Ever since I stayed at the Villa d'Este at Lago di Como (lake Como), Italy. I can go back to Lake Como over and over again.
The lobby of this lakeside villa is spectacular with lots of marble, beautiful chandeliers and a magnificent staircase. Its rooms and suites are large, have air conditioning, with fireplaces in many of the guestrooms. Many rooms also have private balconies or terraces. Each room is beautifully appointed and unique in design. You'll find silk brocade drapes, period furniture, oil paintings, linen sheets, and sofas covered in Como silk. The grounds are gorgeous - a beautifully landscaped 25 acre park with statuary and stonework. My grandmother had a painting created from a scene in a book she purchased when we stayed at there years ago. It hung in her dining room until her death.
This 5-star property has welcomed guests since 1873, and was originally built as a home for an Italian cardinal in the mid 1500's. It's located at Cernobbio on Lago di Como less than an hour away from Milan, and five minutes from the Como train station and the Swiss border.
Villa d'Este at Lago di Como Its amenities includes a night club, piano bar, a pool floating on the lake, a children's pool, an indoor pool, a gym, eight tennis courts (six clay), and a spa and health club. There are also boutiques, a barbershop, beauty salon, a Turkish bath and a sauna. Several golf courses are a short drive away. There is also a business center and high speed internet access in the public rooms. There are several reception and meeting rooms holding up to 400 guests for special events and celebrations.
You can enjoy haute Italian cuisine in a formal setting on their verandah or in their Grill. There is also a Japanese eatery, Kisho. In summer, you may choose to dine on the terrace or on the sundeck for snacks and light meals. There is also a disco on the property. And, a helipad for guests wishing to arrive by helicoptor.
Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, and one of the deepest lakes in the country. The bottom of the lake is over 200 meters below sea level. Ferries and private boats travel up and down the lake which is about 28 miles long but only two miles wide.
Rates run from $400 to $600 USD nightly according to the season and availability. You may do better trying to get lower rates from a discount online hotel site.
For more information on this fabulous hotel, please visit villadeste.it | 
