Directors Choice
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
ITALY
The Property
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo opened its doors on 10 July 1910, during the golden age of romantic grand tours, long voyages, and illustrious travellers.
By this time, Lake Como had already established itself as an essential destination on the international travel circuit. A beloved retreat for the elite and cultured visitors from England, Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and even Tsarist Russia. Inspired by the splendour of the lake, a distinguished gentleman from nearby Bellagio envisioned a haven of refinement and sophistication on its shores.
From the day it first welcomed guests to the present, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo has remained a beacon of elegance, hospitality, and timeless allure for discerning travellers from around the world.
Throughout its storied history, the hotel has gracefully endured the tides of time, including the First World War, a change of ownership in the 1930s, and the challenges of the Second World War, during which it remained open. When peace returned, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo once again welcomed guests with the warmth, grace, and charm that had earned it international acclaim.
Favoured by the glitterati, the hotel gained cinematic immortality when Greta Garbo affectionately referred to it as “that happy, sunny place” in the 1932 classic film, Grand Hotel.
Today, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo continues to flourish under the devoted care of the De Santis family, who proudly carry forward the legacy established by the Gandola and Sampietro families, celebrating over a century of heritage, elegance, and authentic Italian hospitality.
This remarkable hotel exudes a sense of occasion, making it the perfect choice for life’s most memorable celebrations. From weddings and honeymoons to milestone birthdays and anniversaries.
Yet, despite its refined atmosphere, families are warmly welcomed. The hotel’s dedication to accommodating children (and their parents) is exceptional, something we have had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand.
For families who cherish time together, the setting could not be more idyllic. Stroll through the enchanting gardens of neighbouring villas such as Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, spend leisurely days on the lake in summer, and savour long, unhurried Italian lunches and dinners. Every moment feels effortless.
With an array of world-class amenities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, an award-winning spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, guests can fully indulge in the art of Italian hospitality while maintaining a perfect balance of relaxation and well-being.
What truly sets the Grand Hotel Tremezzo apart is its people. At the helm is Valentina De Santis, the General Manager, owner, and visionary leader, whose elegance, passion, and drive have become the heartbeat of the hotel. Her charisma and dedication are reflected in every member of her team, many of whom have devoted their entire careers to this remarkable property. Their genuine warmth and commitment to excellence ensure that nothing is ever too much trouble.
The hotel itself is a masterpiece. From the moment you step through its doors, you are transported to the glamour of the Belle Époque, an era of timeless refinement and indulgence. Lavish interiors, rich in detail and history, blend seamlessly with modern comforts and amenities, creating an atmosphere that is both sumptuous and effortlessly sophisticated.
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo opens seasonally, from mid-March to early November, and our family had the pleasure of visiting for the first time just before Easter. We stayed in the exquisite Suite Aurelia (aptly sharing its name with our daughter) centrally located within the hotel and offering breathtaking views over the shimmering waters of Lake Como.
Our daughter’s adjoining room shared the same spectacular vista, and, in a thoughtful gesture, the hotel had meticulously removed all traces of nuts in consideration of her allergy. It is these small yet meaningful details that so perfectly exemplify the hotel’s exceptional care and attention to every guest.
During our stay, we dined at each of the hotel’s restaurants, each one offering a distinct expression of Italian culinary artistry. On one evening, when our preferred dishes weren’t available, the chef graciously prepared our choices without hesitation, a testament to the property’s seamless and intuitive service.
We spent our days exploring the charm of the surrounding area, both on land and on the tranquil waters of the lake. Though it was still a little too cool to swim or enjoy the T-Beach, the experience was nothing short of magical.
Among the many beautiful spaces in the hotel, our favourite was undoubtedly the Sala Musica, a radiant room adorned with candy-coloured sofas and flooded with natural light, embodying the joyful spirit of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
It is easy to see why this iconic destination has become a beloved home away from home for the world’s elite. We, too, found it difficult to leave and vowed to return.
2020 Update:
We returned for a long weekend in August 2020, and were delighted to experience the hotel in an entirely new light during the height of summer.
Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo rose magnificently to the occasion, implementing impeccable sanitation and social distancing measures while maintaining its hallmark warmth, service, and attention to detail.
This was our first international journey following COVID-19, and we could not have imagined a more perfect place to rediscover the joy of travel than one of our most cherished destinations in the world.
