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Some places don’t just live up to their reputation — they quietly surpass it. Villa d’Este on Lake Como is one of those places. Set against a backdrop of mountains and water, with centuries of stories echoing through its corridors, this Renaissance-era villa in Cernobbio continues to embody what true Italian luxury feels like: timeless, graceful, and entirely unforgettable.
Centuries of Grandeur and Intrigue
Commissioned in 1568 by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, Villa d’Este’s journey from noble residence to world-class hotel is reflected in every frescoed wall and marble pillar. Later dubbed the “New Villa d’Este” by Princess Caroline of Brunswick, the estate has seen centuries of intrigue, scandal, and splendour. Since becoming a luxury hotel in 1873, it has welcomed queens, maharajas, and silver screen legends — including Ava Gardner and George Clooney.
The architecture tells its own story: sweeping staircases, intricately coffered ceilings, and antique tapestries evoke the villa’s regal past, immersing guests in a setting that is both visually rich and emotionally evocative.
A Garden Sanctuary on Lake Como
Tucked into the refined village of Cernobbio, the villa is framed by 25 acres of landscaped parkland that slopes gracefully to Lake Como’s edge. The gardens, designed in classic Italian style, feature manicured topiary, intricate mosaic fountains, and hidden walkways ideal for unhurried wandering. Stroll along the famed “Avenue of the Hundred Fountains,” pause at the 18th-century nymphaeum, or relax beneath ancient plane trees.
As evening falls, the lake reflects a canvas of golden skies while the villa’s soft-pink façade glows in the dusk—a scene as timeless as it is breathtaking.
Rooms Rich in Character and Comfort

Each of the 152 rooms and suites at Villa d’Este is uniquely decorated, blending antique furnishings, silk drapery, Murano chandeliers, and bathrooms finished in polished marble. From lake-view rooms in the Cardinal Building to the lavish Mosaic House, a private villa within the estate, every space feels simultaneously intimate and grand.
Guests wake to the rustling of leaves and the gentle lap of water against stone — a soundscape of pure serenity. Parquet floors gleam, frescoes enchant, and every corner reveals meticulous craftsmanship and care.
Dining at The Veranda and The Grill

Dining at Villa d’Este is an experience to savour. At The Veranda, the hotel’s refined main restaurant, Italian haute cuisine is served with sweeping views of the lake. Expect dishes like veal carpaccio with black truffle and saffron-laced risotto, all complemented by wines from Italy’s finest estates.
For a more relaxed yet still elegant meal, The Grill offers seasonal favourites and grilled specialities in a charming, rustic setting. Service is immaculate: attentive, intuitive, and always delivered with a sense of ease. At The Veranda, jackets are required, reinforcing the villa’s air of graceful formality that only enhances its charm.
A Full Wellness Experience
Among the villa’s most iconic features is its floating swimming pool, gently bobbing on the lake and giving guests the surreal sensation of swimming on water. The Sporting Club offers tennis, squash, a putting green, various water sports, and an indoor pool for year-round recreation.
At the Beauty Centre Spa, guests can unwind with bespoke facials, Himalayan salt scrubs, or simply enjoy quiet moments in serene hydrotherapy spaces beneath vaulted ceilings and calming light.
Jet Set Favourite and Cultural Landmark
Villa d’Este continues to attract a refined, international clientele. It hosts the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the world’s most prestigious classic car show, drawing collectors and aficionados to its lakeside grounds. Evenings often bring the soft hum of conversation as film stars sip cocktails on the terrace or royals glide in quietly by boat.
Yet, despite its renown, Villa d’Este exudes a quiet, yet confident, luxury. It’s never flashy, just flawlessly executed.
Best Times to Enjoy the Villa

Open nearly all year round, the hotel offers distinct charms across the seasons. Summer is lively, with elegant events and vibrant gardens, while spring and autumn promise a more peaceful escape. Mist rises from the lake, fireplaces flicker, and the villa’s cosy interiors provide the perfect refuge.
The Lasting Allure of Villa d’Este
Villa d’Este is not simply somewhere to stay — it’s somewhere to feel. To feel the presence of centuries past in each marble column. To feel cared for in a way that only a storied Italian hotel can offer. To feel entirely alive, surrounded by both nature and artistry in perfect harmony.
For those in search of heritage, beauty, and authentic Italian grandeur, Villa d’Este remains the pinnacle of Lake Como luxury.
Location: Via Regina, 40, 22012 Cernobbio, Como, Italy