Villa d'Este
Villa d'Este needs little introduction. The sixteenth-century cardinal's residence turned luxury hotel is a monument to Italian grandeur: 152 rooms across two buildings, 25 acres of parkland with botanical gardens, a floating pool on the lake, eight tennis courts, a golf course, and an opulence that makes modern luxury hotels look restrained.
The rooms in the Cardinal Building are the most characterful, with frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and lake views from tall windows. The hotel's formality (jacket required for dinner) will suit some travellers and not others, and the Veranda restaurant serves classic Italian cuisine at a level that matches the setting.
Rates start around EUR 700 and rise steeply. The hotel operates from March through November. You stay here for the history, the gardens, and the sense of being somewhere that has defined European luxury hospitality for decades.
Guest Reviews
Everything was absolutely perfect from start to finish. The hotel is beautiful, elegant, and very well maintained. The room was spotless, comfortable, and had everything we needed. The staff were extremely kind, professional, and always happy to help with anything. The service, atmosphere, location, and overall experience were truly excellent. We had an amazing stay and would definitely come back again. Highly recommended — 10/1
Villa d’Este is pure timeless luxury. From the moment you arrive, everything feels elegant, calm, and perfectly refined. The gardens are breathtaking, the historic architecture is stunning, and the views over Lake Como are unforgettable. The room was beautiful, spacious, and extremely comfortable, with a peaceful atmosphere and incredible lake views. Waking up and ending the day with this scenery felt truly special. The service was exceptional — professional, discreet, and genuinely warm. Every detail was handled effortlessly, making the stay feel smooth and relaxing. The location is magical and very private, yet perfectly placed to enjoy Lake Como. Villa d’Este is not just a hotel, it’s an experience of true luxury and romance. Highly recommended.
We had a truly wonderful stay at Villa d’Este. The property is simply exceptional — a remarkable historic residence dating back to the 15th century, beautifully preserved and maintained, with a setting that feels almost cinematic. The surroundings are equally charming, and the view from our room was absolutely extraordinary. Throughout our stay, we were consistently impressed by the attentiveness and professionalism of the team. The service was, in general, impeccable, and we felt very well taken care of at all times. If there is one aspect that could slightly influenced our overall rating, it would be the atmosphere, which we found to be somewhat more formal than our personal preference, as well as a slightly slower pace of service during a lakeside coffee experience. That said, these are minor points within what was otherwise a truly memorable and refined stay. We are very grateful for the care and attention dedicated to our visit and would be delighted to return in the future.
Our stay at Villa d’Este was nothing short of extraordinary. Every element of the experience was impeccable—from the beautifully appointed room and breathtaking views to the exceptional food and beverage, serene spa, and unbeatable location on the lake. What truly sets this hotel apart, however, is the staff: exquisitely trained, deeply professional, and unmistakably joyful in their work. Their warmth and pride are felt in every interaction, and no detail is ever overlooked. Villa d’Este is hospitality at its absolute finest.
We had a fantastic stay! On top of the great overall service, we added on an engagement arrangement, and the team nailed it. Everything was set up perfectly. Also, a big thank you to Gabriele as the photography was amazing.
More Hotels in Lake Como
Filario
Filario is a modern lakefront hotel in Lezzeno, between Como town and Bellagio on the eastern shore. The 10 rooms are minimalist and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows over the lake, and there is a small pool, a good restaurant, and a jetty for boat arrivals.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is, for many, the definitive Lake Como hotel. It has been hosting guests since 1910, and the combination of Art Nouveau architecture, a floating pool set in the lake itself, lakeside gardens, and views directly across to Bellagio creates a striking setting. This is the hotel that appears in every Lake Como feature, and it earns the attention.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
The Villa Serbelloni is Bellagio's grande dame: a neoclassical palace at the tip of the promontory, with gardens, a pool, a private dock, and old-world grandeur that modern hotels cannot replicate. The hotel has operated since 1873, and the frescoed ceilings, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers reflect that lineage without feeling preserved in amber.