My visit this time was during the fall season and just a few weeks away from the hotel closing for the winter, and what a wonderful time for a visit if you like to have the place to yourself. There was a group from a well known financial institution conferencing there, and I am guessing it was a end-of year celebration for the best of the best financial analysts!

This late in the season we were able to have a lakefront junior suite for an amazing price, a room we would not even consider during the summer season for the reasons of price and availability. Our room was literally fit for a king with two balconys overlooking the lake and main entrance to the Cardinal building. The decor was VERY old world - red velvet, silk, and brocade, with gold leaf and chandeliers everywhere, not really my style, but it was certainly like living in another world - a fantasy world. The bathroom was floor to ceiling black and white marble.

We enjoyed most of our meals in the two dining rooms mainly for convenience, in addition to not wanting to leave this beautiful location. You will find a few restaurants just a short walk into town, with a couple of shops here and there, but you will find that you just want to sit and stare at the lake or explore the lovely grounds. We enjoyed the walking trails behind the hotel, which includes a full spa facility and indoor tennis courts. The chef's garden was delightful as well, and with "fall in the air" the landscape was beautiful as well. The weather was in the high 50s and perfect for exploring.

I am looking forward to my next visit!

Villa d'Este is probably the most exciting hotel i have ever been! You live in 'history' not present, heaven not earth. the whole experience, from the views, rooms, service and even the shower was out of this world. I highly recommend this hotel. Don't miss to walk in the fabulous gardens attached to the Hotel, and if you are lucky you will dine with George Clooney at the hotel restaurant, we were not!
One small comment though, the food was not up to the whole divine experience! But, this did not affect us at all...

I have to think that this is perhaps one of the most beautiful settings for a hotel in the world. My husband and I took our teen daughters here and they were in heaven taking pictures and drinking it all in. Comfy adjoining rooms had gorgeous marble bathrooms with all the amenities expected. My husband had all his shoes polished nightly over the course of our stay and they came back wrapped carefully in felt bags. This is just a sample of their attention to detail. Amazing work out facility and the concierge arranges for reasonably priced cars, so no reason to not go through them. The food is delicious, and yes, expensive, but that's to expect here. And oh what breakfasts! A spread on the buffet unlike any other. Belgian waffles, fresh salmon, crazy good chocolate croissants! Yes, I will come again.

A close friend of mine invited our family to join his for their annual vacation to Villa d'Este. That was 3 years ago, and it is now a luxury that my family is unwilling to live without. First, breakfast is part of your stay, and I dream about it all year. It is amazing. An example of their attention to detail was they used to have apricot donuts, but this year when I noticed they were gone, I inquired. The hotel actually held a meeting, made them for us, delivered them to our room, and had them on our breakfast table for our entire stay. Perfection. Every July I will be there.