Our Recent Stay: Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Our travel advisor, Carly Mellin, recently stayed at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a luxury 5-star art nouveau masterpiece located on the waterfront of the idyllic Lake Como Italy. Carly’s experience at this iconic Italian hotel was glamorous in every detail, from the first moment to the last. Keep reading to see why she thinks this family-owned hotel should be at the very top of your list!
WHY I WENT:
Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Italy! It is the first country I ever traveled to and where I studied abroad in college. It is my favorite destination to plan for my clients and Lake Como is one of the most popular requests. I was going to be in Italy on a FAM with Explorateur Travel, so I knew I wanted to add my own stop in Lake Como to gain valuable insight for my clients’ future travels. I realized that the dates conveniently aligned with my mom’s 60th birthday, so she came along with me and the trip doubled as a celebration!
WHAT I LOVED:
Grand Hotel Tremezzo honestly exceeded my expectations in every way! The sweeping views of the mountains, lakeside private beach & floating pool, fabulous restaurants, luxurious accommodations, relaxing spa, lush gardens, overall ambiance and Italian hospitality were second to none. Basically, I loved it all!
From the moment we arrived the service was impeccable, yet still highly personable. It was clear from every detail that this hotel is family-owned and truly prioritizes their guests. Our experience was nothing short of incredible and Grand Hotel Tremezzo definitely lived up to the hype.
WHAT I ATE:
Every morning starts with the most spectacular and vast breakfast buffet that I have ever seen at a hotel! There are tables filled with local meats and cheeses, at least a dozen different types of pastries, bowls and bowls of fresh fruit, a yogurt bar with every topping imaginable, a chocolate table, a chocolate fountain, and the list goes on! But it doesn’t stop there- if you take a step into the kitchen you will find chefs offering eggs made to order along with fresh waffles and crepes. Once you are done looking around and you know what you would like to eat, you are accompanied by a staff member to help serve you and carry your plate to your table. Once you find your seat on the terrace, you almost feel like you are in an episode of White Lotus as you look out at the view of the beautiful sparkling lake with your mimosas in hand. Bellissimo! In the afternoon you can choose between the new beachside locale Da Giacomo al Lago for lunch with a view of the lake and mountains. In the gardens you will also find T Pizza, serving authentic woodfired Italian pizza by the Flower Pool. Pro tip: try the “Passeggiata al Lago” pizza with mortadella, burrata, and pistacchio!
In the evening at the main restaurant, La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, the view is stunning and the famous saffron risotto topped with a golden leaf is delicious. The trattoria & wine bar at the hotel, L’Escale, is a great option for a more low-key evening. They offer elevated Italian classics like cacio e pepe made-to-order in a giant wheel of pecorino, a mouthwatering charcuterie selection that is carved to order, and tableside tiramisu.
After dinner, don’t forget to stop at T-Bar for a nightcap from one of the talented mixologists. You can’t go wrong with a classic negroni or if you have a sweet tooth then try the chocolate martini (just trust me!)
HOW I SLEPT:
So well! The beds at Grand Hotel Tremezzo are sooo comfortable and there is nothing quite like stepping out onto your balcony to see Lake Como sparkle first thing in the morning! The hotel kindly upgraded us to a Lake View Room upon arrival and I was so grateful that they did because the view was EVERYTHING!
The entry level rooms were also very spacious and offered a really lovely view of the gardens and Flower Pool. You will ultimately enjoy your experience regardless of which room category you book, but I personally think it is worth splurging to at least get a lake view!
THINGS TO DO:
- Spend some time on a boat! A trip to Lake Como is not complete without an afternoon spent out on the water exploring all of the hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Grand Hotel Tremezzo has two boats, Ruy and Batt, available for you to discover the magic of the lake in exclusive style.
- Visit T Spa! The hotel spa is very tranquil and relaxing, so it is the perfect afternoon activity to unwind. We loved our massages at the spa, but I would definitely go back just for the infinity pool and sauna! The mesmerizing spa infinity pool overlooks the lake and offers five hydro-massage experiences hidden in different corners of the pool. They also offer a heat experience with a Turkish bath, Mediterranean steam room, sauna with lake views, emotional showers, and ice fountain. These experiences are complimentary to all guests staying at the hotel.
- Discover Bellagio! Grand Hotel Tremezzo is just a short 20 minute ferry ride across the lake from the popular town of Bellagio. Spend the afternoon strolling through the picturesque streets, shopping at local boutiques, and dining on fresh local fish.
- Take a day trip! If you want to explore more of Lake Como you can take the ferry to Varenna or Como City. The entire perimeter of Lake Como is studded with charming villages and towns.
- Tour a villa! Discover a world of period glamour in the extravagant villas lining the lakeshore of Lake Como. Learn about the history and marvel in the opulent architecture during a guided tour or private visit of the nearby Villa Balbianello or Villa Carlotta.
WHEN TO VISIT:
The best time to visit Lake Como and its surrounding areas is from April to October, when the weather is warm and mild. Many hotels, including Grand Hotel Tremezzo, are seasonal and close during the winter months.
PERKS AND BENEFITS OF BOOKING WITH EXPLORATEUR TRAVEL:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for two guests per room
- $100 USD hotel credit to be used during your stay
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
