Villa d’Este is located in Cernobbio, on the shores of one of the most romantic lakes in the world and surrounded by a panorama of rare beauty. More than a hotel, a destination. More than an historical palace, a tradition. More than a place, a legend. The history of Villa d’Este began back in 1568, when Tolomeo Gallio, the wealthy cardinal of Como with a passionate interest for art, commissioned the architect Pellegrino Pellegrini (known as “The Tibaldi”) to build a sumptuous villa overlooking the lake set to become one of his summer residences. In 1873 Villa d’Este was transformed into a luxury hotel, becoming a discerning holiday destination for the European aristocracy and upper middle class and an essential stop-over for the Grand Tour.
Strolling around the 25 acres of luscious gardens surrounding the villa, one of the most picturesque examples of Baroque scenography in Italy and considered a National Historical Monument since 1913, you will come across a series of architectural and landscape wonders: the Shepherd’s Arch, the Temple of Telemachus, the fortress, Hercules’ perspective and the iconic Mosaic. Among century-old trees and countless varieties of plants and flowers, you will find the Chef’s Garden, where herbs and aromatic plants are lovingly grown by the Executive Chef Michele Zambanini, who uses them to prepare his dishes. The garden is part of “Grandi Giardini Italiani”, a network that includes the most significant botanical tresures in Italy, taking care of their preservation and appreciation. Like the great artists that stayed at Villa d’Este during its long history, abandon yourselves to the fascination of the lake, be seduced by the beauty of the ambiance, and find your inspiration.
The rooms and suites, with views over the lake and the park, are divided between the Cardinal Building and the Queen’s Pavilion. The rooms are refined and spacious, with period furniture, marble bathrooms, velvet and brocade fabrics... the atmosphere recalls old-time private residences. For a more intimate and independent stay, it is possible to rent one of the four private villas located on the hotel’s premises and conceived respecting the atmosphere of the patrician residences on Lake Como and the tradition of Villa d’Este: Villa Cima, on the banks of the lake, Villa Malakoff, a jewel dating back to the 19th century, Villa Garrovo, with a private gym and the Mosaic House, located in a lovely corner of the iconic Mosaic. The privacy and exclusivity of a private residence is combined with all the hotel’s services: simply luxury.
Villa d’Este's restaurants offer a sensual and sophisticated culinary experience. Veranda, Grill, Platano, Sundeck and Bar Canova: refined settings with perfect cuisine for every moment of the day and always of the highest level. Executive Chef Michele Zambanini combines careful research into the raw materials with respect for the product so that guests can enjoy a haute cuisine experience combined with a refined wine list and attentive, personalised service.
The Sporting Club provides all the services to take care of your wellbeing: a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, sauna, Turkish bath, 8 lakeview tennis courts (6 clay), jogging path, squash court, electronic golf simulator, putting green, an indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor heated pool for children and the iconic heated swimming pool floating on the lake.
Everything at Villa d’Este recalls the art of living: the beauty and elegance of the location are the perfect backdrop for exceptional service, thanks to the staff’s care and attention to detail that will satisfy even the most demanding guests. Enjoy the “dolce vita” on the foothills of the Italian Alps close to Como, the Italian capital of the silk industry and just 30 minutes from Milan.