Ticino has a fares integrated system called Arcobaleno. You buy zones where you can travel, if you buy a return ticket it become instantly a daily card within the chosen zones with unlimited trips.
One way ticket last from 60 minutes depending on the zones and up. If you buy zone 10 and 11 you can visit Lugano, Morcote, Gandria, Caslano, Ponte Capriasca and more.
You need extra zones for Capolago Riva San Vitale, Bellinzona or Locarno and the valleys. Arcobaleno is valid in the Moesano region in canton Graubunden up to Disentis.
If you stay in a hotel you are more likely entitled to the Ticino Ticket giving you free access to all public transport in Canton Ticino only. local busses, yellow post busses, S-bahn trains, regional trains, IR, IC , EC in Ticino