On the Western shores of Lake Como lies an impressive architectural icon dating back to 1910.
As one of the oldest luxury hotels on the lake, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is an ode to the area’s history.
Within its majestic confines, staff members bustle around contendly and you are greeted with a warm welcome by everyone you come into contact with. This even extends to the guests, who happily engage in conversation while waiting for an elevator or moving around the lobby. There is a real sense that everyone is happy to be here, and why wouldn’t they be? They're fortunate enough to be stood inside one of Lake Como’s most treasured time capsules.
The History
Having opened in 1910, Grand Hotel Tremezzo has been a fixture in Lake Como for over a century. Conceptualised by husband-and-wife team Enea and Maria Gandola, their shared dream was to solidify Lake Como as a prime tourism destination. This vision was realised in the 84-room architectural masterpiece which still stands today. Over the next sixty years, the hotel would change hands twice. The third family, who took ownership in the 1970s, is still at its helm today. Upon its acquisition, the De Santis family vowed to return the grand dame to its former splendour, combining the traditional aspects of family-owned Italian hospitality with impeccable luxury.
In 2010 the hotel celebrated its centennial anniversary, and third-generation proprietor Valentina De Santis (who also owns Passalacqua) was named CEO. Under her considerate eye, Grand Hotel Tremezzo was awarded the 2022 Virtuoso Hotelier of the Year award.
Over its many years, Grand Hotel Tremezzo has played host to guests from every far-flung corner of the world. Whether it be members of Italian high society, Russian royalty or American A-listers, the reservation list has been historically impressive. These days, it continues to attract a healthy mix of influential names and discerning travellers seeking to experience the true essence of Como.
Interior Design
Palatial decor is a hallmark of Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Entering on street level, an elevator adorned with glass and gold whizzed us up to the visually-arresting lobby. Luscious red carpet covers every inch of the floor, while plush velvet couches and chandeliers create a tangible air of old world charm. It’s akin to stepping foot on an impeccably designed film set.
The influence of the Belle Époque era is evident in the aesthetics, with the hotel’s interiors capturing the vivacious spirit of this time. Opulent, elegant and eclectic, guests are invited to relive the sophisticated charm of its heyday, just as the Gandola family envisioned it.
Rooms offer a range of outlooks, from breathtaking lake views to luscious garden suites. Floor-to-ceiling curtains and ornate gold fixtures are a mainstay in each.
The Dining
The hotel offers three restaurants and two bars onsite. Each of them feel completely different in menu offerings and aesthetics, meaning it’s possible (and arguably encouraged) to explore each one. La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi is perfect for an evening of fine dining and world-class views, while Da Giacomo al Lago offers freshly caught seafood in an outdoor setting.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the cosy confines of L’Escale, the hotel’s trattoria and wine bar. Tucked away in an ancient wine cellar, the setting was steeped in historical significance with the culinary prowess to match.
Our dining journey began with a traditional antipasti dish. Juicy, smooth burrata was placed on top of perfectly crisped bread and garnished with an aromatic basil leaf. The first cut invited the cheese to spill out, coating the bread in its delicious richness.
Two pasta dishes made up our mains; the saffron and chopped sausage risotto and the highly-recommended cacio e pepe with black truffle. The risotto was bright in colour and creamy in texture with the saffron hints subtly decadent and moreish. Our second dish was prepared tableside, with perfectly al dente spaghetti meeting the inside of a cheese wheel in dramatic flair. Delicate truffle shavings were placed on top, making the dish deliciously pungent and bitey.
Despite feeling sufficiently full, it didn't feel right to miss the tiramisu. This was also prepared by our table, which was a great way to watch each element come together. The end result was rich and smooth with a generous serving of mascarpone cream and a sliced strawberry on top — perfection.
The Amenities
Tremezzo has a total of three pools, but one in particular has garnered international praise. The floating pool rests on the surface of Lake Como itself, offering a one-of-a-kind swimming experience. White and orange striped umbrellas line the foreshore, boasting that picturesque image synonymous with Lake Como. The Flowers Pool is nestled within the hotel gardens but still offers views of the surrounding mountains. On days when the weather is a little dreary, the hotel’s indoor infinity pool offers the best of both worlds with an open-front facade looking out onto the lake.
Ruggero Venelli of Venelli Kramer, a local architecture firm, was tasked with completing major renovations to the spa area in 2015. This project saw the redesign of T Spa; a wellness oasis housed in an 18th century villa. With seven treatment rooms, nail bar, Hammam, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna and ice fountain, hours spent here pass by with ease. Guests are treated to a range of relaxing and rebalancing therapies with products supplied by historic Italian brand, Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.
A thoughtful addition is the onsite gift shop, which is a wonderful place to acquire tasteful souvenirs to mark your time in Lake Como. A crowd favourite is the Aqua Como candle which provides an olfactory homage to the hotel with notes of lush greenery and refreshing summer breezes.
As Greta Garbo once proclaimed in the 1932 film Grand Hotel, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo really is “that happy, sunny place.” In bygone eras and those still to come, the venue promises to instil that effervescent outlook in every guest.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Address: Address: Via Regina, 8, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy
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