This essayistic documentary brings the glorious history of the Grand Hotel Brissago in Ticino back to life and revives the memories of its guests. The once-magnificent building is brought to life by the writers Tucholsky, Kästner and Mehring, and the opera singer Caruso, as well as soldiers and refugees who found their way to the hotel during the turmoil of the war years. They encounter contemporary guests such as the architect Mario Botta and the poet Jo Mihaly.