Why Grand Hotel Tremezzo?
There is a particular quality to Grand Hotel Tremezzo that is difficult to put into words. It is elegant without being cold, grand without being overwhelming. The canary-yellow Art Nouveau facade, the century-old botanical gardens, the velvet sofas and marble columns inside — everything about this place feels like a film set from another era. Wes Anderson meets la Dolce Vita, suspended on the western shore of Lake Como since 1910.
For couples looking for something that goes beyond a beautiful backdrop — something with atmosphere, with character, with a sense of time standing still — the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is unlike anything else on the lake.
We have photographed multiple sessions here and know the property intimately. We know when the light hits the WOW pool at its best, which corners of the gardens feel most private, and how to move through the interiors without losing the mood. When you arrive, we are already three steps ahead.
Everything you need to know before booking
Grand Hotel Tremezzo requires a photography permit for professional shoots, arranged directly by the couple. We will guide you through the process — it is straightforward and the hotel team is used to working with photographers.
The hotel operates seasonally, typically from late March through October. Each season brings its own atmosphere — spring gardens in bloom, the peak energy of summer, the golden light of September and October. For photography, the shoulder seasons are our favourite: softer light, fewer guests, a more intimate feeling throughout the property.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo is ideal for proposals, elopements and engagement sessions.
The WOW pool
The WOW — Water-on-Water — pool is the image that stops people mid-scroll. It literally floats on Lake Como, accessed by wooden bridges from the sun deck, with Bellagio glowing across the water and the Grigne mountains rising behind. The contrast between the still aquamarine pool and the rippling lake below creates a quality in photographs that is almost surreal.
The botanical gardens
Five acres of gardens surround the hotel — ancient palms, cascading bougainvillea, manicured hedges, and the Flowers Pool nestled within. These gardens were once part of the botanical collection of neighbouring Villa Carlotta, and that heritage shows in every corner. There is always a quiet spot, always a natural frame, always somewhere to slow down and let the surroundings do the work.
The interiors
Velvet furnishings, touches of gold, oil paintings, marble columns, a grand Art Nouveau staircase. The hotel interiors are a photographer’s dream — and the kind of setting that makes editorial, cinematic images almost inevitable. We use these spaces for more formal portraits and for the quiet, intimate moments between sessions outdoors.
On the water
Grand Hotel Tremezzo gives access to classic wooden launches — the kind of boat that belongs on Lake Como. A short session on the water allows us to photograph the hotel from the lake, its yellow facade reflected in the water, while also creating the most intimate moments of the day: just the two of you, the sound of the waves, and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
How to reach Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The best way to arrive is by boat taxi. Tremezzo is on the western shore of the lake, and arriving by water sets the tone for the entire session. The hotel has its own landing stage.
Real couples at Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Amanda and Scott flew in from overseas for their engagement session, staying at the hotel for a long weekend. We photographed them at sunset by the WOW pool, then moved through the gardens and into the hotel interiors — three completely different atmospheres in a single morning.
Jonathan’s session was different entirely — a surprise proposal in the botanical gardens, followed by a spontaneous photoshoot and a boat tour of the lake. The joy on their faces, in that setting, against that light, is some of our favourite work.
Read their stories and see the full galleries in our Grand Hotel Tremezzo engagement photography guide.
What Our Couples Say:
Deena says this about her photo session at GHT:
“We had the most incredible experience working with Matt & Grace during our shoot in Lake Como! From the moment we met them, they made us feel completely at ease — their energy, professionalism, and genuine passion for their craft were evident in every moment.
They captured not just beautiful photos and videography, but real emotions and memories that we’ll treasure forever.Not only are they talented photographers, but they’re also just lovely people — warm, kind, and so easy to work with.
We now have a gallery of images that feel like a dream, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Highly recommend working with them!”
FAQ
Do you need to be a hotel guest to shoot at Grand Hotel Tremezzo?
Yes — access for photography sessions is possible for guests, subject to a permit arranged directly with the hotel.
When is the best time of year?
The hotel is open from late March to October. We particularly love April to June and September to October — the light is softer, the crowds thinner, and the gardens are at their most beautiful. Summer is also stunning if you love the energy of the lake in full season.
Can we include a boat session?
Absolutely — and we recommend it. The classic wooden launches available through the hotel add a completely different dimension to the session. Some of our best images from Tremezzo were taken on the water.
What makes Grand Hotel Tremezzo different from other venues?
The atmosphere. Every other venue on Lake Como is beautiful — but Tremezzo has a specific mood that is hard to replicate. Cinematic, nostalgic, effortlessly elegant. If you have ever seen a Wes Anderson film and thought “I want to feel like that” — this is the place.
Plan your Grand Hotel Tremezzo session
Ready to start planning? Tell us your date, the kind of session you have in mind, and whether you need photo, video, or both. We will get back to you within 24 hours with availability and next steps. Let’s get in contact!
Other Lake Como venues
- Villa del Balbianello — the most iconic proposal venue on the lake, private sessions after closing time
- Villa Monastero — private hire of the loggia, eastern shore views
- Villa Melzi — neoclassical gardens in Bellagio