Villa d'Este: A Glamorous Legacy on Lake Como's Shores

Constructed for a cardinal four centuries ago and once owned by a Princess of Wales, Villa d'Este boasts a history that captivates both Hollywood and high fashion. With its stunning Renaissance architecture and prime location on Italy's iconic Lake Como, this hotel is not only a top-tier destination but also a perennial feature on global bucket lists.

Rooms and Facilities: Opulence at Every Turn

Beyond its impressive cast iron gates, Villa d'Este exudes palatial charm without effort. Guests are greeted by opulent salons, expansive corridors, and a magnificent grand staircase. The interiors are adorned with Renaissance art, Italian antiques, crystal chandeliers, and luxurious silk brocade, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

French doors lead to terraces overlooking the lake, while meticulously maintained gardens showcase botanical wonders, sculptures, and a famous mosaic nymphaeum. A short walk uphill reveals a historic fort, a gift from a former owner to entertain her Napoleonic general husband. Modern amenities include a fine-dining restaurant, a glamorous bar, a floating swimming pool, a golf course, a sports wing, and a spa.

A Storied Past and Celebrity Appeal

Transformed into a hotel around 150 years ago, Villa d'Este first attracted wealthy European Grand Tourists. Hollywood soon followed, with Alfred Hitchcock filming his debut movie here and stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton staying. Recent esteemed guests include Jennifer Aniston, Lady Gaga, and neighbors George and Amal Clooney.

The hotel's allure extends to luxury cars and fashion, hosting the Concorso d'Eleganza vintage car event for nearly a century, serving as a backdrop for Helmut Newton's iconic photographs, and featuring as a catwalk for Chanel's Cruise collection.

Accommodations: Old-World Luxury

With rates starting at £1,117, Villa d'Este's 152 rooms offer individual designs unified by old-world opulence. Features include high ceilings, chandeliers, bed canopies, exquisite fabrics, and elegant furnishings. Color palettes are muted, bathrooms are marble-clad, and balcony views are mesmerizing.

Guests can stay in the original Cardinal Building, the heart of the hotel, or the separate Queen's Pavilion, a 19th-century addition honoring Caroline of Brunswick, whose influence shaped the estate. Private villas on the grounds include the one-suite Mosaic House, and from June, the Miralago Luxury Apartments in Cernobbio will offer eight lakeside suites with full hotel access.

Food and Drink: Culinary Excellence

Bar Canovo provides cocktails under Murano chandeliers amidst marble columns and gold accents, with an outdoor terrace perfect for starlit nightcaps. The Veranda restaurant offers fine dining with panoramic lake and garden views, serving contemporary Italian cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients like truffles.

Service is impeccable, and the wine list is extensive, drawn from Italy's largest hotel wine cellar. For more casual upscale dining, The Grill features grilled langoustines and Black Angus steak, favored by the Clooneys. In summer, Il Platano offers Mediterranean-Japanese fusion, while the Sundeck provides light bites by the floating pool.

Nearby, Harry's Bar in Cernobbio offers classic Italian cuisine with a romantic, old-school ambiance, complete with piano music.

Activities and Highlights

The spa offers facials, massages, and Turkish baths for a luxurious break. Guests can cruise the lake on vintage Vaporinas to visit sites like Villa del Balbianello or the Clooney residence. Other options include golf, tennis, and a gym at the Sporting Club, or a hike to the fort for lake views.

Highlights include the stunning lake setting, charming and professional staff, palatial rooms, and exceptional food. Villa d'Este is a study in superlatives, especially during the winter season, when it transforms into a festive wonderland with fairy lights, Christmas trees, and themed events like wine tastings in its renowned cellar.