Villa d’Este in Cernobbio is something truly exceptional – a property that fully lives up to its reputation as one of the finest hotels in Italy. Every detail reflects thoughtful design, tradition, and an unmistakable sense of exclusivity. The experience begins already at the gate, where professionally dressed staff politely and discreetly confirm your access, ensuring a sense of both security and refined exclusivity from the very first moment. At the entrance, attentive doormen take care of your luggage while you check in, setting the tone for a stay defined by high-level service throughout. We were fortunate to receive an upgrade, which added that extra touch to our visit. Our room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and perfectly located close to the impressive health club and spa area, featuring a pool, a well-equipped gym, and even a squash court. The grounds themselves also offer several exclusive boutiques for shopping, as well as a hair salon. The hotel offers two restaurants: a refined à la carte option and a more relaxed grill restaurant. However, our most memorable moment was spent on the elegant lakeside terrace, enjoying the bistro menu with a glass of rosé at sunset. The atmosphere was simply magical, beautifully accompanied by live piano music performed on a grand piano, set right on the terrace. For drinks and snacks there is also a beautiful pianobar inside, that had live entertainment. The location of the hotel is ideal, within walking distance of the charming center of Cernobbio. A short stroll can be refreshing, yet one quickly finds oneself wanting to return to the tranquility and beauty of Villa d’Este. Having stayed at many luxury hotels, I can honestly say that I struggle to recall anything quite like this. It is easy to understand why the property is considered among the very best in Italy – truly a playground for the privileged, yet also a secluded retreat. If there is one area that clearly fell below expectations, it was the concierge service. At a property of this caliber, one anticipates a proactive, solution-oriented approach – yet even relatively simple questions regarding local excursions could not be answered satisfactorily. When we needed to replace an item we had forgotten to pack, we were merely directed to a shop in town rather than being offered assistance in arranging it through the hotel. At comparable hotels, such requests are typically handled seamlessly by the concierge, with items sourced and delivered directly to the guest – a service we would naturally have been more than willing to pay for. While this did not detract significantly from the overall experience, it was nevertheless surprising to encounter a level of service here that did not align with the otherwise exceptional standards maintained throughout the property. In any case, this extraordinary, fairytale-like property is unlike anything else. I can highly recommend it. This was our third visit – and certainly not our last.
