The grande dame of Lake Como
Villa d'Este is Lake Como at its most classic: a palace built as a private residence in the sixteenth century, set in twenty-five acres of gardens that run down to the water. The pool floats on the lake itself. It is formal by design — jacket and tie in the main dining room — and it rewards travellers who want old-world grandeur rather than modern minimalism.
Yes. Alongside its formality it has a children's pool and babysitting, and the gardens give children room to roam. It suits three generations travelling together.
It is seasonal and closes in winter. For a December trip to the lake, we use one of the few Como hotels that stay open.