Since 1887 the Hotel Splendide is a home away from home for distinguished travellers.
Splendide Royal
The Splendide Royal in Lugano is one of the rare seasonal resort hotels among the Select members of The Most Famous Hotels in the World. Each year it reopens to a new season of royal splendour and to a new top performance that sets it apart from many other luxurious hotels.
Located on the shores of Lake Ceresio, the Splendide Royal majestically dominates the first part of the lake shore, the Riva Caccia, which connects it with one of the most elegant neighborhoods and the central Via Nassa, just a few minutes’ stroll along the quiet and enchanting lake shore.
A monument to the history of Swiss tourism, with an Italian flair, in Lugano (the largest city with an Italian speaking majority outside of Italy!), the Hotel Splendide Royal is a symbol for this lovely city. The hotel is located on the grounds of the former Villa Merlina that was enlarged in 1887 with the construction of the third and fourth floor, strictly in the Liberty style of the Belle Époque. Further new and important changes were made by the new owners of the property, the Naldi family, who took over in 1977.
In 1983 a new wing was built with 53 rooms: although in a more modern style it is perfectly integrated with the sophistication and prestige of the main building.
"... encompased by gently swelling hills rich with the luxuriance of Italian vegetation." Encyclopedia Britannica, 1888
Google Map
1900 view of the hotel.
HISTORY IN BRIEF
1882 Opening of the St.Gotthard train line
1886/88 Expansions on the Villa Merlina
1887 Riccardo Fedele Senior opens the Hotel Splendide
1924 Riccardo Fedele Senior passes away; Riccardo Fedele Junior takes over the direction of the hotel
1956 Riccardo Fedele Junior changes the name of the hotel to Splendide Royal
1959 Riccardo Fedele junior passes away, the direction goes to his nephew Fedele Genazzini
1963/64 The hotel goes under construction to modernize
1973 The construction of the pool and sauna are completed by architect Brazzola
1977 The family of Engineer Giovanni Naldi takes over the ownership of the Splendide Royal
1977/2008 Aniello Lauro is the general manager of the Splendide Royal
1991 The Splendide Royal becomes a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. In the same years the hotel joins Swiss Deluxe Hotels.
1990s Dr. Roberto Naldi becomes the President of the Hotel Splendide Royal
2008-today Giuseppe Rossi becomes the general manager of the Hotel Splendide Royal
A billiards room was a necessary standard at all hotels catering for British travellers.
HISTORY IN DETAIL
The beginnings of the historic hotel are linked to the opening of the Gotthard train line, which since 1882 connects the north to the south of the European continent passing through the Alps. Riccardo Fedele Senior, a visionary at the time, had the foresight to realize that this new line would increase tourism to the Italian region of Switzerland.
He had an unrivalled sense for great locations and simply chose the best - the beautiful Villa Merlina at the lakeside.
From the Villa Merlina to…Hotel Splendide
Riccardo Fedele Senior (1847 – 1924), a descendant of a noble family from Bellinzona, is already the director of the Hotel Bellevue in Cadenabbia on Lake Como when he realizes the importance the new train line would have on Canton Ticino, in particular for the city of Lugano, so he moves to this city to open a new hotel.
It is after this move that Riccardo Fedele Senior decides to acquire the beautiful Villa Merlina located in a park on the lakefront of Lake Ceresio. After an expansion to the villa (between 1886 and 1887) the historic residence is transformed into a luxury hotel called Hotel Splendide.
The façade of the historical building, still visible today, is built in the Neoclassical Lombard style by architect Augusto Guidini.
In the early 1900s, the architect Paolito Somazzi is commissioned for the expansion and beautification of the hotel, which is completed in the floral style of the time derived from the Liberty style of architecture of the “Belle époque.”
The chefs of the hotel in the early 20th century - their pride was to serve creations of outstanding quality - this buffet in the background serves as a great sample.
The historical staircase has been carefully preserved and restored.
A Royal Splendid Name: Hotel Splendide Royal
Thanks to the tradition in hospitality of Riccardo Fedele Senior’s along with his brother Vincenzo and son Riccardo Fedele Junior (1884-1959), the Hotel Splendide acquires a high reputation internationally and has been chosen as the resting place of royal families and illustrious guests of the political and cultural world.
A double bedroom linked to a sitting room (right side, background) of the early hotel.
For this reason Riccardo Fedele Junior along with his sister takes over the hotel management after the death of their father Riccardo Fedele Senior (1924), changing the name to Hotel Splendide Royal.
Following the premature death of Riccardo Fedele Junior in 1959, the management of the hotel stays within the family with Fedele Genazzini, nephew to the late Fedele Junior, and Riccardo Monranzoni, a family cousin, as vice-director. Between 1963 and 1964 the hotel is updated to the new standards of hotels of the time.
In 1973, further refurbishing of the hotel includes the construction of the elegant covered pool and sauna, a project commissioned to the architect Giuseppe Brazzola, who also expands the restaurant and adds the panoramic terrace.
A New Family Dynasty In 1977, the ownership of the Hotel Splendide Royal goes from the Fedele heirs to the family of Engineer Giovanni Naldi.
The new owners commission the expansion of the hotel once again (1981-1983). The modern addition still accessible today through the hotel lobby was completed so that the historic palace has still the same visual impact on his guests.
By the mid-1990s, Dr. Roberto Naldi takes the role of president of the Splendide Royal and begins a project to refurbish the rooms.
A Great Director and Mentor: Aniello Lauro The fame and fortune of the Splendide Royal continues to grow in the tradition of the Fedele Family with Aniello Lauro, who in 1977 becomes the general manager of the hotel.
Aniello Lauro, a descendant of a family from Sorrento with a history in the hospitality industry, understands that the secret to a successful hotel is to gain the trust of the clients, maintaining an open dialog and offering impeccable service; always maintaining the motto that all guests should be treated as kings.
Under the management of Aniello Lauro (1978-2008) the hotel gains an international reputation attracting prominent guests to Lugano.
In 1991, the Splendide Royal joins the prestigious hotel brand, Leading Hotels of the World while, at the same time, becomes a member of the Swiss Deluxe Hotels, the most exclusive hotel group in Switzerland.
The hotel also becomes A Select Member of The Most Famous Hotels in the World.
Due to his passion and willingness to always listen to both clients and co-workers, the spirit of Aniello Lauro lives on to all those who had the opportunity to know him and listen to him as a mentor.
The Present
In the spring of 2008, the management of the Hotel Splendide Royal goes to Giuseppe Rossi, who with his long experience in the international hospitality intends to continue the mission and tradition of his predecessor.
Sophia Loren
Since the hotels opening in 1887, the Splendide has hosted many famous guests who have chosen the historic hotel for their stay and as an important meeting place. The Aga Khan, François Mitterand and Luciano Pavarotti, amongst others, have stayed at the Hotel Splendide Royal, but list of guests goes on and includes other important celebrities.
Royalty
Aga Khan
Albert and Elisabeth of Belgium
Harald, Prince of Denmark
HRH Farouk of Egypt
Vittorio Emanuele of Savoia
Actors
Lauren Bacall
Senta Berger
Sophia Loren
Anna Magnani
Marcello Mastroianni
Alberto Sordi
Singers
Gilbert Becaud
Ray Charles
Ella Fitzgerald
Fats Domino
Myriam Makeba
Katia Ricciarelli
Demi Roussos
Tina Turner
Ornella Vanoni
Musicians/Composers
Igor Strawinsky
Claudio Abbado
Richard Claydermann
Lorin Maazel
Mstislav Rostropovich
Arthur Rubinstein
Politicians
George Bush senior
François Mitterand
Willy Brandt
Authors
Jorge Luis Borges
Indro Montanelli
Salvatore Quasimodo
Military
General Clark
General Guisan
General Montgomery
Sports
Enzo Bearzot
Björn Borg
Vitas Gerulaitis
Helenio Herrera
Alain Prost
Gilles Villeneuve
Farouk of Egypt (with sunglasses) at the buffet.
It is said that King Farouk of Egypt enjoyed staying at the Splendide in the company of beautiful women and every night he would hide a diamond under a pillow to make his suite even richer.
It was his favourite woman of the night’s task to find it. We will let you imagine the rest of this story.
Aniello Lauro (1977-2008)
Fedele Genazzini (1959-1977)
Riccardo Fedele junior (1924-1959)
Riccardo Fedele senior (1887-1924)
—-
Giuseppe Rossi
Relaxing moments on the balcony.
Generosity and love for details come together in our rooms. Materials, forms, and noble colours give each room and suite a personal and exclusive charm. Our tradition, in harmony with the ambience and service, will satisfy your wishes.
The Hotel Splendide Royal offers 47 Deluxe rooms, 39 Superior rooms, 4 Junior Suites, and 3 Suites (with separate living and sleeping areas). Forty rooms are non-smoking.
A bedroom of a suite around 1910 - today the beautiful ceiling has been carefuly restored.
The Suites at the Spledide Royal are of course as special as their distinguisehd guests.
Presidential Suite – 80 sqm.
The exclusive 80 square meter Presidential Suite features a separate bedroom and living room, a spacious bathroom made of Italian marble and a guest toilet. The suite has high ceilings with beautiful frescos and a wonderful Murano-Chandelier, and offers a spectacular view of Lake Ceresio. An adjoining room can be booked for an additional charge.
Suite – 70 sqm.
Our 70 square meter and tastefully furnished Suite is situated on the 4th floor. It offers a breathtaking view of Lake Ceresio and the Prealps. This Suite features a separate bedroom, a living room furnished with a large dining table for four persons, a spacious bathroom of Italian marble and a guest bathroom with shower. An adjoining room can be booked for an additional charge.
Suite – 60 sqm.
Our 60 square meter Suite, situated on the 3rd floor, has 4 small balconies with a delightful view of Lake Ceresio and the Prealps. This Suite features a separate bedroom and sitting room, a spacious bathroom of Italian marble and a guest bathroom with shower. An adjoining room can be booked for an additional charge.
Junior Suite - 55 sqm.
The luxurious Junior Suites with a size of approx. 55 square meters, with an exceptional view of the lake and the Prealps, are composed of a combined night and day area. They feature a spacious bathroom of Italian marble. Thanks to their classic and refined style, the Junior Suites have a very particular atmosphere that can be found only in few hotels.
Located on the shores of Lake Ceresio, the Splendide Royal majestically dominates the first part of the lake shore, the Riva Caccia, which connects it with one of the most elegant neighborhoods and the central Via Nassa, just a few minutes’ stroll along the quiet and enchanting lake shore. The airport of Lugano-Agno is only 20 minutes away and the train station only 10 minutes by car.
Fine dining has a great tradition at the Splendide Royal. This was the historical dining room.
“La Veranda” Restaurant is the elegant and refined restaurant, with view of the lake of Lugano and of the mountains surrounding it. Serving contemporary Italian cuisine and delicious dishes, such as the flambé specialties prepared directly at the guests’ table. Open every day for lunch and dinner.
“La Terrazza” During the summer season, when the climate is milder, our guests can also dine on the outdoor Terrazza, where Lake Ceresio can be seen.
“Emerald Bar” Located near the lobby, it is an informal meeting place for aperitifs and cocktails, and a selection of international specialties and snacks. Open every day from 10:00am till 00:30am. Piano bar every night (excluding Sunday).
Member of The Leading Hotels of the World, A Select Member of The Most Famous Hotels in the World and of Swiss Deluxe Hotels, the Splendide Royal continues to be a favourite destination of great personalities and celebrities from the cultural, political and the economic world.
Enjoy the well preserved old-world charm of the house. Stroll along the corridors and study the historic architecture and treasures of the past, well preserved for the future.
The destination Lugano itself, located along the splendid Lake Ceresio and surrounded by the Swiss Prealps, offers numerous cultural and entertainment possibilities such as a visit to the Castles of Bellinzona, or hiking trips around the nearby Mount San Salvatore, Mount Brè, and Mount San Giorgio.
For those who love to shop, the nearby Outlet center Fox Town, in Mendrisio, and Via Nassa, in the town center, are an ideal destination for those who wish to buy the most prestigious brands. The Splendide Royal is in the heart of an unparalleled golf region and close to the Golf Club of Lugano (Magliaso).
Mount San Salvatore
The Mount San Salvatore offers incomparable views of the Lake Ceresio and the Swiss Prealps that surround the city of Lugano. The summit is accessible by hiking the trails or by taking the funicular that is located in Paradiso.
Indoor Swimming pool with terrace, Sauna and Solarium (open only mid-June to mid-August)
All the events organized at the Splendide Royal leave an unforgettable memory. The beautiful rooms, elegantly furnished and equipped of the latest technical equipment, are suited to several occasions and they can be adapted so as to satisfy every request.
Our hotel has three meeting rooms at your disposal, each filled with natural light, which can host events up to 250 people. Our hotel has three conference rooms at your disposal, each filled with natural light, which can host events from 25 to about 250 people.
Blu Room
The beautiful Blue Room is the ideal place for events and weddings up to 100 persons. It is an ample sized room in a classic style with columns and three window doors, two of which open up to a terrace, from where you can see Lake Ceresio. Technical equipment available on request: Flip chart Retro-projector Screen Beamer Entry PC for audio Internet wireless connection and LAN ADSL connection Amplification 2 loudspeakers 2 table microphones 1 wireless microphones 2 headset microphones Air conditioning and heating Podium and stage Pens and bloc notes DVD player and IPOD Photocopy and fax service, computer at disposal Lago Room The Lake Room can be used for reunions and meeting of about 20 people; the room is naturally lit. Technical equipment available on request: Flip chart Retro-projector Screen Beamer Entry PC for audio Internet wireless connection and LAN ADSL connection Air conditioning and heating Photocopy and fax service, computer at disposal Pens and bloc notes DVD player
Azalea Room
The Azalea Room, renewed in May 2009, is a space with wide windows, allowing for natural light, which is ideal for events of different kinds and with various layouts for up to 150 people equipment with new technology. The garden in front of it, is the right place for aperitif, cocktails and coffee breaks. State of the art technical equipment available on request: Flip chart Retro-projector Electronic screen 4m x 4m Beamer Panasonic DLP PTD 5000E – 5000 ANSI Lumen resolution 1024 x 768, ceiling mounted Entry PC for audio Internet wireless connection and LAN ADSL connection Amplification 4 loudspeakers 5 table microphones 2 wireless microphones 2 headset microphones Air conditioning and heating Room darkening curtains Podium and stage Pens and bloc notes DVD, CD players, Ipod Photocopy and fax service, computer at disposal. On request Video recording service Video conference service Simultaneous translation
It goes without saying that an elegant surrounding inspires elegant dressing.