"Old-world hospitality set in four hectares of pampered gardens at this legendary grand dame of the Italian Lake hotels."
Originally built in the 16th century as a summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, the Villa d’Este was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1873. Between those times the villa went through a succession of owners both famous and infamous, and its history is peppered with stories of disenchanted wives, power hungry husbands, wild parties, additions and changes.
One notable owner was the Princess of Wales who gave the Villa its name after purchasing it in 1815. Since its transformation into a hotel in 1873 the Villa has hosted some of the world’s most famous poets, painters and musicians, not to mention royalty. To name a few: Byron, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, Mark Twain, Douglas Fairbanks, Elizabeth Taylor, Mel Gibson, Sharon Stone – no wonder the hotel is known as Hollywood on Lake Como.
The facilities
The Villa d’Este used to be accessible by boat only. Nowadays, those who can afford to arrive by private boat definitely should. Nothing could be better than gliding up to this palatial masterpiece and stepping off onto the leafy terrace. For those who can’t quite stretch to the luxury of a private yacht but still want to live like a star, Cernobbio is a 75 km drive from Milan airport, or a 10 minute drive from Como train station.
The park stretches out behind the Villa and is part of what makes the Villa d’Este so spectacular. The famous mosaic wall and fountains act as the gate to the Renaissance style gardens. The fortresses and towers that cling precariously to the cliff edge, which were built for a Napoleonic general by his wife who feared that he might suffer the ‘nostalgia of warfare’ without them, are all part of the mystery of the park. The outdoor pool is a brilliant use of space. Why take up more of the garden when you can put the pool in the lake. And that’s exactly where it is; floating on the lake in front of the hotel. I’m told it's well secured and there’s no chance of it coming adrift, or of being upturned by the wake of an obnoxious jet-skier. There is also an indoor pool, only to be used if you feel seasick on the bobbing outdoor pool.
Much of the reason the hotel is patronised by so many famous names must be due to the excellent service, which is discreet and polite. Only at breakfast were the waiters a little disconcerting when they will accompany you to the buffet table, and will walk you and your breakfast back to your table. It is without doubt that the Villa d’Este deserves all its fame.
The rooms
Grand staircases, marble columns, silks covering period furniture - the Villa d’Este effortlessly upholds the magnificence of a former era. No two rooms are alike, but all are furnished with antique furniture, fine paintings and interesting, sometimes curious, ornaments. Corner rooms are the best for having views onto both the lake and the park. Obviously a lake view and a balcony are going to be the most sought after rooms, but those overlooking the park or the ruins are just as appealing. And who wants to spend too much time in their room when they have the whole of the Villa, the spa, sports centre and the gardens to explore.
Address: Via Regina 40, Lake Como, Cernobbio 22012, Italy
Booking info
Departure: Sat 23 Aug 2008
No. adults: 2
Check Availability
Who stays here
The hotel is known as “Hollywood on Lake Como” – and with good reason. Through its 500 year history, it has seen the likes of Lord Byron, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, and Mark Twain. In more recent years, Elizabeth Taylor, Mel Gibson, and Sharon Stone have also made an appearance.
Come for
- Arriving by boat - old-fashioned glamour
- Sylvan setting
- The "floating" pool over Lake Como
- Award-winning gardens built in the 1550s
Not suitable for
- Those who shy away from grand-dame opulence
- Clausterphobes - upgrade to a suite for spacious accomodation
Awards
“Top 5 Hotel Spas Europe”, Travel + Leisure 07; “No. 1 Spa Hotel in Europe”, Travel + Leisure 06; Conde Nast Traveller Gold List 05; “The Greatest Hotels of the World”, Travel + Leisure 04; “Top 10 in Italy”, Conde Nast Traveller Italia
Eating in
Veranda is the option for traditional Italian cuisine in a formal setting (jackets and ties required in the evening). Non Solo Pasta has a more casual ambiance, and is the best option for families. On a warm day, sit on the lakeside terrace and enjoy beautiful views over Lake Como. Room service is always an option.
