FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano

Feb 1, 2011
2011 / February 2011

Arrival/Check-in: We arrived in Lugano by train direct from Zürich Airport and hadn’t even emerged from the station when we saw the smartly uniformed driver holding a brass-framed sign with our names. Our luggage was whisked into the van; and we headed downhill to the lakeshore, where the doorman welcomed us and escorted us to the desk in the wide, gleaming marble lobby. We were again welcomed, checked in immediately (although it was barely noon) and provided with maps and information about Lugano. The receptionist gave us a brief tour of the first floor, where a few other guests sat in the elegant but comfortable sitting areas overlooking the lake; it was all most genteel, without a hint of old grand hotel dowdiness. We were escorted to our room, and less than 15 minutes after stepping off the train we were standing on our balcony, soaking in one of Europe’s loveliest views. (30/30)

Guest Quarters: Our room was as splendid as the view. The king-sized bed had excellent reading lights; and there were two comfortable armchairs, a large desk and a bureau with an LCD TV. The décor was luxuriously elegant: Padded gold damask walls above limed-birch wainscoting were edged with twisted satin cord; and the floor was covered in a green, Persian-design carpet. The large closet was equipped to address two of our pet peeves, providing two luggage racks and ample free-hanging wooden and satin-padded hangers. Our balcony overlooking the lake and mountains was furnished with two large, cushioned chairs and a table (the hotel offers 24-hour room service). The large marble bathroom had a wide vanity with two sinks, a lighted make-up mirror and two sets of Etro amenities, including bath salts. An extra set was on a shelf over the long bathtub, and towels hung on heated racks. Two thick terry robes hung on the door. When we returned after dinner in the evening, each sink and the tub had a bathmat on the marble floor in front of them. White linen mats were beside each bed, and trays on each nightstand held mineral water and glasses. (30/30)

Services/Amenities: The hotel’s restaurant, La Veranda, has the high-ceilinged, white-linen grace expected in a grand hotel where heads of state stay, but the service is gracious and accommodating. Lugano is in the Italian-speaking Swiss Ticino, and our waiter, who spoke flawless English, quickly understood that we preferred to practice our rusty Italian; he spoke slowly and translated from the Italian only when we were clearly puzzled. He was not in the least concerned that this took a bit longer. The daily multicourse menu was priced quite reasonably. Breakfast was a memorable occasion, a buffet that included delectable fresh-baked pastries and breads, smoked salmon, local artisanal cheeses, hot entrées and a variety of fresh fruits and berries. It was one of the finest breakfasts we have ever been offered in a hotel. A piano bar has live music in the evening, and afternoon tea is served in the sitting room overlooking the lake. The small business center offers free Internet; all rooms have free LAN Internet access. (38/40)

The Experience: Location doesn’t get any better, and the staff is exceptional. One simple example: On the second morning of our stay, our waiter didn’t offer me coffee, instead inquiring if I would like Darjeeling tea again or a different variety. That sort of attention to little details makes it clear how the Splendide Royal earned its five stars.

Total Score: 98/100

Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano
Riva Antonio Caccia 7
6900 Lugano, Switzerland
tel 41 91 985 77 11

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
March 2025
Mar 15, 2025

Norwegian Debuts Late Disembarkation Option

Norwegian Cruise Line just launched a new late check-out service on select ships and European sailings, allowing passengers to remain on board the ship until 12:30–1 p.m. to enjoy a few more hours of relaxation, lunch and other amenities before going home. The new service still requires passengers to check out of their staterooms by 8:30 a.m., but guests can now store their luggage at the cruise terminal for the remaining hours.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

Daily
Mar 14, 2025

Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover

Chances are you already know the name, but what you may not have heard about the iconic Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas is the celebrated pool is undergoing a $20 million transformation of its GO Pool.

Airlines
Mar 14, 2025

Don’t Miss Out on All Nippon Airways’ Sweepstakes to Explore Japan

All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest 5-star airline, launched a contest to give travelers a chance to win a trip to go beyond Tokyo and experience Japan’s under-the-radar destinations. One winner will receive two round-trip economy-class tickets from a U.S. ANA gateway city to a unique destination within ANA’s extensive domestic network, such as Komatsu (KMQ), Odate (ONJ), Okinawa (OKA), Oita (OIT), Sapporo (CTS) and Tottori (TTJ).

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

Daily
Mar 14, 2025

Hotel Zeppelin Launches Dead-icated Stay in Honor of Grateful Dead’s 60th Anniversary

Hotel Zeppelin in San Francisco is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with an exclusive Dead-icated Stay offer. Hotel Zeppelin is all about celebrating its city’s countercultural tradition, and this offer helps them honor the band’s legacy and its roots in the Bay Area.

eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025

Air India Partners with Lufthansa Group, Virgin Australia

India’s leading global airline recently announced its expansion of codeshare partnerships with both Lufthansa Group and Virgin Australia. Through these new partnerships, travelers can enjoy access to more than 100 routes combined across the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025

SH Hotels & Resorts Rebrands to Starwood Hotels

SH Hotels & Resorts, parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels, celebrates its 10th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic brand created by Barry Sternlicht nearly 30 years ago.