Yes. The boats normally operate even in rainy or variable weather conditions. Only during exceptional weather events may navigation be suspended for safety reasons.
For real-time updates, please see the official website of Navigazione Lago Maggiore and the How to Reach Us section of our website.
Is it necessary to pay for a ticket to enter the island?
Is it necessary to pay for a ticket to enter the island?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for access to the island.
For up-to-date information on rates and conditions, please check the official website: www.isolebrissago.ch
For guests staying at the hotel, admission to the Park is included for the duration of their stay.
The boat ticket is not included and must be purchased separately.
VILLA STAY
When is Villa Emden open?
Villa Emden is open seasonally, roughly from late March to early November.
Exact opening and closing dates are announced on our website several months in advance.
What time is the check-in and check-out time?
Check-in is from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Check-out is from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
For different times, our team is available: please contact us before arrival.
Is it possible to leave luggage before check-in or after check-out?
Yes, it is possible to store luggage on the island. The service is available until the departure of the last boat of the day.
Is a reservation guarantee required?
Yes. Reservations are guaranteed with a valid credit card. Any special conditions are indicated in the stay confirmation.
What are the conditions of cancellation?
Cancellation conditions vary depending on the reservation made. Details are always indicated in the stay confirmation.
Is the tourist tax included in the room rate?
The tourist tax is applied separately and is indicated in the reservation or stay confirmation.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, à la carte breakfast is included in the stay and is served in the villa’s spaces or on the terrace, in the quiet of the
morning.
Is admission to the Botanical Park included in the stay?
Yes. Your stay at Villa Emden includes access to the Brissago Islands Botanical Park.
During the day, the park also welcomes day visitors. Before the arrival of the first boat and after the departure of the last one, villa guests can experience it in a more private and quiet atmosphere.
What amenities are in the rooms?
The rooms are furnished with Schramm mattresses, selected to ensure a balanced and comfortable rest.
They have television, Wi-Fi, Nespresso machine and selection of Länggass-Tee tea. Personal care products are by Rituals.
Bathrooms are equipped with showers.
Dyson fans are provided in the room.
No minibar, air conditioning or safe are available.
Is there a swimming pool or spa?
Villa Emden does not have a swimming pool or spa. The island itself is a place of tranquility and well-being: between the botanical garden, the terraces overlooking Lake Maggiore, and the island’s slow rhythms, guests find a natural space for rest, reading, and contemplation.
Is smoking allowed inside the villa?
The villa’s rooms and indoor spaces are non-smoking, including electronic cigarettes. Smoking is permitted exclusively in designated outdoor areas.
Are solutions available for guests with reduced mobility?
Villa Emden has an elevator from the main entrance, dedicated restrooms, and an accessible room (Room 2). Guests requiring an accessible room are kindly invited to request it expressly at the time of booking.
Being set in a natural environment on the island, some outdoor paths may have slight slopes. For
specific needs, we invite you to contact us before arrival, so we can best assist you in organizing your
stay.
Is the facility suitable for children?
Villa Emden welcomes families with children.
Children up to 12 years old stay free of charge.
There is a surcharge of CHF 50 per night for children 12 years and older.
Please contact us in advance to make the best arrangements for your stay.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the island and in the villa.
There is an additional charge of CHF 20 per day for staying in the room.
We ask that dogs be kept on a leash at all times, on the island and inside the villa.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), as well as debit cards and cash payments. American Express is not accepted.
Is staff present during the night?
Yes. A night concierge is always present.
In case of medical needs or emergencies, immediate assistance and, if necessary, prompt transfer to the mainland is guaranteed.
How are any lost items handled?
Found items are kept for a limited time. Shipping charges may apply for any shipments or returns.
RESTAURANT AND BAR
What are the hours of the restaurant and bar?
The restaurant and bar are generally open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Dinner: 6:45 PM – 10:00 PM
Hours may vary depending on the season. We invite you to verify current hours at the time of
booking or during your stay.
Is reservation required?
Is it possible to dine in the villa?
Is the restaurant exclusively for hotel guests?
Is it possible to report allergies or dietary needs?
Certainly. Please notify us of any allergies or intolerances at the time of reservation or check-in so that we can arrange service with due care.
Is a dress code required?
At lunchtime, the atmosphere is casual.
In the evening, smart casual attire is required.
Beachwear is kindly requested to be avoided.
WEDDINGS, EVENTS AND SEMINARS
Is it possible to hold weddings at Villa Emden?
Yes. Villa Emden hosts weddings by reservation, with personalized assistance and a dedicated event manager.
For more information please see the Weddings section of our website or contact us by phone or e-mail to make an appointment.
Can private events or group dinners be arranged?
Are spaces available for seminars or workshops?
Yes. Villa Emden has dedicated rooms for seminars, workshops and corporate meetings.
We also organize team building days and retreats, with the possibility of integrating catering and hotel stay.
For detailed information, please contact us for a personalized consultation.
GIFT VOUCHERS.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. Gift certificates are available for personalized stays, dining experiences or amounts.
Vouchers can be purchased directly on our website, in the dedicated section.
What is the validity of gift certificates?
Vouchers are valid for two years from the date of issue.
Can they be used multiple times?
Yes. You can use the voucher in several solutions until the amount is exhausted.
TICINO TICKET
When is the Ticino Ticket issued?
The Ticino Ticket is issued at check-in and is valid for the entire duration of your stay, until midnight
on the day of departure. It allows free travel on public transportation in Canton Ticino and offers discounts at
partner attractions.