The Best of Everything
by TripAdvisor Member ReadHere
The greatest location, the most beautiful grounds, the most elaborate building, the most polite and professional staff at all levels, the best rooms, the best restaurants, the best service- that's the Villa D'Este. At another level from all others anywhere else. Celebrities spotted everywhere on the premises. The average age of people staying there is a bit mature; it's not for a family with a bunch of little kids. The only younger people there are rock stars or professional athletes. Yeah, it's that amazing. Pricey, sure. The restaurant prices are comparable to New York City restaurants- but the food and the service are utterly incomparible with anywhere else. Each food item is a work of art, amazingly fresh and delicious. The grounds are breathtaking. The gym is maybe a bit small and could use better equipment, but most of the time you'll be laying at the amazing pool being served the greatest drinks of your life, while rock stars and their families frolick around you. I cried when it was time to leave. Start saving your pennies. You must go there once in your lifetime.
I left my heart at this hotel!
by TripAdvisor Member 1919
What can you say about this hotel. Go there! Its not cheap in fact its expensive but it will be the best money you have ever spent. Even though my visit was over 2 years ago I still remember the experience and think back fondly on everything about this place. The building, the views, the lake, the service, the staff all are superb. If you like luxury and are prepared to pay for it then you must go to this hotel! Please can you take me next time you go!!
The Best!
by A TripAdvisor Member
This hotel is the ultimate in luxury; I have been twice, and everything is just perfect. The setting on the lake is spectacular; you won't want to leave. The alps in the distance coupled with the striking blue of the lake and the stuning gardens surrounding the villa are unforgettable. The service is impeccable: warm, welcoming, not pretentious at all. Classy. The restaurant is probably the best restaurant I have ever eaten at. Everything is an artform at the Villa d'Este.
You are treated like nobility at the Villa d'Este, and will not regret choosing this magnificent hotel.
One of the best in Italy
by TripAdvisor Member ManchesterSB
Quite simply outstanding. The Villa d'Este is perfection. It would be impossible for this to be better. The maintenance standards of the hotel are wonderful and the staff exude old world courtesy and charm. Food in the Veranda Restaurant is traditional Italian and extremely well cooked, served and presented. A charming, wonderful place to stay.
A little slice of heaven
by TripAdvisor Member grandtraveler
I decided to spend two extra days of my European vacation on Lake Como, since I have heard so much about it. I was on a Greek Island cruise, which ended up in Venice. (See my review of the Danieli in Venice). I decided to take my first train ride in Europe, which was wonderful. I bought my ticket on the internet before leaving the US. It was just a (4) hour train ride through the countryside of Italy......through Milan and up to Como. I arranged for the hotel to send a private car to meet me at the Como train station, as I was traveling alone. (I highly recommend taking the hassle out of your travels by utilizing private limo services and hotel limo services). The English speaking driver wisked me away promptly in his Mercedes. The hotel was about 15 minutes away from the Como train station.
Once at the hotel the check-in clerk gave me a private tour of the grounds before showing me my room. (A very nice touch). Also while getting a tour of the hotel and grounds I turned around and there he was, Mr. Wonderful.........Michael Jordan. I realized that this INDEED was the place to stay. He was very pleasant and seemed to be enjoying his stay as much as I was.
My room was in the main building on the 3rd floor. It had an abundance of top drawer toiletries, fabulous linens and a large bathroom. I was on the AMEX Platinum plan, therefore I think I must of had an upgrade because I reserved a "single" room. This room had a large bed with very luxurious amenities. My window opened onto the courtyard. I especially noticed an abundance of birds singing......much louder than at home in South Carolina.
Overall, the grounds were amazing. There were flowers everywhere and the gardens were fabulous. The pool floating on the lake was beautiful too. I ate in the Grill one night and the Veranda the next night. The food was delicious and the service even better. Dining was outside due to the perfect weather. At one point during dinner a helicoper swooped over a distant mountain and landed on the heliport of the hotel. I felt like I was in a James Bond "007" movie. Sitting outside at night overlooking the lake with twinkling lights from the distant villages is just too beautiful to describe. Very peaceful........almost magical, and I was by myself!
The town of Chernobbio is a short 10 minute walk, which is where you catch the ferry service to the other villages on the lake. It seems like a lovely village. Bellagio is a must-see! Quaint little shops and great restaurants. Too many tourists though. I may want to stay there next time to be nearer to the "action" when I visit Lake Como again. If you want to splurge take a private water taxi back to the Villa d'Este from Bellagio. What an entrance, pulling up to this fabulous hotel in your private boat.
Leaving was not easy but the memories live on. The Milan airport is a short 40 minute ride by car.
Villa d'Este is worth the splurge even if you only spend (1) night, although more is better. I am looking forward to my next visit to Italy and Lake Como.
Photos
Love Bugs in Prague ©
This time not alone, my wish is true!©
Drawing from our balcony©
Cernobbio by Jelena
Forum Posts
villa deste
by genebeans
I have done a lot of reading about the hotel. I stayed there over 20 years ago and found it to be unfriendly, stuffy, jackets and ties for dinner and in total not a place to relax. We enjoyed the Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio much better.
Latest reading on the Hotel confirm that not much has changed. It is almost 100% American guests, the food leaves a lot to be desired as compared to other places in Italy and it is really expensive.
Other than the beauty of the location does anyone have anything real positive to say about this hotel or is it mostly fluff..Thanks
RE: villa deste
by nicolaitan
we stayed at Villa d'Este a few years ago. It is so beautiful. We couldn't afford the dinners after paying for the room for 5 nights, but the included breakfast buffet was oh so good. ON our last morning, we had to leave before the buffet opened for our flight, and a kind server got us a full breakfast and wouldn't accept anything for his services, which leaves a great impression. We had the balcony over the lake to ourselves. That said, the biggest problem we had with the staff was the concierge desk - snooty and helpful only in the most minimal degree. But everyone else was okay. ONe thing - we were there in the last week of July and there were very few Americans. With the weakness of the dollar, even at this level of expense, perhaps that has taken its toll. The floating pool is spectacular. And we found a few cheaper restaurants that we could highly recommend in Cernobbio.
RE: RE: villa deste
by genebeans
Thanks for your comments. If I do end up there I will let you know so I can get the names of the restaurants etc. Thanks again-Gene
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