The Grand Hotel Tremezzo in lake Como, Italy is undoubtably one of the worlds finest hotels. With accolades including a place on the Conde Nast ‘Gold List’ for 2017, Hotel of The Year 2016 from Preferred Hotels & Resort, 2016 Premio Excellent award and 2016 Best Hotel with a view Haute Grandeur, these just scratch the surface of the great many achievements this stunning property holds.
Enea Gandola was a gentleman from Bellagio who had travelled widely in Europe with his wife Maria Orsolini. After their return to Italy they wanted to create something of class and sophistication on one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, a grand hotel that could satisfy the demands of this new type of tourist. The Gandolas chose this extraordinary location, bordering on the gardens of Villa Carlotta, which alone commands the best view on Lake Como. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo opened on 10 July 1910. Changing hands only once more beofre being taken over by the De Santis family in the 1980’s, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo has remained the palace that it was always designed to be.
Vanentina, the granddaughter of the De Santis family is now CEO of the families empire and exudes glamour and femininity into the hotel in only the way the Italians can. Naturally this gem of a hotel is perfect for couples of any age. Its romantic location on the shore of Lake Como makes it perfect for weddings, anniversary celebrations and weekends away, but how does such a property look after its family guests. Ray, Gemma and Aurelia stayed at the property during the Easter holidays to find out…….
A quick flight over to Milan and an hours drive along the scenic shores of Lake Como is all it takes to arrive in pure Italian luxury. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo certainly lives up to its name…its exceptionally ‘grand’. In the lobby area alone you will find 8ft hight displays of roses, plush furnishings and staff to greet you, dressed head to toe in Italian couture.
Shown to our suite, the beautiful ‘Suite Aurelia’ named after Valentina’s Great Aunt (and our daughter) with stunning views of the floating pool and the lake itself, we knew we were in for a very special few days, but would we have to tread on eggshells with our ‘mini travelista’. Absolutely not!
We knew as soon as we saw the extensive sweet display in reception and the teddy’s in the room that despite the appearance, families were very much welcome. At every opportunity the staff throughout the hotel made us feel like the palace was our home and were on hand to suggest plenty of family friendly activities in the local area.
We ventured over the Bellagio on the other side of the lake, taking a short 10 minute ride on the local ‘ferry’ which departs a few hundred yards from the hotel. The cobbled streets, unique boutiques and eateries provided plenty to do for an afternoon exploring.
Another option is to take the hotel car 4km north of the property to Menaggio where the square provide the perfect backdrop against the lakes shore, for people watching and gelato eating – an absolute ‘must’ when in Italy.
Adjacent to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is Villa Carlotta, the most famous villa on Lake Como. Its botanic gardens are filled with orange trees knitted into pergolas and some of Europe’s finest rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Its also a great space for children to play hide and seek and run off any energy. The villa, strung with paintings, sculptures (some by Antonio Canova) and tapestries, takes its name from the Prussian princess who was given the place in 1847 as a wedding present from her mother. Upstairs, rooms with period furniture provide an insight into the life of the princess.
Another great villa to visit on the lake is Villa Balbianello, where scenes from 2006’s James Bond remake, Casino Royale, and Star Wars Episode II were shot. It is one of the most dramatic locations on Lake Como (if not the world). Built by Cardinal Angelo Durini in 1787, Villa Balbianello is set amid florid gardens on a promontory.
The hotel owns its own Venetian motor launch, Ruy, that can be taken out at your leisure or just spend an afternoon at the hotel enjoying the award winning spa, whilst the children look for ‘Bobo the bear’ in the gardens. There really is so much to do.
The dining experience at The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is exquisite, with 5 restaurants and bars to choose from. Our favourite, La Terezza, was wonderfully romantic, but not too stuffy to serve hand made pizza to our daughter, following a tour of the kitchen. Its simple touches like these that provide those unique experiences children don’t forget.
We really didn’t want to leave, but as they say ‘you have to leave to come back again’….and we will definitely be back!
To discuss The Grand Hotel Tremezzo please call Gemma on 01428 658777
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