From our guides
Our take on Villa d'Este
The definitive grand hotel of the Italian lakes: the floating pool, mosaic gardens and Veranda dining, with 25 acres of park behind the 16th-century villa; LHW member
#1: the floating pool, moored offshore since 1966; the genre's origin and still its summit
#4: the floating pool, moored on the lake since 1966; swimming in Como without being in Como
The Renaissance queen of Como: full guide below
Read more about Villa d'Este
Also listed in Leading Hotels of the World in Italy: All 90+ Members.
Facts checked October 2026.
Biirdee · Preferred Partner
Book Villa d'Este with perks
Tell us your dates and a concierge checks availability at Villa d'Este and the partner perks your stay qualifies for, at the same rate as booking direct.
- Same rate as direct
- Upgrade priority
- Daily breakfast
- Property credits
Partner perks vary by hotel and are confirmed with your rate.
Tell us the trip
A concierge replies within hours
Book at the same rate as direct
A concierge travel agency: paid by the hotel, never by you.
Prefer to talk?WhatsApp[email protected]
Where else to stay
Best on Lake Como
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como
Blevio, Italy
The former CastaDiva estate, a Mandarin Oriental since 2019: villas and suites in a lakeside park, a pool floating on the lake and the most complete spa on Como; the contemporary counterpoint to Villa d'Este.
9.4Excellent · 537 guest reviews
Il Sereno Lago di Como
Torno, Lake Como, Italy
Patricia Urquiola's all-suite modernist retreat (2016): every suite faces the lake, Patrick Blanc's vertical gardens climb the walls and the boats pick you up at the dock; the design world's Como. LHW member.
9.6Exceptional · 159 guest reviews
Palazzo Venezia
Como, Italy
The boutique base in Como town: walkable streets, the funicular and the ferries at hand, and rates well below the lakefront palaces; LHW member.
9.8Exceptional · 280 guest reviews
ARIA Retreat & SPA
Porlezza, Lake Lugano, Italy
The wellness hideaway on the quietest lake of the set.
9.7Exceptional · 204 guest reviews
The Lake Como EDITION
Griante, Lake Como, Italy
Ian Schrager's take on the Lake Como villa hotel, on the lake's western shore with gardens running down to the water.
From the same guides
Hotels we rank alongside Villa d'Este
Portrait Milano
Quadrilatero della Moda, Corso Venezia, Milan, Italy
The Ferragamo family's conversion of a 16th-century seminary, opened in December 2022: 73 rooms and suites around the Piazza del Quadrilatero, the city's grandest new courtyard, with Beefbar on the square. Two MICHELIN Keys, LHW member, and our pick for a couple who want Milan's fashion-district scene.
9.7Exceptional · 179 guest reviews
Lido Palace
Riva del Garda, Italy
Northern Garda's grande dame: mountains meeting the water.
9.5Exceptional · 432 guest reviews
Palazzo Parigi
Brera, Corso di Porta Nuova, Milan, Italy
Marble, gardens and a serious spa at the edge of the gallery district: 98 rooms, many with a balcony or terrace, a lounge bar in the private garden, the Grand Spa with an indoor pool, family rooms and babysitting. One MICHELIN Key; LHW member.
9.4Excellent · 270 guest reviews
Grand Hotel Fasano
Gardone Riviera, Lake Garda, Italy
Belle-époque Garda with its own beach club and spa.
9.3Excellent · 885 guest reviews
Casa Baglioni
Brera, Via dei Giardini, Milan, Italy
A 1913 Art Nouveau building in Brera, opened by Baglioni in 2023: 30 rooms and suites by Spagnulo & Partners, Claudio Sadler's Michelin-starred restaurant and a seventh-floor rooftop bar. Family suites sold with children and teens staying free make it Brera's best small hotel for a family; LHW member.
9.2Excellent · 315 guest reviews
Grand Hotel et de Milan
Quadrilatero della Moda, Via Manzoni, Milan, Italy
Opened in 1863 and Verdi's home for 27 years, steps from La Scala: 95 rooms with period furniture, Don Carlos for dinner among sketches and scenes from La Scala's museum (Tuesday to Saturday) and Gerry's Bar until midnight, where a guest on their own is never out of place. Old-Milan soul with Two MICHELIN Keys; LHW member.
9.0Excellent · 401 guest reviews