One of the great hotels of the world — a 16th-century cardinal's palace turned hotel in Cernobbio since 1873, with floating pool on the lake, 25 acres of terraced gardens, and 150 years of kings, presidents, and celebrities. One of the most historically prestigious addresses on the lake.
Why We Chose It
Villa d'Este in Cernobbio is one of the oldest continuously operating grand hotels in the world — a cardinal's palace built in 1568, converted to a hotel in 1873, maintained at the highest level ever since. The floating pool (a wooden barge moored on the lake) has been a Villa d'Este signature since 1927. The 25 acres of terraced gardens are among the finest private gardens in Italy. The 152 rooms and suites are furnished with period antiques. The villa hosts the legendary Concorso d'Eleganza (one of the world's most prestigious classic car events) each May.
What Stands Out
- 1568 cardinal's palace — one of the oldest grand hotels in the world
- operating since 1873
- Floating pool on the lake — a Villa d'Este signature since 1927
- 25 acres of terraced gardens — among the finest in Italy
- Concorso d'Eleganza each May — one of the world's great classic car events
- New Year's Eve ball: the premier social event on Lake Como