Setting the Scene 

Successfully marrying Belle Époque grandeur with refined modernity, Hotel Splendide Royal was built in 1887 and remains Lugano’s most iconic lakefront address. It unfolds like a stately palace along Lake Ceresio, with opulent marble interiors, Murano chandeliers, pastel frescoes and plush rooms that evoke the elegance of a lost era. The hotel’s terraces and dining spaces showcase uninterrupted views of swans gliding past and velvet Alpine reflections. 

Who’s Checking In? 

Sophisticated travelers seeking an elegant lake escape without the crowds of Como are drawn to the timeless charm of Lugano. Whether it’s discerning couples in search of a romantic retreat, culture-focused visitors exploring Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region, or longtime loyalists returning to a beloved grand dame, guests value privacy, polish, and the perfect balance of regal tradition and relaxed lakeside living. 

Hotel Highlights 

• Nearly 100 rooms and suites, many with sweeping lake panoramas and historic elegance.  
• I Due Sud, a Michelin-starred restaurant celebrating Swiss‑Italian cuisine. 
• A serene wellness area with indoor pool, sauna, modern spa, and lakeside spa veranda.  
• A storied guestbook spanning Sophia Loren to international dignitaries—inked in luxury and legacy.  
• Lakeside terraces and lounges perfectly placed for sunset views and cocktail-hour ambiance.

Destination Snapshot 

• Lakeside Elegance: Nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano, this city blends Swiss precision with Italian flair.  
• Rising Cultural Hub: Home to new art centers like MASI and a blossoming gallery scene.  
• Wine Region: Local Merlot and Chardonnay shine thanks to the city’s unique Alpine–Mediterranean terroir.  
• Boutique Energy: Once overshadowed by Como, Lugano now asserts itself as a quieter, style-forward Swiss escape.  
• Scenic Basecamp: Walkable downtown, lakeside promenades, and easy access to nearby mountains and vineyards.

Top 5 Experiences 

1. Relax on a hotel terrace with a glass of Ticino wine as swans glide by on the lake. 
2. Savor a Michelin-star dinner at I Due Sud, blending flavors of southern Italy and Ticino.  
3. Unwind with a spa treatment and swim in the indoor pool—remarkably peaceful even in summer.  
4. Stroll Lugano’s elegant promenade to MASI art museum or dine at local grotti.  
5. Cruise or cycle the lake, or hike Monte San Salvatore for sweeping Alpine panoramas and village-side charm.

Top 5 Places to Visit 

1. Lugano Promenade & Piazza della Riforma: The vibrant lakeside heart of the city, lined with cafés, boutiques, and lively piazzas. 
2. Monte San Salvatore: Ride the funicular to the summit for sweeping views over Lake Lugano, the Alps, and northern Italy. 
3. Parco Ciani: A lush, lakeside park with centuries-old trees, flower-lined paths, and a romantic, serene atmosphere. 
4. Gandria: A charming fishing village accessible by boat, with cobbled lanes, lakefront trattorias, and timeless views. 
5. Swissminiatur: Discover Switzerland in miniature at this whimsical open-air park, located just 20 minutes from Lugano.

How to Get There 

Address: Riva Antonio Caccia 7, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland 

• Closest Airports: Lugano Airport (6 miles); Zurich & Milan both ~80–90 miles by train/car 
• Closest Train Station: Lugano Centro (1 mile) 
• Nearby Cities: Como (30 miles), Milan (55 miles), Zurich (130 miles)