Villa d’Este
The Lakes
OVERVIEW
Built as a summer palace in the 16th century, Villa d’Este is one of Italy’s finest hotels. It’s been open as a hotel since 1873 so it’s had plenty of time to perfect its superlative blend of impeccable service, beautiful surroundings and elegant accommodation choices. In a former life the property was owned by Princess Caroline, estranged wife of future king George IV, so you can imagine regal décor fit for an almost future queen.
In an area not short of a palace or two the Villa d’Este is one of the most beautiful villas around, occupying a favoured spot on the lakeshore, not far from Como itself. Set above a historic tower with formal gardens that look as though they were created from fairy-tales and mock fortifications built as a distraction technique for a bored military count. While the roads around Como can become crowded in the summer months as visitors throng to the region, the atmosphere at the Villa d’Este is the epitome of unruffled and unhurried. Sculptures, floral arrangements, show-stopping terraces and a floating swimming pool offer luxury touches – you can star in your own Italian film as you waft along the wide hallways and sweep down the grand staircases; think Fellini, in his later, colourful pictures.
Many of the staff have worked in the hotel for decades, never mind years, and there’s an old-school polish (and a jaunty twinkle) that makes it feel friendly rather than fussy. Though it may seem just for adults, children are welcome and are made a fuss of in high season, though they’ll do well to take heed of the lessons on offer from the staff and other guests: it’s a great education in how to behave in luxurious surroundings.
SUMMARY
Rooms: 152
Location: Lake Como, Italy
Nearest Airport: Milan Airport
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
6 Reasons to visit Villa d’Este
- Staff have been at the hotel for decades, this means exquisite service and excellent local knowledge
- Informal children’s club in high season ensures littles are well looked after
- Fabulous royal heritage that seeps into all areas, especially the stunning décor
- Excellent location on Lake Como and easy to access the other lakes, Italian Alps and Milan
- Floating pool offers somewhere to swim besides the crystal-clear lake
- Beautiful garden mosaics make for stunningly beautiful photographs
The terrace is the heart of the hotel and has stirring views of the surrounding scenery. At night a pianist plays and a pair of ducks wanders between guests’ ankles – they’re really quite sweet and on the hunt for bar nuts
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Where to stay
No two rooms are the same and offer antiques, velvet and silk brocade for a glamorous touch. Valets in cream jackets will whisk you upstairs to the rooms, which lead off wide hallways lined with portraits and sculptures. The bedrooms have high windows to maximise the light and special touches include silver pedestals piled with fresh fruit. With different sizes and configurations its best to discuss your individual requirements at the time of booking, but whatever you choose we can guarantee a tastefully-appointed room with antique furnishings and pillow-soft beds.
The terrace is the heart of the hotel and has stirring views of the surrounding scenery. At night a pianist plays and a pair of ducks wanders between guests’ ankles – they’re really quite sweet and on the hunt for bar nuts
What to do
Start your morning with a gentle jog along the hotel’s trail where you will find exercises to do along the way. Next head to the lake where you can try water-skiing, sailing or windsurfing. The nearby Villa d’Este Golf Course is where you can perfect your swing as you explore the 18-hole course with meandering fairways between the chestnut and pine trees. If all of that sounds a little too strenuous then of course you can head to the spa for a bit of indulgent pampering.
The terrace is the heart of the hotel and has stirring views of the surrounding scenery. At night a pianist plays and a pair of ducks wanders between guests’ ankles – they’re really quite sweet and on the hunt for bar nuts
What and Where to Eat
Executive Chef Michele Zambanini heads up the team at Villa d’Este. Wander through the gardens in the morning and you may bump into the chefs gathering their ingredients for the day ahead. Whilst the hotel has a range of dining venues, dinner can be served pretty much anywhere in the grounds or overlooking the lake.
The terrace is the heart of the hotel and has stirring views of the surrounding scenery. At night a pianist plays and a pair of ducks wanders between guests’ ankles – they’re really quite sweet and on the hunt for bar nuts
When to travel
The best time to visit Italy’s northern lakes is between April and September, when the temperatures are ideal for sightseeing. Springtime in the lakes brings with it a carpet of wildflowers, while late autumn and winter can be chilly and often wet. Summer months can be crowded, and require advance booking for hotels.
WEATHER: The Italian Lakes are at their best between April and September, with sunny skies, warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
| Month | Temp(C) |
Sun(hrs) |
Rain(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan |
5 | 3 | 59 |
Feb |
5 | 5 | 55 |
Mar |
8 | 6 | 75 |
Apr |
11 | 6 | 86 |
May |
15 | 7 | 90 |
Jun |
19 | 9 | 94 |
Jul |
22 | 10 | 91 |
Aug |
21 | 9 | 112 |
Sep |
18 | 7 | 103 |
Oct |
14 | 5 | 131 |
Nov |
9 | 4 | 98 |
Dec |
6 | 3 | 58 |