When it comes to finding luxury hotel accommodations for your Lake Como vacation, there are many options. After all, Lake Como is of the most renowned locations in Italy. Are you unsure of which hotel to choose? Here at Unfolded Travels, we are American expats and luxury travel advisors who live on Lake Como, and we help plan beautiful trips in Italy. So, our local expertise can help you compare and contrast two of the most popular hotels on our beloved lake.

We will help you understand the differences between Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua, two of the most sought-after hotels for a Lake Como vacation. Both hotels offer incredible experiences, but they are very different properties. Once you read our comparison, you will be able to select the hotel that suits you best — and we can help you

Both Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua are situated shorefront on Lake Como. This means that both of these properties offer breathtaking lake views. As such, both hotels are common for honeymoons and romantic getaways. You may not immediately spot the big differences between the two hotels. However, they are quite different properties.

Learn More: Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a much bigger property than Passalacqua, because it was originally designed as a hotel back in 1910. The hotel features 90 suites and rooms, along with two villas and five restaurants. The property perfectly blends both contemporary and classic styles.

It is located within one of the lake’s largest private botanical gardens. The hotel is in the town of Tremezzo, on the northern part of Lake Como. The hotel’s grounds are enriched with rare flowers, olive trees, and incredible views. You can spend hours strolling and wandering the gardens and you’ll never get enough of them. Directly next door is the famed Villa Carlotta and across the lake is Bellagio, the most famous town on Lake Como. 

Guests can arrive by car, by motorboat, or via helipad located only 10 minutes away. If you’re traveling with children, there is a Kids’ Club, daily activities, children’s robes, and special in-room amenities for little ones.

While the enchanting pool in the garden and the spa’s infinity pool are both lovely options for a swim, the highlight here is the floating pool that sits in the lake. It offers uninterrupted mountain views from the comfort of its waters.

Get To Know: Passalacqua

On the other hand, Passalacqua is much smaller because it used to be a private residence, built in 1787. It is located on the southern part of Lake Como, in a charming hamlet called Moltrasio. It is extremely private and quiet, as the property does not allow outside guests. Therefore, even when the property is at maximum capacity, it will never feel crowded.

Passalacqua feels and looks like a home, although one that belongs to someone with incredible taste. There is no formal check-in desk. You wait in a living space which makes it feels as if you’ve entered your own private villa on Lake Como. It is perfect for a more intimate Lake Como trip, as this is not a property you go to be “seen” — in in fact, it’s quite the opposite.

The property is filled with lush greenery throughout its seven acres of terraced gardens. There are stunning rose gardens, olive groves, and century old cedar trees with winding pebble paths that take you onward. There are chickens roaming in one of the gardens, and of course, their coop has a chandelier. An in-house florist picks flowers from the hotel’s gardens daily and adorns the property with them.

Personally, we also prefer the dining at Passalacqua over Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Breakfast is provided in an unfussy open kitchen, where it feels as though you’re ordering from the chef’s own house. The menu focuses on Italian cuisine made with local ingredients, but is not overly complicated. Although, the food is divine. If you’d like to have lunch down by the lake or dinner in the rose garden, it can easily be arranged.

Comparing The Hotel’s Rooms

The rooms and suites in Grand Hotel Tremezzo have stylish and luxurious designs. Some, like the penthouse on the rooftop, have a more modern look, while others include more traditional elements and details. However, all the accommodation options offer unparalleled views of the lake or the garden. Suite Greta has a stunning lakefront terrace and oversized marble bathroom with a round jacuzzi. The Rooftop Corner Suites have a bathtub overlooking the lake and their own terrace with a large whirlpool. These particular suites come with a butler service, meaning you can really feel like a VIP during your Lake Como vacation!

In contrast, Passalacqua has only 24 rooms spread between the main villa, Casa al Lago, and Palazz, the converted stables that have been converted into a spa. Each suite has its own unique style with previous antiques, carpets, and paintings sourced throughout years of purchasing from private homes and auction houses.

The main historic residence has 12 suites that showcase the original Italian baroque style, complete with original frescoes. The double-height music room in the Villa is where Bellini composed his operas on the piano. And, at the lake’s edge, you will find Casa Al Lago. It includes four suites, each with its own private garden and a common dining area and fireplace. They can be rented out individually or as a private residence.

Which Lake Como Luxury Hotel Should You Choose?

As you can see, both Lake Como hotels offer many amenities, so an incredible stay is guaranteed. However, if you are looking for a more private and relaxing ambiance, you might want to pick Passalacqua. On the other hand, if you wish for a larger property or like the glitz and glamour of being in an iconic hotel, then Grand Hotel Tremezzo is your ideal choice. The same local family owns both hotels, so the quality of service will surely not disappoint you.

If you need some more information on either property or would like us to help you secure a room with VIP perks, please contact us. We have personal relationships with the management and can help personalize your stay at either property. 

As Lake Como locals, we are experts in curating bespoke travel itineraries throughout Italy. So, if you prefer to offload your Lake Como vacation planning process to an experienced travel advisor that curates your travels to your individual preferences, fill out a trip inquiry form here.