Villa d'Este at Cernobbio, Lago di Coma, Italia

Villa d'Este at Cernobbio, Lago di Coma, Italia evokes wonderful memories for me - lush gardens with statuary...palatial buildings...a boathouse...an elegant lobby with wide marble staircases and all on the banks of beautiful Lake Como. And, to me - the epitome of luxury - a beautiful hotel room complete with a fireplace (never mind that it was June in Italy and over 100F.)

Centuries ago, this estate and palatial villa was one of several that belonged to Cardinal d'Este and for the last century and a half, an elegant, luxurious hotel with spectacular grounds. (NOTE: This the information which was given to us when we stayed there back in the 1960's; more current research indicates it was built in the mid 1500's but not for a cardinal Este, but another cardinal.) It passed through the ownership of many noble and royal and non-titled families of European descent for more than three centuries. The Princess of Wales gave it the name of "New Villa d'este." The various owners remodeled and redecorated, adding rooms including a complete theatre. In 1873 it was renovated and turned into a luxury hotel. And, the word "New" was dropped, and it's been known as Villa d'este ever since.

The hotel has a marvelous collection of sixteenth-century paintings and sculptures. A large park with fountains, statues, and cave surrounds the Villa itself. When we stayed there, my grandmother was given a book with illustrations of the gardens during its different stages under the estate's various owners. Once back home, she took the book to a local San Francisco artist, chose a specific illustration and had a beautiful oil painting made. Today that painting hangs in my aunt and uncle's home.

This hotel is often referred to as "the legendary grand dame of the Italian Lake hotels." As a popular "home away from home" for many celebrities, it's also known as "Hollywood on Lake Como." At one time, the villa was accessible by boat only. Today, if you can arrive by private boat you definitely should. It's absolutely wonderful to float up to this palatial estate and step onto the lovely terrace.. Or, there is a private helipad And, you can simply arrive by car (as I have done.) It's a 5 to 10 minute ride from the train station and about 75 kilometers from the Milan airport.

Each of its 150+ rooms are decorated differently, often with unusual furnishings. Although the rooms are old, their bathrooms are quite spacious and up to date. The corner rooms afford the best views. There is a spa, sports center, and two swimming pools, one indoors and one, well, outside. The most interesting pool is the one outside, actually in the lake itself, tethered to withstand any storms or an errant jet skier. There are several tennis courts on the property and a few nearby golf courses.

The service is 5-star also - discreet but excellent. You'll find a sumptuous buffet for breakfast and you can enjoy outdoor and terrace dining during the summer. The men in your party must wear a coat and tie in the evenings. Any ladies will also want to dress up - it's fun and there is dancing after dinner. There is also a disco and a piano bar. The various amenities, the superb service and the wonderful cuisine is part of the reason this hotel has won so many awards over the years. It's also a member of the very prestigious Leading Hotels of the World.

Even if you don't stay at the Villa d'Este, it's worth a visit to enjoy the 10-acre park and the lobby and terrace, restaurant and bar areas of this marvelous estate.

Once you leave the hotel property, you'll find much to do in the area. There are ferries linking most of the towns of Lake Como, providing a terrific way to do some sightseeing. There is also a local a bus system to villages around the lake. There are several funiculars (trams) that will take you up into the hills.

Lake Como has many silk stores so this is an excellent place to buy silks and designer fabrics also. You might want to check out the silk museum in Como. The cathedral is quite stunning so be sure to visit it.

The walled town of Como has a good historic center and squares with many good shops and little cafes. There are walking paths near town. From here you can take the funicular to Brunate, a village about 700 meters above Como. You'll find magnificent views of the Alps and Lago di Como along with hiking trails.

Menaggio near the mountains is a beautiful resort with a lakeside promenade. It's popular for hiking, swimming, windsurfing and rock climbing. South of there you'll find Villa Carlotta, with hundreds of types of flowers in its beautiful gardens. You can tour the inside to see the original 18th century furnishings and art works.

Bellagio, "pearl of the lake" should not be missed. Shopping arcades facing the lake are lined with shops. There are heavy curtains hanging between the arches to keep the visitors (with their poodles!) cool. While tourists throng these arcades, to save some euro, join the locals who shop up the hill.

Although I've been to the Villa d'este website in the past, I've not been able to locate the English site. Here are some other sites you can visit for more information - lhw.com; whatahotel.com.

Ciao!