Villa d’Este is one of the world’s most famous grand hotels. Set amidst vast and spectacular grounds on the shores of Lake Como, this romantic and lavish hotel was once the private residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio of Como in the late 16th century.
The luxury and magnificence of a bygone era has evidently been kept intact; the 152 rooms and suites, whether in the Cardinal Building or the Queen’s Pavilion, have all been individually decorated with no expense spared. Our favourites are the corner junior suites overlooking both the lake and the gardens, stuffed with antiques, silk drapes and original 18th century oil paintings. Their marble bathrooms are almost as large as the bedrooms. Alternatively the four private villas in the garden are ideal for guests wanting more privacy or to settle in for a while.
As well as the famous swimming pool floating on the lake in front of the hotel, there is an indoor pool connected to the Beauty Centre via an underground passage.