La Dolce Vita by Lake Como: Grand Hotel Tremezzo Review
“When you write the story of two happy lovers, let the story be set on the banks of Lake Como”
Imagine waking up to the sparkling blue waters of Lake Como with the Alps as your backdrop—sounds like a dream, right? Welcome to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, where that dream has been coming to life since 1910. From royalty to Hollywood stars like Greta Garbo, George Clooney, and Robert De Niro, this hotel has hosted its share of famous faces. With its stunning Art Nouveau design, sweeping views of Bellagio, and a reputation that spans over a century, it’s made quite a name for itself. But is it really worth all the hype? Let’s find out.
Here we go! Let’s determine if staying here is worth it while we cover all aspects of the hotel, from the rooms to the location.
The Location
Let’s talk location—because at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, it’s all about the views. The drive to the hotel is like a mini adventure, soaking in all the scenery along the way. From Milan, it’s roughly an hour and a half on the road, while Lugano in Switzerland is just a short 45-minute drive. Also, The hotel offers a valet service, so parking is a breeze. If you're flying in, Milan Malpensa Airport is your best bet, about a 90-minute drive away.
If you want to explore the villages around Lake Como, the hotel is a perfect base for day trips to spots like Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio. You can easily hop on a ferry right from the village of Tremezzo to visit these places.
Just a little heads-up — while the hotel is right on the water, there’s actually a street you’ll need to cross to get to the lakeside. It’s nothing to worry about but It’s just one of those details that Instagram photos tend to gloss over.
The Rooms
The rooms at Belmond Hotel Splendido are spacious and stocked with everything you might need for a comfortable stay. There’s even a Dyson hairdryer and complimentary toiletries, including sunscreen and after-sun, which is a nice touch. We originally booked a deluxe room with a sea view but got upgraded to a junior suite, which was amazing! The view from the balcony was stunning, and since the view is such a big part of the hotel's charm, I’d definitely recommend splurging on a room with a sea view.
My only drawback was that the mattress had a dent, and since I’m very sensitive when it comes to sleeping—my family even nicknamed me “Princess and the Pea” when I was younger—I found it a bit uncomfortable. I’m guessing most people wouldn’t have even noticed, but it did affect my sleep a bit. Since we were only staying one night, I didn’t bring it up, but I’m sure the staff, who were super friendly throughout our stay, would’ve sorted it out if I had.
The Restaurant
When it comes to dining at Tremezzo, you’ve got a few options depending on your mood. At T Pizza, located by the pool, you can grab a delicious homemade pizza straight from a real pizza oven, and pair it with a nice cocktail while lounging by the pool—or even in it! For something a bit more scenic, there’s T Bar at the front of the hotel, offering incredible views of Lake Como along with your favorite cocktails. Across the street, on the lakefront, is Giacomo al Lago, a more casual spot right on the sand. The pasta dishes there are fantastic, but because it’s so popular, I felt like the service was a bit rushed, so it wasn’t the most relaxing experience. That said, the food and the views were lovely, so I can’t really complain! If you’re staying at the hotel, just let the hostess know, and you can usually grab a table without much fuss.
Now, the fanciest option is La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, which is the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Honestly, though, I wasn’t blown away. While the ambiance is lovely, the food at the other places is way better—and much more affordable. My advice? Save the view at Terrazza for breakfast and enjoy a more satisfying meal at one of the other restaurants.
The Amenities
When it comes to amenities, there’s plenty to keep you entertained! You can lounge by the pool in the gardens, take a dip in the pool that’s literally on the lake, or, if the weather isn’t cooperating, escape to the small indoor pool with a jacuzzi—it’s the perfect hideaway for a rainy day. If you’re looking to unwind, there’s also a space offering a wide range of treatments.
But the absolute best activity, in my opinion? Renting a boat and heading out for a scenic trip around the lake. It’s an unforgettable way to take in the beauty of Lake Como
The Verdict
I really enjoyed my stay at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The rooms were comfortable, the location was stunning, and that boat ride on Lake Como? Absolutely unforgettable. The staff was friendly and helpful, but because the hotel is quite large, everything felt a bit rushed at times, so it wasn’t the most relaxing vibe. If you prefer smaller, boutique-style hotels, this might not be your thing. There’s plenty to do, and I had a great experience overall, but compared to other hotels in this price range, I didn’t quite get that ‘exclusive’ feel I was expecting.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, you can always reach out here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer any of your questions. Happy Travels!
