This Elegant Hotel With Unparalleled Lake Views Has To Be The Most Romantic In Italy

Out of hundreds of millions of lakes scattered all over planet Earth, Italy's Lake Como might just be the most beautiful. Similarly, out of the hundreds of thousands of hotels around the world, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo might just be the most glamorous. Luckily, travelers can visit both of these iconic destinations in one unforgettable trip.

Lake Como sits high on many travelers' bucket lists. Over a million people visit each year. It's located in Northern Italy's Lombardy region near the border of Switzerland, and it's inarguably one of the country's crown jewels. Visitors fall in love with the breathtaking views of the snow-peaked Italian Alps to the north, and the sparkling water with shades ranging from dark blue to emerald green.

Lake Como's beauty may have been what attracted the Romans, who built a city called Novum Comum nearby. It has been a popular vacation destination since the 18th century when it was visited by nobles from all across Europe. The cities and villages surrounding the lake feature picturesque cobblestone streets that meander through beautiful historic architecture, and the shores are lined with walking paths and villas. Sailboats and luxury yachts dance across the water. The whole place oozes quiet luxury. On a trip to Lake Como, it's worth splurging on the accommodations — the lake is home to some of the best hotels in the world. If you're looking for the perfect place to stay, the 5-star Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers peak opulence right on the water.

Enea Gandola and his wife Maria Orsolini first opened the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in 1910. It quickly became a favorite luxury vacation spot for elite members of the belle époque society. It continued to grow in popularity until World War I, when it was used as a hospital. Over the years, the hotel changed hands a few times, but it remains family owned and operated today.

In the 1930s movie "The Grand Hotel" which was filmed at Hotel Tremezzo, movie star Greta Garbo, referred to it as "that happy, sunny place," — a claim which has withstood the test of time. Famous clientele include political leaders like Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill. More recently, celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Natalie Portman, and Van Morrison have booked rooms. George Clooney, who owns a property on Lake Como, is known to visit the hotel's restaurant from time to time.

Valentina De Santis spent her childhood amongst the splendor of Hotel Tremezzo, which has been in her family since the 1970s. She recently took over as the owner and CEO, and brings a fresh, vibrant, and innovative energy to the historic property. It is still one of Europe's most iconic hotels, and continues to be looked upon as a shining example within the hospitality industry. It's certainly one of the most gorgeous historic hotels you can book on a trip to Italy. 

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is built in the Art Nouveau style. Its defining features include intricate balconies, sky high ceilings, and carefully decorated interiors with brilliant colors. Guests can enjoy swimming in multiple pools, including the WOW (water-on-water) pool which is located within the lake itself. Dining options range from impeccable fine dining at La Terrazza to traditional wood-fired pizzas by the pool. The onsite spa is a one-stop shop for relaxing wellness treatments. Guests can also book experiences through the hotel including tours of historic villas, wine tastings in the wine cellar, private boat tours on Lake Como, cooking classes, and sailing lessons. 

Each guest room is equipped with every essential and indulgence to make your stay comfortable. Guests can sink into feather mattresses and rest their heads upon the finest silk bedding, or relax in one of the cozy seating areas with velvet furnishings. Each unique room is impeccably decorated. There are 84 rooms and suites to choose from. Garden suites overlook the beautiful grounds, and lake views have private balconies where you can enjoy the views.

For a particularly glamorous stay, consider booking one of the Historic Suites, each of which is dedicated to a woman who played an important role in the history of the hotel. Suites offer private balconies or terraces, opulent bathrooms with round jacuzzi bathtubs, spacious bedrooms, and separate sitting rooms. There is also a private villa available for private rentals that comes with it's own staff.