Hotel Bazzoni

Hotel Bazzoni was Tremezzina’s first hotel, built in the late 1800s. It’s set among 18th-century villas and full of history (it was bombed at the end of WWII, and rebuilt in 1951). Some will appreciate the hotel's faded grandeur, but it’s undeniably dated. The imposing seven-story, pink-and-cream property is just across from Lake Como and has stunning views. The sparsely decorated lobby is the first sign of the old-fashioned decor, with marble flooring, pink walls, and a sculpted front desk. There’s a similar feel in the lounge and narrow hallways are ugly. The sheltered outdoor terrace is more pleasant, as are the pools and grassy terraces. The hotel is popular with all-inclusive package tour guests, and reviews suggest the restaurant can have a cafeteria-like feel at times.

Hotel Bazzoni’s location at the heart of Tremezzina is its prime selling point. A number of local restaurants and publicly accessible villas are within walking distance. It’s a bit of a trek from the nearest airports, but Saint Moritz and Milan are under a two-hour drive away.

• One-minute walk to ferry port
• Five-minute walk to Mayer Park
• Seven-minute walk to Parish Church of Saint Lorenzo
• Eight-minute walk to Villa Carlotta
• Four minutes to Villa La Collina by car, or 12 minutes by public transit
• 12 minutes to Menaggio and Cadenabbia Golf Club by car
• 36 minutes to Lanzo Golf Club by car
• 47 minutes to Como by car, or an hour by public transit
• 48 minutes to Monticello Golf Club by car
• 73 minutes to Malpensa Airport by car
• 80 minutes to Linate Airport by car
• 95 minutes to Orio al Serio Airport by car

Hotel Bazzoni’s air-conditioned rooms are decidedly dated. There’s old-fashioned parquet flooring, small, ugly metal-framed beds (some double beds are actually two single beds pushed together, common in Europe), and garish red-and-gold-patterned headboards and linens. Bedside tables show damage and the industrial wall lamps are horrendous. On the plus side, there are large windows (covered with frilly curtains) and small, dark-wood desks. Some rooms sport lovely vintage dressers.

Some of the small bathrooms carry off faded vintage style with pale green wall tiles, brown floor tiles, and tiny power shower stalls with wraparound curtains, plus bidets. Others are more modern but less charming, in beige or blue, with proper shower stalls.

Pricier rooms have decent-sized balconies or larger terraces, with plastic tables and chairs (plus sunbeds on terraces), and breathtaking 180-degree lake views. But they lack privacy from neighboring rooms, and there are worn-looking screens and windowsills. Past guests report some entry-level rooms lack decent views.

Amenities include phones, small tube-style TVs, mini-fridges, safes, hairdryers, and free basic miniature toiletries, but no coffee- and tea-making facilities or in-room Wi-Fi. Triple Rooms are available, and Family Rooms sleep four. Rooms are cleaned daily and generally quiet, though some guests report traffic noise.

Facilities at Hotel Bazzoni are standard and pleasant. The highlight here is the two pleasant pools (one with spa jets), though they are only open in the summer. Towel service is provided and modern sunbeds are placed on attractive grassy terraces. The free breakfast buffet offers a good variety, and the restaurant puts on an excellent dinner buffet but isn’t open for lunch. All-inclusive rates are available. The bar serves drinks from morning until late evening. Pets are allowed (a drawback for some). Airport transfers and day trips are available, but there’s no parking. There’s free Wi-Fi in public areas but it can be patchy.