Legendary Hospitality:
I remember well the first time I stayed at a hotel in the German speaking region of Switzerland. It was a small boutique hotel called the Hotel Albana Weggis situated on the lakeshore of Lake Lugano. The hotel was owned by the Irish/Swiss family of Una Brennan and her son Peter Wolf. It is one of life’s great regrets that this hotel is no longer run by the amazing Wolf family. However, another favourite of mine is the Hotel Waldhaus and happily this hotel goes from strength to strength under the ownership and direction of the 5th generation of the Dietrich family.
The Hotel Splendide Royal just outside Lugano is located in the Italian speaking Canton of Ticino in Switzerland, so not exactly in the German speaking region. Confused? Switzerland is a landlocked country with borders to several other countries and has always endorsed a more cosmopolitan attitude to languages than some of its European neighbours. It also protects and values its neutrality and places a high reliance on its nationalistic pride.
Having wandered off on a tangent let’s get back to the subject, The Hotel Splendide Royal. Their tag line reads Legendary Hospitality for an Experience that goes beyond the simple Holiday. It is owned by the Naldi family and forms part of the Roberto Naldi Collection, which comprises seven properties, the common theme being understated luxury whilst promoting each hotel’s individual identity.
Rooms: There are 93 rooms in the hotel with four different categories of rooms from superior rooms to suites; all generous in their size and many with heavenly views of Lake Lugano. Now I have to admit to being somewhat taken aback by some of the room descriptions. In particular the sentence: Reason and Sensibility: Enter your room: space, light, silence.
Do not fear. Japanese inspired minimalism is a continent away. Plenty of creature comforts await you. I think this is a rather bizarre way of saying: When you choose this room you will enjoy an experience of elegant subtlety replete with all the necessary creature comforts one expects in a five star hotel.
With its distinctive Belle Epoque façade dominating the promenade, the hotel makes for a striking landmark in Lugano. The marble lobby and hallways feature handsome frescoes. The charm of the last century remains authentic with its sparkling Murano chandeliers depicting a bygone elegance. Its location can only be described as enchanting and one can envisage tourists from an earlier time visiting whilst on the ‘Grand Tour’. The hotel restaurant ‘I Due Sud’ combines traditional flavours of Italy and Switzerland whilst the less formal La Veranda restaurant concentres on a more contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine.
The Hotel Splendide Royal in Lugano is a perfect example of a large Swiss hotel showcasing its expertise in hospitality. There are many highly regarded hotel management colleges in this country, whose alumni work in all parts of the world, mainly in the luxury market. Here they bring to perfection the art of conviviality with excellence.
Location: The Hotel Splendide Royal mirrors the charm of the natural landscape with a building that defines the finest architectural merit. It goes without saying that there is much to see and do, including a gentle boat ride around the lake and visiting the magnificent Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The lazy guests can also just chill out at the Hotel’s wonderful Spa. This is a place where one can breathe and relax and enjoy a memorable holiday to fill you with enthusiasm for life’s future challenges.
