Some places
turn into legend
Des Bains became a hotel of choice for famous names across the world from the beginning of the 20th century. Both the aristocracy and the literary world became regular guests. From 1912 until 1934 Thomas Mann spent much of his time at Des Bains and the hotel became synonymous with the literary world through his novel Der Tod in Venedig (Death in Venice). The hotel then passed into legendary status in the 1920s and 30s when themed parties drew the most fashionable names of the age, the ballrooms witnessing the Foxtrot and the Charleston. On 6th August 1932 the first International Film Festival took place and, due to its extraordinary success, Lido is still today host to one of the most important cinematic events in the world. Actors and celebrities, from Liz Taylor to Robert De Niro, have been regular guests to Lido.
