On the majestic Lake Como, sits one of the most famous hotels in Italy. Steeped in a century-old history, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is an unmissable monument for anyone visiting the Lombardy lake region. Reportage.
In Italian, Tremezzo means “middle earth”. A well-chosen name for this charming village on the shores of Lake Como, a world-famous wonder of nature. A place best known for its Villa Carlotta and its rich art collection, but also its second homes belonging to wealthy Milanese.
The name of this village is inseparable from the Grand Hotel which sits majestically in its center: the Tremezzo. Founded in 1910 by a family of notables from the neighboring village of Bellaggio, who wanted to find here the Grands Hôtels which were then spreading all over Europe, the building, this Art Nouveau palace in pure Belle Epoque style, then became the holiday resort of the high society attracted by the splendor of the landscapes, but also the refinement of the places.
The meeting of the greats of this world
Very quickly, the world Gotha took its bearings here. Crowned heads and movie stars all meet here. This is the case of actress Greta Garbo Greta. The icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age refers to the Italian palace in the 1932 film Grand Hotel, calling it ” place of happiness and sunshine In tribute, a suite, the most luxurious, has since been named after him. Today, Georges Clooney as a neighbor, would come regularly in all discretion to take his coffee there.
« When we talk about Lake Como, we are talking about our hotel, it’s like a destination within a destination, and that gives us immense pleasure. », confirms Silvio Veterello, the young and lively director of the hotel.
In terms of figures, the Tremezzo has 90 rooms, including 14 suites and more than 200 employees, all very caring. The rooms all have small balconies overlooking the property’s lush jasmine and rose scented gardens or the vastness of the lake. Rococo rooms with old-fashioned charm, richly decorated with period furniture, but rooms with a soul. A mythical hotel with a history that has a price: from 570 euros per room to 2,400 euros per suite.
A family matter
An Italian dolce vita that the owners are striving to perpetuate. Valentina de Santis, a sparkling brunette representing the third generation of this family of hoteliers, puts all her heart into carrying out this mission. With the leitmotif: to preserve this family spirit which makes the reputation of the address: It’s a family affair, and the fact that it’s passed on from family to family gives the result that you have today: a lot of love and great hospitality. What we want to offer our customers is to open our doors, as they open those of their homes “, she confides to us. A philosophy that can be found in the omnipresent but considerate and discreet staff, who offer personalized service in all circumstances.
This happiness of rediscovered relaxation promised to visitors are three swimming pools, including one on the lake, a brand new spa with an adjoining luxury boutique, a centuries-old park in absolute tranquillity. Several boats on the lake. And on the catering side, the Grand Hotel has no less than five restaurants, for all taste buds. From L’Escale Trattoria, to the pizzeria by the swimming pool, passing by the most gastronomic Terraza and its refined cuisine where you can taste their famous signature dish: a saffron risotto topped with a gold leaf which has made the reputation of this exceptional table.
« We are concentrating our efforts on renovating and rejuvenating this monumental building to make it feel like home. Every winter we close and we take advantage of this break to carry out the works and stay up to date for our customers “says Valentina de Santis, the owner.
An island of paradise, between sky and water
In short, a family luxury, and a total experience for this island of paradise, between sky and water and the impression of being at home with our transalpine neighbors. The impression also that the artisanal and the human can also compete with industrial and standardized tourism.