You’ve seen the floating pool. It’s basically the most photographed rectangle of water in the world, bobbing there against the deep blue of the Lario. But honestly, if you think Grand Hotel Tremezzo Lake Como is just a glorified backdrop for influencers and wealthy honeymooners, you’re missing the actual soul of the place. It’s not just a hotel. It is a massive, Art Nouveau time capsule that has managed to survive two world wars, the decline of the Italian aristocracy, and the aggressive rise of modern corporate luxury—all while staying family-owned.
That matters.
In an era where every five-star property feels like it was designed by the same minimalist firm in London, Tremezzo is loud. It’s orange. It’s vibrant. It feels like a home, assuming your home has 100 windows facing the Grigne mountains and a private park that smells like azaleas and vintage money.
The Floating Pool is Just the Beginning
Let’s get the "Water-on-the-Water" thing out of the way. Yes, it’s stunning. It was a feat of engineering when it launched, and it remains the centerpiece of the lake’s social scene. You’re swimming in a pool that is literally inside the lake. But the real magic happens when you turn around and look back at the Palace.
The facade is a masterclass in Belle Époque architecture. Built in 1910, the hotel was intended from day one to be the most luxurious spot on the lake, specifically catering to the elite of the "Grand Tour." While the nearby Villa Carlotta was busy being a museum, Tremezzo was busy being a party.
The De Santis family, who currently own the property, haven't stripped that history away. They’ve leaned into it. You’ll find Period furniture that isn't just "period-style"—it’s actually from the era. The silk on the walls? It comes from the historic silk mills of Como. This isn't a theme park. It’s a preserved legacy.
The Room Choice That Everyone Messes Up
Most people obsess over having a lake view. I get it. The lake is the reason you’re there. But there is a secret to Grand Hotel Tremezzo Lake Como that seasoned regulars know: the Garden View rooms are actually incredible.
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The hotel is backed by 20,000 square meters of private botanical gardens. It’s steep. It’s lush. It’s quiet. If you stay on the lake side, you have the road (the Via Regina) between you and the water. While the windows are double-paned and high-tech, there’s a certain serenity to the back of the house that the front lacks. Plus, you’re closer to the "Flowers Pool," which is tucked away in the greenery and feels much more private than the floating one.
If you’re going big, the Rooftop Suites are the move. They were added relatively recently and feature private terraces with heated Jacuzzis. Standing there at midnight, looking across at the lights of Bellagio, you realize why people have been fighting over this specific patch of land for centuries.
Dining at Tremezzo: More Than Just Pasta
You have to talk about Gualtiero Marchesi. He was basically the godfather of modern Italian cuisine. He was the first chef in Italy to get three Michelin stars, and though he passed away in 2017, his legacy lives on at La Terrazza Marchesi.
This is one of the few places in the world where you can eat his "Dripping of Fish" (inspired by Jackson Pollock) or the famous Saffron Risotto with gold leaf. It is high art. It’s also expensive. But if you’re at Tremezzo, you’ve already decided to lean into the indulgence.
For something less formal, L’Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar is built into the old wine cellars. It’s cozy. It’s stone-walled. It feels like the kind of place where you’d hide out during a thunderstorm with a bottle of Valtellina red and some local bresaola.
What People Forget About the Location
Tremezzo is perfectly positioned. You are a five-minute walk from Villa Carlotta, which has gardens that will make you want to go home and fire your landscaper. You’re also right across from Bellagio.
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But here’s the pro tip: use the hotel’s private boats. They have two wood-carved beauties, Ruy and Batt, that look like they belong in a Bond film. Taking a private tour of the lake from the Tremezzo pier isn't just a luxury; it’s the only way to see the "secret" villas like Villa Balbianello (where Star Wars and Casino Royale were filmed) without dealing with the ferry crowds.
The ferries on Lake Como in 2026 are... a lot. They’re crowded. They’re often late. Having your own dock is the ultimate flex and the ultimate convenience.
The T Spa and the Wellness Shift
Luxury travel isn't just about heavy velvet curtains anymore. The T Spa at Grand Hotel Tremezzo Lake Como is often cited as one of the best in Europe. They use Santa Maria Novella products—the legendary Florentine apothecary that’s been around since the 1200s.
The "T Spa Suite" is a private spa within the spa. It has a Turkish bath, a sauna, and a giant bathtub. If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s probably the most romantic spot on the property. Even the indoor infinity pool is a vibe, especially in the shoulder seasons (April or October) when the lake air is crisp but the water is steaming.
The "Orange" Philosophy
You’ll notice the color orange everywhere. The umbrellas, the towels, the branding. It’s "Tremezzo Orange." It shouldn't work. It’s a bold, almost jarring color against the green mountains and blue water. But it does. It represents the "Sun-gilded" lifestyle of the Italian summer. It’s a psychological trick—it makes the property feel warm even on a cloudy day.
Practical Logistics You Need to Know
Getting there isn't always a breeze. Most people fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP). From there, you have a few options:
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- The Private Transfer: The hotel can arrange a Mercedes to pick you up. It’s about 75-90 minutes. It’s pricey, but after an 8-hour flight, it’s worth every Euro.
- The Train: You can take the Malpensa Express to Saronno, then switch to a train to Como Lago. From there, you take a hydrofoil or a taxi. It’s adventurous, but if you have four suitcases, don't do this to yourself.
- Driving: Renting a car is great if you want to explore the mountains, but driving on the narrow roads of Lake Como is a high-stress activity. The roads were built for carriages, not SUVs.
The hotel is seasonal. It usually opens in mid-March and closes in early November. If you go in the peak of July or August, be prepared for heat and crowds. The "sweet spot" is often late September. The light is softer, the water is still warm enough for a dip, and the frantic energy of summer has settled into something more manageable.
Addressing the "Snobbery" Myth
There’s a misconception that these grand Italian hotels are stuffy or that the staff will look down on you if you aren't wearing a tuxedo. Honestly? That hasn't been my experience.
The service at Tremezzo is "Grand Hotel" service, which means it’s formal, yes, but it’s also incredibly warm. They call it Italianità. It’s a sense of hospitality that feels personal. If you want a pizza at 2 AM or a specific vintage of wine that isn't on the menu, they don't just say "no." They figure it out.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Grand Hotel Tremezzo Lake Como, do these three things to get the most out of it:
- Book a "Mid-Week" Stay: The lake gets flooded with day-trippers from Milan on weekends. If you stay Tuesday through Thursday, the property feels like your own private estate.
- Request a Tour of the Gardens: Don't just walk through them. Ask a staff member about the history of the plants and the "Bear's Den" at the top of the hill. The view from the summit of the park is arguably better than the view from the lakefront.
- Email the Concierge Early: The best restaurants on the lake (like Locanda dell'Isola Comacina) book up weeks in advance. Don't wait until you check in to make your plans.
Lake Como is a place that demands you slow down. Tremezzo is the perfect place to do that. It’s a reminder that true luxury isn't about how modern or minimalist a room is, but about how a place makes you feel. Standing on that floating pool, watching the sunset hit the Grigna peaks, you’ll realize it’s worth every bit of the hype.
Planning Your Itinerary:
Start by securing your room at least six months out, especially for June or September dates. Once confirmed, coordinate your arrival via the hotel’s concierge to ensure a seamless transition from Milan. Prioritize a private boat tour on your second day; it provides the necessary context for the lake’s geography and history, making the rest of your stay much more meaningful. Finally, pack a mix of "smart casual" for the day and formal attire for La Terrazza Marchesi—the setting demands a bit of effort, and you'll feel more at home if you dress the part.