Proper Travel
Cernobbio, Lake Como — Italy

Villa d'Este

The grande dame of Lake Como — a 16th-century cardinal's villa whose floating pool, gilded salons, and terraced gardens have hosted four centuries of the world's discerning travellers.

Cernobbio, Lake Como
From €950/night · 152 rooms & suites
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What makes it worth the price

Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio built this villa in 1568 for a retirement of appropriate grandeur — frescoed ceilings, terraced gardens cascading to the lake, and a theatre where the greatest performers of the age entertained. Four and a half centuries later, Villa d'Este remains the most complete expression of Italian aristocratic hospitality imaginable.

The famous floating pool anchored to the lake is perhaps the most photographed swimming pool in Europe — a pontoon of teak and white canvas that appears to float on the water's surface, with the Alps rising behind. The terraced gardens, designed for leisurely strolling at the golden hour, are among the most beautiful in Lombardy.

Villa d'Este makes no concessions to fashion. The gilded mirrors, the silk damask, the livered staff — they reflect a consistent philosophy that has served it well across four centuries: that true luxury is a form of permanence.

LocationVia Regina 40, Cernobbio, Lake Como
Total rooms152 rooms & suites
HistoricBuilt 1568 for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio
SignatureFloating pool on the lake
GardensTerraced, 10+ hectares
SeasonApril – October only
DiningVerandah Restaurant & Grill
Price range€950 – €8,000 / night

Rooms & Suites

From beautifully furnished Superior rooms in the Cardinal and Queen's pavilions to the palatial Grand Suite occupying the piano nobile of the original 16th-century villa.

Premier Lake View Room Villa d Este
Entry Level
Premier Lake View Room

Furnished with antiques and period fabrics, these rooms look out over the lake or the terraced gardens. Many have small private balconies. The proportions are generous — this is a villa, not a modern hotel — and the light from the water fills the rooms from morning onwards.

Lake viewAntique furnishingsPrivate balconyGarden access
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Grand Room with Terrace Villa d Este
Mid-Tier
Grand Room with Terrace

Significantly larger than the standard rooms, with private terraces large enough for a proper alfresco breakfast. Views extend across the lake to the Larian Triangle and the distant mountains. Furnished with museum-quality pieces from the hotel's own collection.

Private terraceLake panoramaMountain viewsMuseum antiques
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Lake View Suite Villa d Este
Top Tier
Lake View Suite

The suites of Villa d'Este occupy some of the original villa's most historic rooms, with coffered ceilings, marble floors, and views that encompass the full sweep of the lake. A separate reception room, dedicated concierge, and the original 16th-century architectural details make these among the most memorable suites in Italy.

Original architectureCoffered ceilingsFull lake panoramaDedicated concierge
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Book Your Stay

Check live dates and pricing

Villa d'Este is open from April to October only — the best rooms and suites sell out months in advance for July and August. Book early and check flexible cancellation options.

Rates from €950/night Breakfast · Lake & pool access

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