Renaissance lakeside institution
A sixteenth-century cardinal's estate preserves grand hotel traditions, where jacketed dinners overlook Lake Como.
“Tucked away in a natural, private cove on Lake Como, Villa d’Este, Lago di Como embraces the vibrant scenery and the calm, cool waters”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
A 1568 Renaissance estate by Pellegrino Tibaldi, operating as a grand hotel since 1873.
Exceptional
Jacket-and-tie evening dinners, lakefront aperitifs, and formal salon rituals preserved across generations.
Remarkable
Synchronized cloche service at La Veranda and monogrammed linen pillowcases in lakeside suites.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Rest of Italy
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Tatler.
Inside, it’s the royal treatment all the way: the service is possibly the gold standard for grand hotels, and the interiors are opulent…
“A similarly high-profile line-up of VIP guests continued to frequent the property after it became a hotel in 1873, and still visit today for its picturesque lakeside location, 10 hectares of grounds and famous floating swimming pool.”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The estate rests in a private cove in Cernobbio, with its own marina launching wooden motorboats across the lake.
1 of 5
The rooms
Rooms across the two historic mansions have Como silks, period antiques, and private balconies over the water.
The floating pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated swimming pool and whirlpool float on a pontoon directly on the lake, surrounded by sundeck loungers.
The spa
Treatment rooms in the Beauty Center host Biologique Recherche rituals alongside a sauna, steam bath, and indoor pool.
Restaurant
La Veranda
Retractable glass walls open toward the lake and mosaic gardens, setting the scene for classic tableside service.
It’s unabashedly old-world in the best way, with royal gardens, museum-worthy art pieces, ‘six-star’ service, and an iconic floating pool...
At the table
Bar Canova serves evening cocktails beneath marble columns and chandeliers, and The Greenhouse offers drinks in the winter garden.
How it began
Princess Caroline of Brunswick landscaped the English gardens in 1815 before the Renaissance palazzo became a hotel in 1873.
Lake Como
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.