Our life by the lake
For almost a century, we have made our life along the shores of Lake Garda. This is the story of our family. Not as a chronology, but as a sincere passion for hospitality, passed down from one generation to the next.
More Than a Century on Lake Garda
Five generations of family and almost two centuries of memories. From Milan to Gargnano, we invite you to turn the pages of our family album and discover how hospitality became, year after year, part of our tradition.
1833 | The Beginnings
Valeriano Arosio was born in Habsburg Milan. In 1850, he left for Vienna, where he found work in a piano factory and developed a profound love for musical instruments. Returning to Italy, he opened his own workshop in Lodi in 1857, setting the family’s musical journey in motion.
1860 | The Garibaldian Spirit
The revolutionary movements of the time left their mark on the young Valeriano. In 1860, he volunteered for the Garibaldian corps known as the Cacciatori delle Alpi. He took an active part in the campaign for the annexation of the Bourbon Kingdom, a chapter marked by extraordinary courage. Upon his return, he married Alfea Casorati.
1866 | The Entrepreneur and Sportsman
Emilio Arosio was born, and would become the true successor to his father’s work. An entrepreneur as well as a founding member of the Canottieri Adda rowing club in Lodi in 1891, he and his wife, Agnese Mamoli, modernised the family’s handcrafted “Arosio” piano production.
1895 | The Pilot Lieutenant
Valeriano Arosio was born. When the Great War broke out, he left his university studies to enlist, becoming one of the very first pilots of the newly established Italian air force in 1914. His extraordinary courage came to a tragic end on 21 August 1917, when he lost his life during an aerial reconnaissance mission over the Austrian front. His bravery remains an indelible part of the family’s memory.
1898 | Duty and Sacrifice
Antonio Arosio was born. Shaped by the conflicts of his time, his youth led him to follow his brother Valeriano to the front, where he served with distinction as an artillery lieutenant. He survived the battles, but sadly passed away just a few years later from an illness contracted in the unhealthy conditions of the trenches. Another quiet sacrifice, remembered by the family with deep respect.
1903 | The Creative Spirit
Arnaldo Arosio was born. An artist at heart and a passionate wood engraver, his profound creative sensitivity would later transform the family home into a guest residence of unmistakable character.
1908 | Beyond Music
With a visionary spirit, Emilio opened Lodi’s first cinema, with 400 seats, to enormous success. In 1910, he also opened the city’s largest musical instrument shop.
1925 | The Summer Retreat
Emilio Arosio acquired the “Il Fisco” estate in Gargnano and commissioned the architect Gherardi of San Pellegrino to restore it in an elegant Art Nouveau style. This beautiful residence would become the family’s first hotel: the Hotel Gardenia al Lago.
1933 | A New Life
Arnaldo and Amelia Asti welcomed three children: Biancamaria, Valeriano and Antonio. Growing up within the walls of the family home in Gargnano, Valeriano developed an intimate bond with the place and would eventually become its guardian.
1943 | At the Heart of History
During the Second World War, the family decided to leave Lodi and move to Gargnano, never imagining that Benito Mussolini would arrive there in 1943. From that moment until April 1945, Gargnano became the headquarters of the Italian Social Republic.
1957 | Hospitality as a New Beginning
After the war, an increasing number of foreign visitors began knocking on the door, enchanted by the extraordinary setting of the Arosio home. Arnaldo and Amelia rolled up their sleeves: they built a new residence and transformed the historic family home into the “Pensione Gardenia”.
1965 | The Birth of Hotel Gardenia al Lago
The baton passed to Valeriano, Arnaldo’s son, who was later joined by his wife, Costantina Stefanutti. Following continuous expansion work that began in 1963, the property officially opened its doors as the “Hotel Gardenia al Lago”.
1978 | The Pensione Maria Pia
In 1978, Valeriano and Costantina acquired the charming Pensione Maria Pia. Following a careful restoration, it would become the Hotel Du Lac.
2000 | A Tradition Continued
Dedication is a priceless inheritance. The management passes to Valeriano and Costantina’s sons: Valerio (born in 1968), Giorgio (1971) and Andrea (1976). Following in their parents’ footsteps, they bring the energy and vision needed to welcome the new millennium, while preserving the soul of both properties.
2015 | A Heritage Rediscovered
The family fulfils a long-held and cherished dream. Through a meticulous restoration, the evocative “Fondo Crocefisso” lemon house is brought back to life, preserving its agricultural heritage while opening its doors to guests from around the world.
2025 | The Return of the Galeotto
To celebrate one hundred years of our family on Lake Garda, we restored our historic sailing boat, now known as GALEOTTO II. Today, she is finally back on the water, ready to let you experience the lake at the gentle pace of another time.
The Legacy of Generations
Five generations of family and almost two centuries of memories. From Milan to Gargnano, we invite you to turn the pages of our family album and discover how hospitality became, year after year, part of our tradition.
1833 | The Beginnings
Valeriano Arosio was born in Habsburg Milan. In 1850, he left for Vienna, where he found work in a piano factory and developed a profound love for musical instruments. Returning to Italy, he opened his own workshop in Lodi in 1857, setting the family’s musical journey in motion.
1860 | The Garibaldian Spirit
The revolutionary movements of the time left their mark on Valeriano. In 1860, he volunteered for the Garibaldian corps, the Cacciatori delle Alpi, in a chapter marked by extraordinary courage. Upon his return, he married Alfea Casorati.
1866 | The Entrepreneur and Sportsman
Emilio Arosio was born, and would become the true successor to his father’s work. An entrepreneur as well as a founding member of the Canottieri Adda rowing club in Lodi in 1891, he and his wife, Agnese Mamoli, modernised the family’s handcrafted “Arosio” piano production.
1895 | The Pilot Lieutenant
Valeriano Arosio was born. At the outbreak of the Great War, he left university to enlist and became one of Italy’s first military pilots. He was killed during an aerial reconnaissance mission over the Austrian front in 1917. His courage remains part of the family’s memory.
1898 | Duty and Sacrifice
Antonio Arosio was born. He followed his brother Valeriano to the front, serving with distinction as an artillery lieutenant. He survived the battles, but sadly passed away just a few years later from an illness contracted in the unhealthy conditions of the trenches. Another quiet sacrifice, remembered by the family with deep respect.
1903 | The Creative Spirit
Arnaldo Arosio was born. An artist at heart and a passionate wood engraver, his profound creative sensitivity would later transform the family home into a guest residence of unmistakable character.
1908 | Beyond Music
With a visionary spirit, Emilio opened Lodi’s first cinema, with 400 seats, to enormous success. In 1910, he also opened the city’s largest musical instrument shop.
1925 | The Summer Retreat
Emilio Arosio acquired the “Il Fisco” estate in Gargnano and commissioned the architect Gherardi of San Pellegrino to restore it in an elegant Art Nouveau style. This beautiful residence would become the family’s first hotel: the Hotel Gardenia al Lago.
1933 | A New Life
Arnaldo and Amelia Asti welcomed three children: Biancamaria, Valeriano and Antonio. Growing up within the walls of the family home in Gargnano, Valeriano developed an intimate bond with the place and would eventually become its guardian.
1943 | At the Heart of History
During the Second World War, the family decided to leave Lodi and move to Gargnano, never imagining that Benito Mussolini would arrive there in 1943. From that moment until April 1945, Gargnano became the headquarters of the Italian Social Republic.
1957 | Hospitality as a New Beginning
After the war, an increasing number of foreign visitors began knocking on the door, enchanted by the extraordinary setting of the Arosio home. Arnaldo and Amelia rolled up their sleeves: they transformed the historic family home into the “Pensione Gardenia”.
1965 | The Birth of Hotel Gardenia al Lago
The baton passed to Valeriano, Arnaldo’s son, who was later joined by his wife, Costantina Stefanutti. Following continuous expansion work that began in 1963, the property officially opened its doors as the “Hotel Gardenia al Lago”.
1978 | The Pensione Maria Pia
In 1978, Valeriano and Costantina acquired the charming Pensione Maria Pia. Following a careful restoration, it would become the Hotel Du Lac.
2000 | A Tradition Continued
The legacy passes to Valerio (1968), Giorgio (1971) and Andrea (1976), who embrace the future while preserving the soul of both properties.
2015 | A Heritage Rediscovered
The family fulfils a long-held and cherished dream. Through a meticulous restoration, the evocative “Fondo Crocefisso” lemon house is brought back to life, preserving its agricultural heritage while opening its doors to guests from around the world.
2025 | The Return of the Galeotto
To celebrate one hundred years of our family on Lake Garda, we restored our historic sailing boat, now known as GALEOTTO II. Today, she is finally back on the water, ready to let you experience the lake at the gentle pace of another time.
The spirit of the Hotel Du Lac
It all began within the walls of a simple fishermen’s house. Over time, the vision and dedication of strong women such as Maria Pia and Costantina protected this place, transforming it into a welcoming retreat where the rhythm of the lake still sets the pace of each day.
17th Century | The Origins in the Village
Built within the original historic heart of the village, just a few steps from the harbour square, the building was once home to local fishing families. Its imposing stone walls, up to one metre thick, offered a cool refuge in summer and a warm embrace in winter.
Late 19th Century ‘800 | The Sheltered Garden
Until the early 20th century, the garden overlooking the water was enclosed by a tall, substantial stone wall. Inside, precious lemon trees were cultivated, the driving force of the local economy, protected from the sharp northern winds.
1910s | A Shared Home
The previously simple façades were embellished with elegant period stucco. Towards the end of the 1930s, the Bertolotti-Zerneri family decided to divide the large family residence into three apartments, welcoming new inhabitants to the lakeside home.
1959 | Maria Pia’s Vision
At the height of the post-war tourism boom, Signora Maria Pia Bertolotti-Zerneri recognised the spirit of a new era. She transformed her home into a welcoming guesthouse: the “Pensione Maria Pia” opened its doors. A young palm tree was planted in the small garden, destined to grow beyond ten metres in height and become the unmistakable symbol of the house.
1960s | The Essence of La Dolce Vita
Photographs from this era capture the essence of a true Italian summer. Days shaped by the breeze of Lake Garda, effortless elegance and the enchanting allure of the years of La Dolce Vita. It was a magic that defined an entire generation, one we strive to bring to life every day.
1978 | Saving the Pensione Maria Pia
When Signora Maria Pia retired, the building was at risk of being sold to property developers and converted into apartments. At this critical moment, Valeriano Arosio and Costantina Stefanutti stepped in. Deeply in love with the old guesthouse, they decided to acquire it at great personal sacrifice, determined to protect its soul.
1980s | A New Beginning as Hotel Du Lac
The property was in urgent need of care: the entire building had just three bathrooms. From the 1980s onwards, Valeriano and Costantina began a meticulous and tireless programme of restoration and modernisation. From these efforts, the refined Hotel Du Lac finally took shape.
2000 | A New Generation
The reins passed to their sons, Valerio, Giorgio and Andrea, who brought fresh energy as they embraced the challenges of the new millennium. Through word of mouth, the hotel built a loyal family of guests. Many return year after year, certain that they will find the same oasis of peace and charm they affectionately call their “second home”.
of
Du Lac
17th Century | The Origins in the Village
Built within the original historic heart of the village, just a few steps from the harbour square, the building was once home to local fishing families. Its imposing stone walls, up to one metre thick, offered a cool refuge in summer and a warm embrace in winter.
Late 19th Century ‘800 | The Sheltered Garden
Until the early 20th century, the garden overlooking the water was enclosed by a tall, substantial stone wall. Inside, precious lemon trees were cultivated, the driving force of the local economy, protected from the sharp northern winds.
1910s | A Shared Home
The previously simple façades were embellished with elegant period stucco. Towards the end of the 1930s, the Bertolotti-Zerneri family decided to divide the large family residence into three apartments, welcoming new inhabitants to the lakeside home.
1959 | Maria Pia’s Vision
Amid the post-war tourism boom, Maria Pia Bertolotti-Zerneri opened her home as the “Pensione Maria Pia”. A young palm planted in its garden would grow into the house’s unmistakable symbol.
1960s | The Essence of La Dolce Vita
Photographs from this era capture the essence of a true Italian summer. Days shaped by the breeze of Lake Garda, effortless elegance and the enchanting allure of the years of La Dolce Vita. It was a magic that defined an entire generation, one we strive to bring to life every day.
1978 | Saving the Pensione Maria Pia
When Signora Maria Pia retired, the building was at risk of being sold to property developers and converted into apartments. Valeriano Arosio and Costantina Stefanutti stepped in, acquiring it at great personal sacrifice to preserve its soul.
1980s | A New Beginning as Hotel Du Lac
From the 1980s onwards, Valeriano and Costantina began a meticulous and tireless programme of restoration and modernisation. From these efforts, the refined Hotel Du Lac finally took shape.
2000 | A New Generation
The reins passed to their sons, Valerio, Giorgio and Andrea, who brought fresh energy as they embraced the challenges of the new millennium. Through word of mouth, the hotel built a loyal family of guests. Many return year after year, certain that they will find the same oasis of peace and charm they affectionately call their “second home”.
A STORY TO BE LIVED TOGETHER
We cherish our roots, but our greatest joy is welcoming you today and making you feel, quite simply, at home.
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