Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Grand Hotel Tremezzo belongs to the grand tradition of Lake Como hospitality: an Art Nouveau palace, welcoming guests since 1910, with Bellagio across the water. Its Belle Époque character is expressed through antiques, richly coloured fabrics, tall windows and veined marble rather than restrained minimalism. The lake supplies the sweeping outlook, while lawns and botanic gardens give the setting a greener, more intimate counterpoint. This is a hotel to enjoy as part of the journey, not simply somewhere to sleep between excursions.

The floating pool is its most recognisable feature, placing a swim within the lake’s remarkable scenery. T Spa and three restaurants broaden the reasons to linger, while the hotel’s boats offer another perspective on the surrounding shores. A satisfying stay need not be over-planned: leave room for the gardens, time by the water and a leisurely meal, rather than treating every day as a circuit of sights.

Choosing among the 77 rooms and suites deserves some attention. Park-facing rooms make the greenery central to the experience; Lake View Prestige and Deluxe rooms have balconies looking over the water. Junior Suites with Lake View add two balconies, while the Rooftop Suites each have a private terrace with a Jacuzzi mini-pool. For families, the Terrace Garden Suite and Rooftop Grand Suite are listed for two adults and two children. Match the category to your priorities rather than assuming every room has the same outlook or outdoor space.

For a different scale of privacy, consider the hotel’s separately located Villa Sola Cabiati. Available for exclusive use, this Neoclassical residence has six suites sleeping 12, a private pool, its own jetty and dedicated staff, including a private chef. Its frescoes, stuccowork and arabesque gardens offer a distinctly aristocratic alternative to life in the main hotel.