Villa d’Este

This is one of those hotels that first seems like a legend and then becomes a reality. Built in the 16th century as a private summer residence, it is today a symbol of high hospitality, historical grandeur and attention to detail. The location is simply perfect: 25 acres of gardens, views of Lake Como, picturesque panoramas that make you stop your breath.

The hotel has 152 rooms and suites, of which 125 are in the main Cardinal Building and the remaining 27 are in the Pavilion, often referred to as the Queen’s Pavilion – quieter, closer to the gardens, with beautiful views. There are also private villas on the grounds for guests seeking the ultimate in privacy and luxury.

Amenities and services

To ensure that a stay is not just about aesthetics, Villa d’Este offers:

Spa and wellness: beauty treatments, relaxation area, swimming pools (including a floating pool above the lake), indoor gym, sauna.

Other services: boutiques, beauty salon (coiffeur), Chef’s garden, banquet halls, pleasure park.

Experiences packages, Sporting Club membership with access to special benefits.

Prices: from basics to suites

Prices at Villa d’Este from occupy the premium segment, and they can vary considerably depending on the season, room type, view (lake or garden), availability of a villa or just a room.

Restaurants/Bars at Villa d’Este

Grill – A more casual restaurant. Located next to the Pavilion. During the summer season, you can dine in the garden under the ancient trees, overlooking the lake.

Veranda is a fine-dining restaurant in the main Cardinal Building of Villa d’Este, with panoramic views of the lake, gardens and Mosaic Garden.

It combines classic Italian cuisine with international touches, with a strict evening dress code and a sophisticated interior.

Platano – restaurant on the terrace overlooking the lake. The menu combines Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine with elements of international flavors.

Canova Bar – A bar where youcan have a cocktail or light appetizer. A popular spot for an aperitif, it has a stylish interior and atmosphere, especially in the evening.

Sundeck Bar – A bar next to the floating pool, serving light snacks and drinks during the warm season. Ideal during the day to sit in the sun overlooking the lake.

What else is worth knowing and experiencing

• Villa d’Este is known not only as a hotel, but also as a favorite vacation spot for celebrities. Guests include Robert De Niro, Bruce Springsteen, Halley and many other Hollywood stars.

• Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Pleasure Garden here in 1925.

• The annual Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is a prestigious festival of classic and retro cars that attracts collectors and connoisseurs from all over the world.

• The gardens of Villa d’Este have a very rich historical layer: ancient nymphaeums, grottoes, alleys, sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries, statues of Hercules and Lycius, waterfalls and cascading terraces.

• Villa d’Este has also participated in cultural and social life: the Ambrosetti Forum is an annual meeting that brings together politicians, businessmen and intellectuals from all over the world.

Who it’s suitable for and when it’s best to go

Villa d’Este is a great choice if you want a gourmet trip, romance, old-world atmosphere and service at a very high level. This is not a budget option – everything here is expensive, but everything is premium too: views, cheeses, interiors, even towels and trifles.

At prices: cheapest – in low season (spring before the tourist heat, late fall), if you book in advance and agree to a standard room without a villa or panoramic view. Most expensive – in summer, during holiday periods, weekends, in villas or suites with terraces and lake views, or if you choose premium offers with included supplements (breakfast, spa, privileges).

Information

Address: Via Regina, 40, Cernobbio, 22012 Como, Italy. | Check-in time: Check-in after 14:00, Check-out before 12:00. | Phone number: 0~0 39 031 3481