Rarely has there been a grander name than Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano and this grande dame of Swiss hospitality certainly lives up to it. With an enviable location and panoramic views over Lake Lugano, it’s been the choice of celebrities and politicians since 1887.
This 5 star hotel is part of the Roberto Naldi Collection, whose other properties include the Parco dei Principi, one of my favourite places to stay in Rome with the best spa in town and a fabulous restaurant.
Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano Review
Hotel Splendide Lugano is located in the beautiful Swiss region of Ticino. With direct lake views, it is one of the most popular places to stay in Lugano. Arriving outside, we were struck by the sheer scale of this luxurious hotel, with two adjoining buildings spread over 5 floors.
There’s a huge sun terrace overlooking the lake.
We were warmly greeted at the door and inside our check in was speedy and efficient.
The decor is quite traditional with antiques and gilt mirrors giving a real sense of opulence.
A Luxury Lugano Hotel
Our lake view suite on the 4th floor definitely had the wow factor. The entrance hall was sizeable and best of all, there was a separate walk in closet with a hairdryer, bath robes, slippers and a safe.
The room itself is magnificent, wouldn’t you agree? Luxurious without being over the top – we immediately felt at home.
Perhaps the welcome bottle of local wine, chocolate cake, fresh flowers, fruit and chocolates helped! At turn-down, we were treated to more chocolate with a tasty mini tart.
We savoured them in the cosy lounge area…
The marble bathroom, stocked with Etro toiletries, also felt very glam.
However, the star attraction just has to be this view…Our suite had two floor to ceiling Windows, each opening onto a Juliette balcony. The views stretched to both the left and right and across the lake to the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
We were also shown around some of the other rooms, including one with magnificent wood panelling and another with a superb crystal chandelier plus a good sized terrace.
Dining at Hotel Splendide Royal
Everything about the La Veranda restaurant oozes class, from the silver cutlery to the floral arrangements and grand piano. The maitre d, Carlos, is a real character who instantly puts you at your ease.
Our first course was a delicious combination of Sicilian red prawns with a creamy burrata and artichoke base, dressed with fresh herbs.
We really enjoyed our main course of tagliarini pasta – this ribbon pasta is a thinner version of tagliatelle. Not sure if that means you can eat twice as much ;-). It was served with fresh prawns, a pistachio cream sauce and breadcrumb topping.
We also tried the roast suckling pork in a red wine jus instead of the pasta – a triumph.
And a special mention goes to the gooey chocolate fondant dessert with a vanilla custard and chocolate sauce.
Mr Luxe opted for the scrumptious choclate and vanilla ice cream with decorative Bussy wafers from Milan and a chocolate square – clearly they like their chocolate here as much as we do!
Breakfast at Hotel Splendide Royal
We’ve rarely seen such an impressive buffet, with a huge array of hot and cold dishes and homemade cakes. We always try the scrambled eggs in hotels as they’re hard to get right but these were perfectly fluffy.
Amenities at Hotel Splendide Royal
There’s a great selection of international newspapers if you want to catch up on your reading.
The large open plan lobby bar is the perfect place to read them or for an aperitif. They also serve afternoon tea here in wintertime.
We admired the new wine room which is due to be launched imminently. It will contain a selection of fine wines and there’s space for intimate private events and wine tastings.
There’s a fantastic conference room with its own private lakeside terrace, perfect for conferences and weddings. And there’s also a small gym – exciting plans are afoot to create a spa and gym complex on site.
Best Things to Do in Lugano
Lugano itself is a charming town and a great place to spend a weekend or for a longer stay. In addition to the lake, there’s a picturesque town centre and excursions galore by cable railway or car to the surrounding mountains.
We had a wonderful time at the Hotel Splendide Royal and we’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a truly relaxing stay. No wonder Sophia Loren, Bjorn Borg, Tina Turner and Ray Charles all loved it here!
Have you ever visited Lugano?
You might also enjoy:
- Where to Eat in Zurich
- What to Do in Geneva
- Lucerne in 2 Days
- Things to Do in Lugano, Switzerland
- Things to Do in Ticino, Switzerland
- Insider’s Guide to Verbier
Hotel Splendide Royal, Riva Antonio Caccia, 7 – 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
Our stay was complimentary for the purposes of this review
Everything looks really luxurious I wouldn’t want to leave!
Beauty Candy Loves
We did have to tear ourselves away 😉
What a beautiful setting.
You couldn’t get a much better setting
What a stunning hotel and places! Everything looks so chic!
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xx
It really is the epitome of chic, Stacey! Have a great weekend
Oh wow, I’m quite lost for words – what a spectacular stay! This is truly my favourite hotel review on your blog so far; the attention to detail with regard to decor throughout the hotel is stunning and the food looks delicious.. all eyes on the chocolate fondant pudding!
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
It’s one of my favourite hotels too, it has so much personality from the decor to the people who work there
Wow I almost can’t believe how gorgeous that view of the lake is! And that bed looks amazing too!
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I slept so well in that bed, it had a really comfy topper mattress!
They had to drag me out kicking and screaming 😉
Such an interesting place, I would like to stay there just now!!!!
Happy Friday doll!
Kisses, Paola.
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I think it would be right up your street, Paola!
The hotel looks superb and I would have felt at home there as well!
www.luxessed.com
It’s surprising how at home you can feel in such luxurious surroundings, it’s all about the welcome!
Oh wow, that lake view is stunning!
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http://ourruins.com
I know, hard to beat that view and it’s almost always sunny!
This hotel really screams old school glamour and I absolutely love it! Just going to go back and drool over your photos one more time…truly beautiful. You lucky things!!
Polly xx
You can just imagine all the famous people who have stayed there over the years getting the same pleasure from the place as we did! Glad you enjoyed it Polly
Beautifully written Suze! My parents have such wonderful memories of this hotel, and I’ve enjoyed tea at the hotel during a day trip to Lugano from Interlaken… your post is definitely inspiring to plan an overnight stay the next time we go to Switzerland, not least for that incredible breakfast spread 🙂 xx
It’s definitely worth staying overnight there – the afternoon tea must have been fantastic too!
Oh wow! Hotel, the view and food, just everything looks amazing! Who wouldn’t enjoy that beautiful lake view, it is so calming.
Ela BellaWorld
You’re right, there is something very calming about a view like that, Ela
So luxurious and grand! Very impressive! The views are stunning and the food looks beyond delicious. Amazing hotel and review
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I’m very glad you enjoyed reading it!
The gooey chocolate fondant is a stunner!
I could eat those till the cows come home
Oh my, what a gorgeous place to holiday at! Some seriously impressive views and that food looks scrumptious!
Musings & More
It was a great combination of delicious food and lovely views, Emily!
Oh wow, this looks like an absolute dream. A real life heaven on earth, so luxurious, just stunning! Also the food looked pretty incredible!
Elle
www.theellenextdoor.com
xx
The food was a real treat, Elle, and we had a fantastic stay. Hope your week has started well
Seriously dreamy looking hotel and views! What a place to stay! 🙂
Wow what a view!
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What a breathtaking view looks like a beautiful painting. Switzerland is so picturesque. The hotel looks wonderful fully deserving of its five stars Lucy x