The Terminus was built in 1900 on the Lungo Lario of Levante, known today as Lungo Lario Trieste, by the architect Italo Zanolini. It preserves in its name, Terminus, the memory of original function of “thermal spa” of the nearby Grand Hotel Plinius, and it was erected to celebrate the centenary of the first electric battery, invention of Alessandro Volta.
During World War I it was used as a military hospital and in the 1930s it was transformed into a hotel, run by the family that still today owns it and still manages it.
During World War II it was requisitioned by the German army and then by the Allied Command which made it its headquarters until 1946, when it resumed its normal hotel activity. In 1988 radical renovation works began and in 1994 the hotel reopened.
Although in recent times the hotel was completely renewed, and the rooms are constantly “refreshed” with new more elegant and comfortable furniture, the atmosphere and style, remain the same of those years. The hall of the hotel preserves intact the luxury and elegance of the Belle Epoque, with its spectacular arcade and Art Nouveau’s décor, the cast iron railings and lamps, the delicate stuccoes on the walls, the peaceful paintings of the Lombard XXst century.
Perfectly located in the city center, two minutes away from the Como Cathedral and just in front of the lake, Terminus is the ideal point of departure to visit the beauties of the city and to comfortably reach, by boat, the picturesque villages on the lake.
The splendid location is enriched by the Bar Delle Terme, a restaurant, as intimate in its interior room as it is spacious in its lakefront terrace, which offers a traditional Italian cuisine with some international touch, as well as an unforgettable view of the lake.
HOTEL TERMINUS' PROPOSALS
The Bar delle Terme has a style all its own, intimate and cozy, which during the warm season extends into the garden, where the velvet upholstery, period lamps and painted walls give way to oleander and jasmine, where the mood shifts from candlelight to moonlight, against the magical backdrop of the lake.
Whether celebrating a family milestone, conducting a business lunch, or partying with friends, there’s nothing better than an elegant and intimate room that feels like its your own private club. The Ristorante del Terminus not only offers this unique experience but vaunts an excellent menu as well.
From the most experienced cyclists to the amateur ones, we organize guided tours to discover the beauties of the Como area, accompanied by an expert guide.
In collaboration with Como Lago Bike, our tours include the rental of different kind of bikes to choose from, from the comfortable e-bike to the mountain bike, the guided tour and visits and tastings along the way. The tours can be customized based on the needs and desires of the guests and they can be build ad hoc together with the tour guide.
Among the proposed tours:
DISCOVERING COMO – Tour to discover the historical center of Como
VILLAS, VILLAGES AND VIES – Tour of the west coast of the lake, discovering the villas that adorn the shores, up to the center of the lake, transport by boat to Bellagio and return cycling on the east coast.
We always say it, Como Lake should be seen from the lake. And what better way to explore the beauties of the lake than on a private boat. Starting from the elegant venetian cabs, up to the souper glamourous Riva motorboat, famous all over the world, we organize tours customizable in duration and route, with expert skippers.Sunsets on the water, aperitifs on board, special celebrations, everything is possible and everything is customizable.
Como Lake is famous worldwide for its historic villas, surrounded by beautiful gardens, which overlook the shores of the lake. Starting from Villa Olmo, located in the first dock near the city, in neoclassical style, now used for events and exhibitions.
Villa Carlotta, near Tremezzo, is instead Baroque style and stands out for its extensive botanical garden that can be visited, but also for the collection of works of art preserved in its rooms.
Villa Del Balbianello, the most beloved by the cinema, has been the location for films such as Star Wars – Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale. In addition to the beauty of the garden and the loggia, it preserves inside the collections of the former owner Guido Monzino, mountaineer and explorer.
Villa Melzi d’Eril, in Bellagio, is especially famous for its English gardens, which extend for 800 meters along the lake shore.
There are many other villas that embellish the shores of the lake, such as Villa Erba, Villa Vigoni, Villa Monastero or Villa Pliniana, some can be visited, others are exclusive locations for events and luxury weddings.
Lake Como is a cinematic favorite. Its shores have been the set for over one hundred international films, from the Lumière Brothers to George Clooney, definitely the greatest testimonial of the lake in recent years. There are many locations that film lovers will find interesting, starting from the scenic Villa Erba, in Cernobbio, where Luchino Visconti spent many of his summers and drew inspiration for the sets of his films.
Also worthy of mention is the connection between James Bond and Lake Como, which was born on paper in the novel “No Flowers for James Bond” by John Gardner, and continued in the 2006 film “Casino Royale”, set and shot between Villa Del Balbianello (Lenno) and Villa la Gaeta (San Siro).
Villa Del Balbianello is also known for the romantic scene of the wedding between Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala in the movie “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones” in 2002, a scene that has helped to increase the popularity of the location for weddings and ceremonies.
Among the admirers of the Como area must certainly be recalled Alfred Hitchcock, who chose the lake as a backdrop to shoot the scenes of his first film “The Labyrinth of Passions”, and who became particularly fond of three places: Villa d’Este, the Comacina Island and the Nessus Gorge.
George Clooney instead, lover of Como Lake since 2002, when he bought Villa Oleandra in Laglio, often visits the lake, hosting co-protagonists and important people. One of his most famous movies, “Ocean’s Twelve”, was partly filmed on the lake, particulary at Villa Erba.
family history
The Passera family has a long love story.
Love for the art of hospitality, of making people feel welcome with elegance and generosity.
And a love for the lake that laps the shores of their native land, for that magical world of water embraced by mountains as if protecting it. In fact, it was on the water that Antonio Passera embarked on the adventure that would lead his family to excel in the luxury hospitality scene of Lake Como. It all began with a restaurant on one of the stately steamers that sailed Lake Como at the beginning of the 20th century.
Today there are four Lario Hotels, each with its own style and features, together covering the full range of needs of different types of travelers. Vista Palazzo Lake Como,Terminus, Villa Flori and Posta Design. Results of the work of four generations: Antonio, his sons Corrado and Gianni, then the grandchildren Antonello and Bianca, and finally the great-grandson Luig
