When you pull up to Villa d’Este you feel as if you’re visiting royalty. The villa was originally built in 1568 as the summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and was the favorite playground of many aristocrats. In 1873, it was transformed into an opulent hotel. Its 25-acre imperial garden and unique mosaic wall are signature icons that are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Guest rooms and suites are split between the Cardinal Building and Queen’s Pavilion. While no two rooms are exactly alike, the décor is lavish and has old-world touches like thick drapes, dark woods and classic chandeliers. Views vary from those looking across the lake to others onto the park and magnificent gardens. There are two exclusive private villas, Villa Malakoff and Villa Cima, located inside the property that can be rented for ultimate privacy.
Strolling the property is an outing in itself. Discover sweeping staircases, stunning crystal chandeliers, and perhaps indulge in some retail therapy at their boutique onsite. If guests don’t have enough room in their suitcases for additional items they also have the option purchase items via Villa d’Este’s online boutique and have them shipped to their home. Their curated online boutique offers an exclusive selection of personalized products and accessories that are made in Italy that celebrates Villa d’Este’s timeless elegance and attention to detail.
Don’t miss the floating pool on the lake! It’s located right in front of the villa and connected to the mainland by a walkway. Besides that, the hotel offers a wide-variety of other sports facilities such as an indoor pool, tennis courts, and a jogging track.
Around aperitivo hour, guests gather on the terrace overlooking the sparkling lake and sip on fine cocktails while noshing on olives and nuts served by waiters in black tie. If you prefer to sit inside, there’s also the elegant Canova Bar with a lovely ambiance. I sipped on a Cosmopolitan cocktail and I have to say, a Cosmo never tasted as good as it does here!
From there, we headed to dinner at Veranda, the hotel’s formal restaurant. As its name suggests, the dining room at this restaurant has an elegant veranda that transfers out onto the terrace overlooking the lake and gardens. Chef Zambanini oversees all culinary preparation at Villa d’Este and creates classic and gourmet interpretations of Italian fare that satisfies the most discerning palates. My boyfriend, Matthew and I went there for date night and dined on pasta with white Summer truffle and veal milanese. As for the service, there’s a ballet of maîtres and sommeliers attentive to guests every wish and beautifully plating dishes table side.
There were a couple of families celebrating birthdays and it’s the place to do so! One saw one chocolate cake that came out looking like a dream – it was generously topped with chocolate shavings that were large and thin, resembling prosciutto.
When in Lake Como, Villa d’Este is a destination to must not be missed! If you don’t end up booking a room at the hotel, I’d highly suggest dining at Veranda restaurant as its a meal that you won’t forget! Make sure to make a reservation well in advance and note that the hotel is open seasonally from early March to mid November each year. The words that linger in mind after my visit at Villa d’Este is incredible attention to detail, impeccable taste, and white glove service. It’s a place that should be on your bucket list!