Villa d'Este

Our stay at Villa D’Este was beyond enchanting! We’ve visited Lake Como several times but this was our first time staying at Villa D'Este and it was even more fabulous than we expected. We’ve stayed at two other five star properties on the lake, but Villa D'Este is above and beyond anything we imagined. My husband has a great understanding and passion for history and art and the granduare of Villa D'Este magnificent from the 500-year-old architecture to the historical and glorious gardens to the floating pool - it was heavenly! Walking through the gardens is a must with waterfalls and lush trees and all the bougainvillea! The staff are also incredible. They’re warm, professional and attentive in a really focused but easy way. The food was exceptional - we loved the decadent morning buffet in the glassed in Veranda restaurant with mountain views. Lunch by the pool with fresh fish as a treat and one of the most amazing meals ever was a Sunday dinner with live music - a three person band with an incredible saxophonist and we will never forget that night. Villa D’este was perfect! Leaving was hard and we can’t wait to return !

A long held dream to visit and 5 nights at this truly fabulous hotel in one of the most beautiful parts of the world was utter bliss . There’s no question that’s it’s geared for the discerning traveller and if you’re price conscious then perhaps not for you - possibly not the best for younger guests and children but for those looking for a bit of Downton meets Sex in the City just wow ! We hired a Riva boat and traveled the lake and ate at Mandarin Oriental and Bellagio but also ate at the utterly wonderful and fairly formal hotel restaurant - Michael the Maitre d’ is phenomenal . Mirko Marchi , Manollo Rossetti , Barbara Gibbellini run fabulous teams of people . Yes there might be some investment needed here and there eg carpets , decor, art etc but this isn’t a Dubai regular’s type of hotel - it’s for folk who want authenticity and quality of service and cuisine of a bygone era . Class in a glass - congratulations to David Bertilaccio and the whole team - we’ll be back .. in a heartbeat !

I should note up front: our stay at Villa d’Este was nearly a decade ago. But that alone should tell you something—few places leave an impression so vivid that you can recall it detail for detail years later. The Setting The location on Lake Como is beyond compare. The views, the gardens, the sense of stepping into a world apart—it’s a destination in itself. Arrival & Service When I arrived, Villa d’Este made me feel like a guest of honor. I can’t promise every visitor gets red carpets and rose petals, but the point is this: the staff know how to make you feel like you belong, even in the most elegant of surroundings. The Room My room was opulent yet comfortable—historic details with modern touches. And the view over Lake Como? It’s worth the trip all by itself. Dining Meals on the veranda were unforgettable. Candlelight, the shimmer of the lake, and Italian cuisine executed perfectly. A highlight of my entire trip. The Takeaway Villa d’Este is not just about luxury—it’s about belonging. Somehow, amid the grandeur, I never felt out of place. That’s what sets it apart. If you’re considering a stay here, know this: you’ll remember it not for a year or two, but for a lifetime.

We went to Villa d’Este in 2019 for a wedding and stayed there. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it is the most iconic hotel I have ever stayed in. The garden design, together with the architecture of the hotel, creates such a peaceful atmosphere. Staying in a historic property with such beautiful design, well-maintained grounds, and top-level service gives you a completely different feeling. The restaurant’s food and the breakfast were rich and delicious. I had never seen an adult game room in any other hotel before—it really caught my attention and stayed in my mind.

There's nothing I can add that probably hasn't been said before in the reviews. This is a special hotel, and probably one of the best we've ever stayed in. Every person is profesional, courteous and helpful. The food, facilities, gardens, and beauty of this hotel is top level. We stayed here with our two teenagers and the hotel provided us with connecting rooms. Fresh fruit in the rooms is provided every day, with chocolates for turn down service. Just sitting at breakfast overlooking the Lake is a special moment. If you're looking for the Lake Como dream trip, this, and of course, Grand Hotel Tremezzo are your top choices. The floating pool on the Lake is amazing (much bigger than the GHT pool). One word of amusement: there are several social media influencers here and they're entertaining to watch.