Villa d’Este: An enduring icon of Lake Como.
Villa d’Este sits just outside Cernobbio, occupying one of Lake Como’s most storied estates. Built in 1568 by architect Pellegrino Pellegrini as a summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, the villa was later renamed when Princess Caroline of Brunswick took up residence in 1815.
Since opening as a hotel in 1873, it has become one of the lake’s most illustrious addresses, welcoming royalty, VIPs and discreetly glamorous celebrities ever since. Its blend of aristocratic heritage, lakeside setting and unwavering elegance has cemented Villa d’Este as an enduring icon of Lake Como.
Style
The estate unfolds across 25 acres of immaculately landscaped gardens, often cited as one of Italy’s finest examples of Baroque scenography. Highlights include the Mosaic Garden, complete with a 16th-century nymphaeum and delicate pastel mosaics—architecture and horticulture in perfect conversation. Throughout the property, interiors and terraces are carefully positioned to frame views of the lake and gardens, preserving Renaissance grandeur while quietly accommodating modern comfort.
Rooms
Villa d’Este offers 152 rooms across two main buildings: the Cardinal Building—an homage to Tolomeo Gallio—with 125 rooms, and the Queen’s Pavilion with 27. Each room is individually styled with antique furnishings, curated artworks, silk and velvet fabrics, and marble bathrooms. Views stretch across the lake and/or gardens, ensuring the landscape remains part of the experience.
For heightened exclusivity, the Cardinal Suite is the most distinguished accommodation in the main building. Beyond this, four private villas—Mosaic House, Villa Cima, Villa Garrovo and Villa Malakoff—are available for guests seeking additional space, privacy or a setting for special occasions. These range from single suites to expansive multi-bedroom residences with terraces, kitchens, hidden gardens and direct lake views. The hotel’s newest acquisition, Villa Belinzaghi, further expands its private-use offering, ideal for exclusive stays and events.
Food & Drink
Dining at Villa d’Este is as considered as its setting, with multiple venues catering to different moods. Veranda, the fine-dining restaurant in the Cardinal Building, serves Italian cuisine with contemporary flourishes, framed by panoramic lake and garden views through retractable windows or from the lakeside terrace. Breakfast here is generous and theatrical in its own way, combining an abundant buffet with à la carte dishes, including eggs prepared to preference by a dedicated chef and served directly at the table. In the evening, Veranda becomes the hotel’s culinary centrepiece, with a dinner jacket required for men—tradition, upheld.
The Grill, near the Queen’s Pavilion, offers a more relaxed approach, focusing on grilled meats, seafood and seasonal dishes, including a classic Sunday roast. Platano introduces a Mediterranean–Japanese fusion menu shaped by locally sourced ingredients. For lighter moments, The Sundeck beside the floating pool serves lunches and cocktails exclusively for hotel guests, while Canova Bar & Lakeside Terrace remains the go-to for aperitifs and evening drinks, with effortless access to the gardens and lake.
Wellness & Spa
Wellbeing is taken seriously, but never solemnly. The Beauty Center, connected to the Sporting Club via an underground passage, offers massages, aesthetic treatments, manicures and structured wellness programmes, alongside a sauna and Turkish bath. The Sporting Club features indoor and outdoor pools, eight tennis courts (six clay), a squash court and a fully equipped gym. Villa d’Este is also home to Lake Como’s first floating swimming pool- a signature flourish. Facilities are shared between hotel guests and members, maintaining an atmosphere that feels private yet quietly sociable.
Culture Fix
Life on the lake is integral to the Villa d’Este experience. Guests can enjoy e-boat and vintage boat tours, or opt for seaplane flights offering dramatic aerial views of the region. On land, activities range from trekking and guided mountain walks to wine tastings, lemon orchard visits and hands-on cooking classes. Private excursions unlock nearby towns, while a rolling programme of seasonal events—from vintage car and boat gatherings to classic and electric showcases—reflects the hotel’s ongoing dialogue between heritage and innovation.
Reservations: www.villadeste.com
Article written by Esohe Ebohon
