Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy
Set in truly spectacular gardens on the shore of Lake Como, Villa d’Este features luxury classic rooms, fine dining, floating swimming pool and kids pool, golf, beauty and sports centre
Our review
Every time I mentioned to anyone that we were going to Lake Como, Villa d’Este seemed to trip off his or her tongue. Either it’s an amazing place, I thought, or they have very good PR. The truth is, it’s a bit of both. The property must have one of the best locations on Lake Como, its magnificent landscaped grounds leading right down to the water’s edge, with the added appeal of a floating pool (the world’s first) and unobstructed views across the lake. Then in the recent past they have enjoyed the services of a wonderful sales manager with a dual American/Italian passport, so the US market has known about this piece of heaven for some years.
The hotel is a magnificent 16th century villa built for Caroline of Brunswick. It’s been a luxury hotel since 1873. With 25 acres of grounds, it’s only 40 minutes drive from Malpensa Airport; a 20-minute drive to Como or a 10-minute trip by boat. It’s also walking distance to the interesting little town of Cernobbio with bell tower and super cake shop where we enjoyed excellent coffee. The hotel is seasonal, opening from March to November.
Rooms are either in the main building or the Queens Pavilion, an equally sumptuous villa, a few steps away, near the 500-year old plane tree. The hotel has 152 guest rooms, which are traditional in style. In particular we liked a third floor corner suite with partial views of the lake, attractively furnished in maroon velvet. Some suites have terraces and others have balconies. Decorated in traditional style, the rooms are nearly all different and many are filled with original art. Walk–in closets are offered in most rooms or attractive armoires. All bathrooms are marble; toiletries are made exclusively.
A feature of the hotel is how much is on offer to guests. As well as being convenient for trips across the water to Como and walking distance to a small town, the hotel has a Sporting Club with a huge range of activities including squash, tennis, indoor golf simulator, a wide range of water sports and a large indoor pool. There is a beauty salon with six treatment rooms and a gym.
We had lunch on the shaded Veranda terrace, serving local Italian dishes, overlooking the lake. Again, it would be hard to think of a better-placed position in which to dine. Staff were attentive but not overly so, as they quite often are in these sorts of places. Guests are a mixture of young and old, with over a third having stayed before. I suppose once you have found your paradise, you don’t want to go anywhere else.
Rooms
Villa d’Este offers approximately 152 rooms, suites and villas housed in historic buildings dating back to the 16th century. Accommodations are individually decorated with period furnishings, rich fabrics and classic details, with many featuring balconies or terraces overlooking Lake Como or the hotel’s landscaped gardens.
Food and Drink
Dining includes the elegant Veranda restaurant, serving refined Italian cuisine with views across the lake and gardens, and The Grill, offering a more relaxed setting focused on seasonal dishes. The hotel also features a piano bar and terraces ideal for aperitifs, continuing Villa d’Este’s long tradition of sophisticated social dining.
Wellness
Wellness facilities include a modern spa and beauty centre offering massages and treatments, alongside an indoor pool and fitness area. The hotel’s iconic outdoor floating swimming pool sits directly on Lake Como, providing a unique setting for relaxation.
Facilities
- Iconic floating swimming pool on Lake Como
- Spa and beauty centre
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Multiple restaurants, bars and lounges
- Landscaped historic gardens
- Tennis courts and fitness facilities
- Private boat dock and marina
- Meeting and event spaces
Location
Set on the shores of Lake Como in Cernobbio, the hotel is surrounded by manicured gardens and is a short drive or boat ride from Como town and nearby lake villages.
Getting there
Address: Via Regina, 40, 22012 Cernobbio Como, Italy
Arriving by air: Milan Malpensa Airport – Located 40 miles (64 km) 50 minutes by carMilan Linate Airport – Located 45 miles (71km) 55 minutes by carLugano Airport – Located 20 miles (32km) – 30 minutes by car
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.