Italy’s award-winning Hotel Villa d’Este, the world-famous resort hotel overlooking Lake Como, will begin celebrating its 150th season when it opens on March 3, 2022. The ongoing commemorative festivities will feature special events, famous guests, signature cocktails, themed menus as well as a property wide ‘Then and Now’ exhibition including historic facts and photos.
*And, for only the second time in its storied history, Villa d’Este will remain open for the festive holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s) and offer unique experiences to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Resplendent with Christmas décor, Villa d'Este will surprise and delight guests of all ages who will have the chance to be part of a new chapter in the hotel’s history. Holiday packages will be available soon.
Originally built in 1568 as the summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, Villa d’Este has for centuries served as a residence for the aristocracy including princesses, marquises, sultans, and tsars. And since 1873, an elegant five-star resort; one of the most celebrated in the world.
Today Villa d'Este is continuously updated and renovated and offers 152 guest room and suites as well as four private villas. They reflect the ultimate in modern luxury whilst maintaining its enchanting old-world charm and character along with the intimacy of an exquisite private home.
VILLA D’ESTE: FAMOUS FIRSTS & FUN FACTS
• The property is home to the first floating pool on a lake, originally built in 1966 and replaced a few years later by the current pool.
• The only hotel in the world to have a car exclusively named for it: The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d’Este.
• Known as “Hollywood on the Lake” since Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks first visited Villa d’Este. A succession of movie stars followed from Greta Garbo to Bette Davis and Elizabeth Taylor to Frank Sinatra. The storybook property is where George Clooney first stayed and fell in love with the region and more recently, Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, and Jennifer Aniston. The resort was the destination wedding location for Emily Blunt and John Krasinski as well as John Legend and Chrissy Teigen.
• The 25-acre Gardens of Villa d’Este reflect both the Renaissance and the 18th century styles and employ eight gardeners. Each year approximately 80,000 new flowers are planted. There are more than 25 botanical species within the garden. The most extraordinary feature is the landmark 16th century Mosaic with its Nymphaeum.
• In high season, the staff is composed of 340 ladies and gentlemen.
• The induction kitchen is over 8,000 square feet and the brigade is composed of 47 Chefs led by Executive Chef Michele Zambanini.
• Lake Como's first hotel to offer a charging station for electric boats (2021).
• The longest returning guest has been coming to the resort for 60 years, and says his room used to cost roughly $38 USD.
