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

  1. Staff have been at the hotel for decades, this means exquisite service and excellent local knowledge
  2. Informal children’s club in high season ensures littles are well looked after
  3. Fabulous royal heritage that seeps into all areas, especially the stunning décor
  4. Excellent location on Lake Como and easy to access the other lakes, Italian Alps and Milan
  5. Floating pool offers somewhere to swim besides the crystal-clear lake
  6. Beautiful garden mosaics make for stunningly beautiful photographs
Our Recommendation

OUR LATEST PROMOTIONS

If you want to take advantage of the best promotions for next summer call our sales team with your preferred dates and we will give you up to date prices and specials available at time of booking.

………………………………………………

Call our sales team on 01244 355 347 or email sales@iabtravel.com today for a bespoke proposal.

Above promotions are strictly subject to availability and time of booking. Blackout periods may apply. 

Other promotions are available throughout the year, contact us with your exact requirements.

Our Highlight

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

Explore Our Other The Lakes Hotels

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.

Double Classic
Double Executive
Double Deluxe
Double Deluxe Superior
Junior Suite Exclusive
Junior Suite Top
Suite
Presidential Suite
Cardinal Suite
Villa Cima
Villa Malakoff
Villa Garrovo
Mosaic House
Our Recommendation

OUR LATEST PROMOTIONS

If you want to take advantage of the best promotions for next summer call our sales team with your preferred dates and we will give you up to date prices and specials available at time of booking.

………………………………………………

Call our sales team on 01244 355 347 or email sales@iabtravel.com today for a bespoke proposal.

Above promotions are strictly subject to availability and time of booking. Blackout periods may apply. 

Other promotions are available throughout the year, contact us with your exact requirements.

Our Highlight

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.

Spa
Relax
Excursions
Take a Stroll
Tennis
Explore
Our Recommendation

OUR LATEST PROMOTIONS

If you want to take advantage of the best promotions for next summer call our sales team with your preferred dates and we will give you up to date prices and specials available at time of booking.

………………………………………………

Call our sales team on 01244 355 347 or email sales@iabtravel.com today for a bespoke proposal.

Above promotions are strictly subject to availability and time of booking. Blackout periods may apply. 

Other promotions are available throughout the year, contact us with your exact requirements.

Our Highlight

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.

Veranda
Grill
Il Platano
Sundeck Pool Bar
Bar Canova
Terrace Bar and D’este Club
Our Recommendation

OUR LATEST PROMOTIONS

If you want to take advantage of the best promotions for next summer call our sales team with your preferred dates and we will give you up to date prices and specials available at time of booking.

………………………………………………

Call our sales team on 01244 355 347 or email sales@iabtravel.com today for a bespoke proposal.

Above promotions are strictly subject to availability and time of booking. Blackout periods may apply. 

Other promotions are available throughout the year, contact us with your exact requirements.

Our Highlight

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 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temp(C)

5 5 8 11 15 19 22 21 18 14 9 6

Sun(hrs)

3 5 6 6 7 9 10 9 7 5 4 3

Rain(mm)

59 55 75 86 90 94 91 112 103 131 98 58
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