Villa d'Este

Lake Como, nestled at the southern foot of the Alps, has long drawn nobles and celebrities with its tranquil beauty and mild, humid climate. Since Roman times, they have built summer retreats along its shores. This stunning lake is not only a romantic destination but also a peaceful haven in the hearts of Europeans, home to numerous luxury villas and century-old hotels. The most famous among them is Villa d'Este on Lake Como. Villa d'Este was originally constructed in 1568 as a summer residence for a cardinal. In 1815, it was renamed Nuova Villa d'Este and gradually transformed into a hotel. A paragon of luxury hospitality, it is renowned for its neoclassical architecture and Renaissance garden design. Its Mosaic Garden, spanning about 25 acres, is one of Italy's best-preserved historic gardens, featuring hundreds of fountains, waterfalls, and pools that showcase the ingenuity of ancient Roman hydraulic engineering. The hotel offers 151 rooms and suites distributed across two historic buildings. Each is furnished with Renaissance-style antique pieces, and some feature balconies overlooking the lake or gardens. Villa d'Este also includes four private villas, particularly favored by privacy-seeking celebrities. In keeping with the local tradition of a winter closure, the hotel undergoes a thorough cleaning and refurbishment each year, ensuring every guest enjoys a unique and fresh experience. For leisure, guests can enjoy a golf club just 12 kilometers away, along with eight clay tennis courts, a squash court, and a fitness center. Dining options are equally impressive. The Veranda restaurant, open year-round, serves continental breakfasts and formal dinners. During the Christmas season, the limited-time Greenhouse bar and eatery offers a festive dining experience. Villa d'Este may lie off the classic tourist trail, but it embodies a heritage shaped over four centuries. It cradles the clear waters and mountain vistas of Lake Como, having evolved from a cardinal's summer palace into a benchmark of luxury. It continues to guard the unique elegance of this landscape. Simply pause beneath its arcades, listen to the breeze, and gaze upon the lake, and you will be drawn into a dream that has lingered for four hundred years.

Best holiday at Lago di Como with family. Breathtaking views, pool, boating, dining on terrace. Plush guest rooms. Outstanding service. We felt very much welcome.

We stayed a few days and really relaxed. The food was delicius. All the staff were friendly and helpful. We'll definitely be back.

Staying at a place of this calibre (and price point) you always come in with high expectations and worry they won’t be met. This was not the case with Villa D’Este with our expectations exceeded at every level. Check-in is a well oiled machine and seamless and from the moment you step through those gates onto the property you feel like a close friend. The grounds themselves are stunning and we loved doing a late morning walk to explore and see the beautiful lake and grounds view from different vantage points. The lunch was a highlight of our trip with all meals delicious, with a touch of difference and great cafe in plating and presentation. With a side of champagne and beautiful lake view who could complain! Once our room was ready we loved every part of it. A lovely lake view, old school charm with luxury finishes and all amenities you would expect in such a 5 stay hotel. The pool area was fantastic with the unique pool and spa floating on the lake you can lay on your lounger with the gentle rocking of the waves. We also loved the complimentary standup paddle boards to experience the lake from a new angle. The spa area is also beautiful with a great steam and sauna areas. We tried both restaurants for dinner the grill and Japanese fusion and loved them both. Yes the food here is pricey, but you get top quality and exceptional service so nothing worth complaining about. Breakfast was done very well with all the variety you would need to start your morning alongside complimentary champagne . Staff were attentive and you were never left trying to find someone to take your coffee order or top up your drink. Our stay ended perfectly booking a last minute boat to the port. We loved every minute of our stay here, have made the most beautiful memories and most definitely want to return !

This hotel is like walking into a dream ! It’s a big splurge but worth it - every tiny detail was amazing - the dinner , the incredible buffet breakfast , the concierge who went out of his way to help us when the trains weren’t running , every employee was attentive , the grounds are breathtaking - and having traveled to Europe many times , my husband and I agreed - the most comfortable bed we have ever slept on . We want to come back for a longer trip !