„Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“: History and luxury
Enter the Belle Époque hall - the „Hotel Splendide Royal“ has been celebrating hospitality since 1887.
From Villa Merlina to the Grand Dame on Lake Ceresio
The „Hotel Splendide Royal“ in Lugano was built in 1870 as the elegant baroque Villa Merlina of the Viglezio-Vanoni family. Over more than 150 years, it has developed into one of the most renowned five-star superior hotels in Switzerland.
Since 1887, the hotel on the shores of Lake Ceresio has borne the name „Splendide“ - magnificent. And the addition „Royal“ since crowned heads from all over Europe discovered the accommodation. The hotel is an institution that combines Swiss hotel tradition, international renown and royal splendor. Today, the „Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“ belongs to the Naldi family, who have been running it with passion and continuously developing it since 1977.
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Sustainability as a lived philosophy
For all its tradition, the „Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“ is consistently looking to the future: since 2015, the „Splendide Sustainability“ program has shaped the hotel's philosophy: with a halving of CO₂ emissions in just a few years, „Green Rooms“ for environmentally conscious customers and projects such as „Splendide Shamba“ - a social farm initiative in Kenya.
Children are also sensitized in a playful way: the mascot figure Daisy, a drop of water, explains the careful use of resources to children in the hotel.
Interior with character
The rooms and suites at the „Splendide“ combine historical flair with state-of-the-art facilities. Whether with a view of Lake Lugano or the countryside, each room tells its own story. The spectrum ranges from superior rooms and deluxe categories to spacious suites with up to 85 square meters.
The interior of the „Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“ impresses with warm colors, precious materials and loving details. A homage to the Belle Époque without compromising on contemporary comfort.
Timelessly elegant Belle Époque bar
History is celebrated in the Belle Époque Bar in the heart of the hotel: with cocktails that are a reference to classics and creative twists in one, a traditional afternoon tea in British style - now also with original Sacher cake from Vienna - and musical accompaniment with harp sounds from Thursday to Sunday.
The „I Due Sud“ restaurant in the „Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“
The gastronomic diversity of the „Splendide“ is impressive. The restaurant „I Due Sud“ takes center stage. This jewel, which has been awarded 16 GaultMillau points and a Michelin star, is run by Executive Chef Marco Veneruso. He and his team serve cuisine that combines the south of Italy with the treasures of the Ticino lakeshore.
The philosophy of the restaurants: pure flavors, local producers, seasonal products - and a pinch of gastronomic poetry. The result is dishes that are equally pleasing to the eyes and the palate.
Varied gastronomy for every moment at the „Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“
Another of the hotel's restaurants is „La Veranda“. Here you can enjoy Mediterranean delights in a relaxed atmosphere. At lunchtime, the lake view beckons; in the evening, subdued lighting and candlelight create intimacy. The à la carte menu combines classic and contemporary inspirations with a focus on local and seasonal products.
And in summer, the „Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“ opens the doors of the restaurant bar „La Piazzetta“: Authentic Neapolitan pizzas and cocktails are served in the urban garden with a seventies Riviera flair - ideal for balmy summer evenings by the lake.
Il Forziere del Vino: the wine cellar as a treasure trove
The hotel's wine cellar, „Il Forziere del Vino“, is home to treasures of local and international oenology. The hotel's own sommelier will guide you through exclusive tastings, which can also be booked for private events. The selection is exquisite.
The wine at the „Splendide“ is guarded with the same royal care as the crown jewels of the European monarchs who once stayed here.
Wellness with a view
The spa at the „Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“ is a special kind of retreat. In summer, the heated indoor pool opens out onto the lake, while in winter you can swim in front of snow-covered Alpine peaks. Sauna and steam bath invite you to relax. A comprehensive range of massages and treatments rounds off your wellness experience.
Gold Card or Platinum Card? Which credit card will accompany you to the „Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“?
Feel good all round at the „Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“
The „Splendide“ is more than just a hotel - it is a place where history comes alive, enjoyment is celebrated and responsibility is lived. A hotel that offers its customers not just a stay, but an experience that goes far beyond the mere overnight stay.
During your stay at the Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano, you should ideally pay with your American Express credit card. You will receive attractive extras and automatically collect points in the Membership Rewards bonus program, which you can later redeem for attractive rewards or use to pay.
Frequently asked questions and answers
At the „Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano“ you can choose between elegant rooms and spacious suites - many with lake views and classic Italian-style interiors.
Yes, the hotel welcomes families and offers child-friendly amenities and spacious rooms.
Yes, the in-house restaurant „I Due Sud“ serves Mediterranean and local specialties in a stylish ambience with a view of Lake Lugano. The hotel also has the „La Veranda“ restaurant, the „La Piazzetta Lounge Bar“ and the „Belle Époque Bar“.
