Sitting on the banks of one of the most romantic lakes in the world and just north of Milan, Villa d'Este was built in 1568 as the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. The property comprises 25 acres of gardens, whose statues and landscape have been photographed for centuries.

The favourite playground of an Empress, an English queen and aristocrats, it was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1873. Villa d'Este, a former 16th century princely residence, surrounded by a 25 acre park, is more than just a hotel. The luxury and magnificence of a bygone era is maintained intact. We simply added all the up-to-date amenities. Upon emerging from the revolving doors you feel the cares of the modern world slip away and the warm greetings of the staff make you feel at home.

Villa d'Este totals 152 rooms. The main house built in 1568 and known as the Cardinal's building counts 125 rooms while the trompe l'oeil masterpiece known as the Queen's Pavilion, inaugurated in 1860 has 27 rooms. In 1873 the two Villas combined into one property became Villa d'Este. Every air conditioned room is different both in size and décor. Period furniture. Oil paintings. Como silk covers sofas and chairs. Drapes are silk brocade. Linen sheets. Walk-in closets Some rooms have balconies or terraces.

The Private Villas of Villa D'Este

Villa d'Este is pleased to offer guests seeking the ultimate Lake Como experience, two magnificently renovated 19th Century villas that are located within the resort's 25-acre park. Villa Malakoff and Villa Cima are available for short term tenancies with amenities ranging from housekeeping to full hotel service.

Guests are able to use all of the facilities and amenities of the hotel, while maintaining the privacy and exclusivity that their own private villa can offer.

The interiors and décor of both Villas respect the patrician villa atmosphere that is traditional in Como and within the Villa d'Este. Guests will experience an elegance and attention to detail that is the hallmark of our service.

More about Villa D'Este

Continuously renovated and updated, without sacrificing any of its old-world charm, Villa d'Este today offers 152 rooms, all different in decor but linked by the superior standards of hospitality that you expect from one of Europe's truly legendary resorts.

The design of the lower part of the gardens is from the Renaissance period. The two most outstanding landmarks are the 500 year old plane tree and the 16th century Mosaic with its Nympheum. Apart from the topiary hedges and the bushes of bamboo, azaleas, camellias, oleanders, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, there are roses and jasmine bushes. The trees range from chestnut, magnolia, oleafragrans, wisteria, palm, cypress, pine, ilex, privet, mediar to many others.

Dining at Villa d'Este is "A Moveable Feast". Dining options are available throughout the day and the evening just about anywhere on the premises.

The Gardens of Villa D'Este on Lake Como

The design of the lower part of the gardens is from the Renaissance period. The two most outstanding landmarks are the 500 year old plane tree and the 16th century Mosaic with its Nympheum. Apart from the topiary hedges and the bushes of bamboo, azaleas, camellias, oleanders, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, there are roses and jasmine bushes. The trees range from chestnut, magnolia, oleafragrans, wisteria, palm, cypress, pine, ilex, privet, mediar to many others.

The Golf Course

A beautiful 18-hole course designed by Peter Gannon which winds its way through chestnut, ash and pine trees sheltering golfers even from the intense August heat. Villa d'Este is considered one of the most challenging and difficult par 69's in Europe, even though it is the site of several amateur competitions each year. The club house overlooks several holes and a spacious view of the Montorfano lake.

Distance in miles from Villa d'Este: 7