A monument to the history of Swiss tourism in Lugano and Ticino, 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 1888 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