Villa d'Este

Lake Como, Italy

A literal Renaissance palace, Villa d’Este began entertaining nobility after construction by Cardinal Tolimo Galilo in 1542. In the following years, the 25-acre estate was home to a Napoleonic general, a future Queen of England and a Russian empress. In 1873, the Cernnobbio fixure was remodeled into the grand hotel still beloved by global leaders and celebrities today. Perched above Lake Como, the villa retains an indulgent Renaissance ambience. Grand staircases, intricate trimwork and oil paintings abound; onate headboards frame oversized beds and terrazas offer the perfect place to sip espresso. Black tie staff attend to all needs, day or night. Only a few modern facets break from the historic roots. A large floating pool and hot tub provides a signature for the property. Alongside, docks house the hotel’s fleet, sailboats for cruising and launches for quick transit. Likewise, the storied gardens were anglicised by Catherine of Brunswick in 1815; the future queen’s intricate English gardens are still a picture perfect collection of botanically lined trails and features.

Key Information

• Rooms: 152
• Starting Rate: $801
• High Season: June-September
• Dining: Il Platano, Veranda, Grill
• Drinking: Canova Bar
• At the Hotel: spa, pool, gym, gardens, tennis courts, library
• 390313481
• Visit Villa d'Este's Website

Location

40 Via Regino, Cernobbio, Lake Como, Como, 22012