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A 16th-century cardinal’s palace on the western shore of Lake Como, operating as a hotel since 1873 and still one of the most recognizable addresses in Italian luxury hospitality.
Built in 1568 and set within 25 acres of landscaped grounds in Cernobbio, Villa d’Este has the scale and grandeur that most historic hotels only gesture toward.
The architecture is neoclassical, the interiors are hung with antiques and period furnishings, and the gardens descend to the lake in a sequence of terraces that have changed very little over five centuries. It is a place that rewards a certain appetite for old-world formality, and delivers it with consistent conviction.
The 151 rooms and suites are spread across two historic buildings, the Cardinal’s Building and the Queen’s Pavilion, with four private villas set within the park for guests seeking greater seclusion. Four restaurants, a spa, eight clay tennis courts and a celebrated floating pool on the lake round out an offering that has kept Villa d’Este at the top of the Lake Como conversation for generations.
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- A 16th-century cardinal’s palace operating as a hotel since 1873, set within 25 acres of lakeside gardens in Cernobbio
- 151 rooms across two historic buildings, plus four private villas within the estate’s park
- Iconic floating pool on Lake Como, four restaurants and eight clay tennis courts
Accommodation
Classic and Superior Rooms
The entry-level accommodations in the Cardinal’s Building and Queen’s Pavilion, ranging from 30 to 50 square meters. Interiors follow the house aesthetic throughout: antique furnishings, period fabrics, and views over the gardens or lake depending on position. Well-proportioned and consistent in quality.
Deluxe and Lake View Rooms
Larger rooms of 35 to 62 square meters with direct lake panoramas. These are the rooms that define the Villa d’Este experience most clearly, with their combination of classical decor and morning views across the water to the eastern shore.
Suites
A range running from junior suites at 45 square meters up to the Cardinal Suite at 108 square meters, with a private lakeside terrace and the most opulent interiors on the property. Private salons, sumptuous fabrics and the full weight of the villa’s history make these the benchmark for Como luxury.
Private Villas
Four villas set within the estate’s park, offering an entirely separate experience from the main hotel. Well suited to guests who want privacy, outdoor space and the services of Villa d’Este without the hotel environment.
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Dining
Villa d’Este runs four distinct food and drink venues. The Veranda is the main dining room, a lake-facing terrace restaurant serving continental breakfasts and formal evening dinners. The Grill takes a Mediterranean approach with premium ingredients and a more relaxed atmosphere. Platano offers a fusion menu combining Mediterranean and Japanese techniques, positioned directly on the lakeside. The Sundeck is reserved for hotel guests, covering light lunches and cocktails. Bar Canova handles the cocktail program, with a focused spirits list and a menu of both classics and signatures.
Golf
The Villa d’Este Golf Club sits 14 kilometers from the hotel in the Montorfano area, 400 meters above sea level among chestnut, birch and pine forest that draws frequent comparisons to the Scottish Highlands. Designed in 1926 by architect Peter Gannon, the 18-hole par-69 course is one of Europe’s more technically demanding layouts and hosts international competitions each year. Reacquired by Villa d’Este in 2024 after several decades under separate ownership, it now includes La Terrazza al Golf, a new dining destination overlooking the 18th hole, led by Chef Orazio Stella and overseen by Villa d’Este’s Executive Chef Andrea Guerini. Open to hotel guests and members daily from March to December, except Tuesdays.
Spa and Wellness
The Beauty Center is the spa anchor at Villa d’Este, a treatment space finished in green marble with a focus on bespoke therapies delivered by physiotherapists and beauticians using advanced technology. Beyond the spa, the wellness offering spreads across the broader estate: a 24-hour gym with panoramic views, eight tennis courts (six clay) with coaching from Lux Tennis professionals, water sports on the lake, and guided hiking and cycling excursions. The floating pool on the lake, inaugurated in 1966 as part of the Sporting Club, remains the most iconic element of the property’s leisure offering and the detail that most guests remember.
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Maria Gardner
Luxury Travel Expert"Italy is one of the best places in Europe to experience culture, food and beautiful scenery. With so much character and colour, the Amalfi Coast is a personal favourite of mine."
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Luxury Travel Expert"I never get tired of planning luxury vacations in Italy. There are so many magical cities and experiences to be enjoyed. Beaches, mountains and rolling countryside, there really is something for everyone. "
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