The world’s best hotel sits beside Lake Como. It’s a nondescript, beige-and-pastel building that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wes Anderson film. But walk through its welcoming metal-wrought doors and you’ll understand why it deserves its flowers.
Passalacqua used to be a private estate. A gathering place for Italy’s most prominent figures during the 18th century, it was built by Count Andrea Lucini-Passalacqua. Over time, it fell into disrepair, shorn by time and modernity. After buying it, the De Santis family spent three years restoring the property, working with local artisans and generations-old Italian companies.
Valentina De Santis, affectionately known as the Lady of the Lake, runs Passalacqua and the family’s other property, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the first hotel built at Lake Como. They are her life’s work. She grew up in the corridors of the latter and spent several birthdays at the hotel with her favourite cake.
Immediately after her win, she sits down and tells us more about what it takes to build an accomplished hotel.
Congratulations on winning the World’s Best Hotel 2023.
Thank you. It was super emotional. The win was completely unexpected and the last thing we imagined happening that night. The energy at the ceremony and during the gala was so incredible that it was a little overwhelming for us. After they announced it, general manager Delia Facchini and I fell into each other’s arms with joy.
Did you ever consider a life away from the hotel?
I always knew deep down that this would be my path, but after graduating from college, I wanted to do something by myself. It was important for me to start in a different industry and learn what it means to work and build a professional life from the ground up. The conversation about joining the family business didn’t happen until 2010 when Grand Hotel Tremezzo was celebrating its 100th anniversary. It was such a special year for all of us! When my father asked me to join the team, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do.
Tell us about the three-year transformation of Passalacqua.
Our top priority was to treat both the physical structure and the history with the greatest respect, including every historical feature, fresco, and ceiling. We used history as our guide in all aspects; even the design of the gardens pays homage to its original layout from 1787. What has probably changed the most is the atmosphere, the furniture, and the “vibe”, as they say today.
Even with the new layout, fixtures, and furnishings, our goal was to respect the DNA of Passalacqua, to create a hotel that still feels like a private villa and offer the same warm, intimate welcome it did in its heyday.
How has winning the award changed Passalacqua?
Nothing has changed. We didn’t even increase the prices, believe it or not! We are fiercely loyal to our original idea behind Passalacqua—a place of wonder created from the heart. I believe this is probably what won us the award in the first place. We wouldn’t change that for the world.
