The first segment of the renovation project involving the rooms of the nineteenth-century building of the Splendide Royal Lugano, one of the leading high-end hospitality facilities in the area.
The project marks the beginning of a multi-year plan that, within approximately a year, will lead to a comprehensive overhaul of the historic building. This project is part of the ongoing management of the Naldi family, who have owned the hotel since 1977, and aims to redefine hospitality standards without altering the original identity of the historic villa.
A balance between memory and new hospitality needs
According to the owners, the project was born from the need to update the spaces to meet the changing expectations of international clientele, while maintaining a strong connection with the aesthetic of Villa Merlina and the legacy of the Belle Époque.
"To ensure that history continues to be part of the Splendide's hospitality experience, it was necessary to update the standards to reflect a concept of hospitality that has evolved over time," explain Giovanni and Adele Naldi. "We sought to preserve the structure's original charm while integrating it with a contemporary aesthetic."
The architectural project and the research on detail
The work bears the signature of the studio Gascon Studio, which followed a design process lasting approximately four years. The approach adopted was described as "tailored," with the goal of addressing each space specifically, without homogenizing the spaces.
The rooms, in fact, are all different from each other, maintaining their own identity in terms of geometry, furnishings, and internal layout. The project involved restoring original features such as wood paneling, desks, and period lamps, pairing them with new custom-made furnishings.
The result is a coexistence of different eras: historic bedside tables alongside contemporary solutions, newly designed wardrobes, and herringbone oak floors that dialogue with salvaged handcrafted chandeliers.
Materials, light and stylistic continuity
Particular attention was paid to the bathrooms, featuring the use of Carrara marble laid in a book-matched pattern, a solution that amplifies the brightness of the spaces and strengthens the visual continuity with the bedrooms.
The chosen shades favor warm and natural nuances, with the aim of creating a coherent but not uniform environment, in which each room retains its own recognizability.
Sustainability and environmental certifications
The project is part of the environmental responsibility process that the facility has been pursuing for years, and in 2024 it obtained the certification Green Globe, one of the main international standards in the sustainable tourism sector.
The recently completed projects include the installation of next-generation windows and doors and technical systems designed to reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. All works were carried out in compliance with the RUEn, the Regulation on Energy Use in force in Ticino, which defines criteria for energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources in the building sector.
A significant portion of the work was entrusted to local craftsmen, with specific skills in the treatment of high-end materials and workmanship.
Advanced comfort and technological integration
The project was also developed through a preliminary testing phase, which began about two years ago with the creation of two sample rooms. This experimentation allowed us to gather direct feedback from guests and refine several design details.
The new rooms feature an advanced home automation system that allows for intuitive and personalized management of the rooms, from lighting to climate control. The stated goal is to integrate technology without making it invasive, keeping the guest experience at the center.
“The technology is designed to accompany your stay with discretion and simplicity,” add Giovanni and Adele Naldi, “creating an environment where every detail contributes to your well-being.”
Next steps of the project
The renovation program will gradually continue between 2026 and 2027, with work on the remaining rooms of the historic building. Completion will coincide with a symbolic milestone for the hotel: the Splendide's 140th anniversary, marking a new phase in the evolution of Lugano's luxury hotel industry.
