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“Romantic lakeside opulence without compromise. Almost regal bedrooms, suites, and villas have rich chintzy fabrics, chandeliers and private balconies. Spectacular lake views, excellent restaurant, pool and spa, and private boats. Magnificently special.”

“Romantic lakeside opulence without compromise. Almost regal bedrooms, suites, and villas have rich chintzy fabrics, chandeliers and private balconies. Spectacular lake views, excellent restaurant, pool and spa, and private boats. Magnificently special.”

Hotel Review

A stay at the Villa D'Este is regarded as something of a rite of passage for the high-end traveller. Definitely the Grande Dame of Lake Como, this is romantic lakeside opulence without compromise. The hotel is supremely luxurious and gloriously un-modern, although it does have every up-to-date comfort and amenity you could want for. The bedrooms (bigger than most London flats), suites and villas, all 154 of them, are positively regal with old master prints and oil paintings, indulgently expensive chintz fabrics and trims, high ceilings, enormous balconies, lake views, and the list goes on. You are left in no doubt about the Villa’s aristocratic heritage and it is good to feel part of it for as long as you can afford to stay.

The floating pool upon the lake was the first of its kind and is still spectacular. The manicured grounds - wake up to the sound of gravel being gently raked - are akin to a period film set with cascading water features, towering cypress trees, burgeoning hydrangea blooms, mosaic follies and classical statues to wander amongst.

There's a spa, fine dining restaurant (jacket required), pool, clay tennis court, golf, private boat hire, but perhaps the best thing of all is a having a lazy breakfast or long lunch sitting under the shady trees and umbrellas along the lake shore, watching the elegant clientele and classic Riva motor boats cruising past. You might even spot near neighbours George Clooney and Amal. It goes without saying the service is impeccable, the waiters immaculate, and the food perfectly cooked and presented.

As an eminent Leading Hotel of the World there are inevitably some group travellers here, but do not let this put you off as there is more than enough space to enjoy for a romantic break à deux. Villa D’Este is not your average low-key getaway, but if five-star grandiose splendour on a palatial scale in a picture-perfect location floats your boat, book in!

 

Written by Caroline Townsend

Recommended For

  • Foodies
  • The restaurant is a smart affair (there's a dress code). It served impeccible Italian fine-dining
  • Active Holiday
  • There's plenty to keep everyone busy here from trekking to SUP or tennis
  • Elegant
  • Complete with glittering chandeliers and traditional art works
  • Families
  • The two separate villas make this a great choice for families
  • Luxury
  • Tennis
  • 8 tennis courts on site. Racquets are available to rent.
  • Sailing
  • Hotel boats for hire
  • Total relaxation
  • Wine tasting
  • Cycling
  • Golf
  • Watersports
  • Spa breaks
  • Sights nearby
  • Historic
  • Building dates back to the 16th century
  • Views
  • Stunning views over Lake Como
  • Kids Club
  • In the summer months
  • Pet friendly
  • Small dogs allowed
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace
  • Traditional
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Spa
  • Lakeside
  • Restaurant
  • Self catering to rent
  • Gym
  • Child friendly

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Set amid 25 acres of park including manicured gardens which feature magnificent fountains, grand terraces, and trimmed topiary
  • Views
  • Stunning views over Lake Como
  • Swimming Pool
  • Outdoor and indoor pools
  • Sauna/Steam
  • Sauna and Turkish bath
  • Kids Club
  • In the summer months
  • Pet friendly
  • Small dogs allowed
  • Suites
  • Wifi
  • Bath robes
  • Parking
  • Bar
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace
  • Airport transfer
  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Meeting Room
  • Cots available
  • Massage
  • Library
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
  • Self catering to rent
  • Gym
  • Satellite / Cable TV
  • Child friendly
  • Sitting Room
  • Room service
  • Air conditioning
  • Hot Tub
  • Concierge

Activities

  • Tennis
  • 8 tennis courts on site. Racquets are available to rent.
  • Hotel boats for hire
  • Sailing
  • Wine tasting
  • Cycling
  • Golf
  • Watersports
  • Sights nearby

Map & Location

What's Nearby

Other Reviews

Villa d'Este Review

Originally published by Condé Nast Traveler (view article)

20 Best stays by the Italian lakes

There are royal connections at the Villa d’Este....

Originally published by The Times (view article)

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152 rooms from £599 per night

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