Review: Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Why did this hotel catch your attention? What’s the vibe? 
There are many grand hotels in Europe, but none quite so grand as the one and only Grand Hotel Tremezzo. A monolith of Italian hospitality, it stands proudly on the shores of Lake Como where the Grigne mountains tumble into azure waters.

What’s the backstory? 
Opened in 1910 for Belle Epoque society elites, the hotel has—since its beginning—set new standards for luxury hospitality. Today, it is still a family-run business. It’s hard to make a list of Europe’s most famous hotels without mentioning this one.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? 
First of all, each and every one of the 90 rooms has ravishing views. Second, it’s worth mentioning that the hotel closes each winter for renovations—so despite being more than 110 years old, it still feels impeccably fresh. The hotel has a signature “Dream Sleep” combination for its beds, consisting of luxurious birch fiber weave silk linens, a pillowy mattress, and a feather mattress topper. So the bedrooms here are more than just good views and expensive linens—you can really count on some fantastic sleep while you’re here, too.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? 
Free Wi-fi, even down by the outdoor WOW (Water-on-Water) Pool so you can post a bomb Instagram.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? 
This is Italian cuisine at its finest. There are a number of food and beverage spots on property but the most quintessential is La Terrazza, a fine dining restaurant established by renowned chef Gualtiero Marchesi. Handmade pastas, shaved truffles by the pound, salmon with rhubarb, and duck with candied lemon... everything on the menu is unforgettable. And at the end of the night, all roads lead to TBar for an enchanting digestivo under the stars on the hotel’s iconic terrace.

What type of travelers will you find here? 
As an international destination for Italian luxury, you’re as likely to brush elbows here with New York socialites as you are with Donatella Versace.

What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? 
Part of the scene? Grand Hotel Tremezzo is the scene. You don’t come here to explore the town (although you can do that, too). You come here to soak in the views, the decadent rooms, the indulgent cuisine, and the world-famous service.

Is there anything you’d change? 
If only the hotel could somehow stay open year-round so it could also welcome the snow bunny set...

Any other hotel features worth noting? 
New for 2020 is the newly expanded T Beach, a stretch of real sand overlooking the gorgeousness of Bellagio and the Grigne Mountains. So while most people identify the hotel with its iconic WOW (Water-on-Water) floating pool over the lake, it now offers a beachfront throwback to the 1950’s and 1960’s Italian riviera, complete with orange and white umbrellas, custom-designed loungers, and, of course, unparalleled views of the mountains and the lake. Also new for 2020, the hotel is only operating 30 of its guest rooms as a safety precaution. On the bright side: It will feel like you have the place to yourself. And while it’s perfectly acceptable to be entranced by the lakefront views throughout your stay, make sure to turn your attention at least for a few minutes to the neighboring Villa Carlotta, where you can take a stroll through a divine 20-acre garden.

Bottom line: Worth it? Why? 
More is more at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. If you can swing it—even if just for a night or two—you absolutely should.