Rating
"Luxury on the Lake" Villa d'Este or Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni? Was the question I kept on asking on every travel forum including this one. Almost everyone replied in favor of Serbelloni citing the Bellagio would be a more picturesque place and that Serbelloni is a better hotel. Well, one thing I've learned in life is this: listen to what everyone else suggests and then do the opposite. The opposite in my case meant going with Villa d'Este. If money is no object then d'Este should be your destination. Don't go there looking for a bargain. You won't find one. However what you will find is top of the line service, great restaurants, breathtaking grounds, serenity, tranquility and a swimming pool that floats on the lake. You will be greeted by genuine smiles and you'll feel that staff is there to cater to your every whim. I am still scratching my head unable to figure out how the hell all of these reviewers encountered "bad service"? Someone writes that it was due to their young age or the fact that they were americans. Well, we're new yorkers in our mid-20s and everything we have requested or inquired about was delivered instantly & professionally. Upon arrival we were greeted by the concierge who showed us around and always made sure to find out if there was anything we needed when he saw us on daily basis. I'd like to repeat myself and say once again: service was impeccable. And as many reviewers here like to point out that they have "seen a 5 star hotel or two" and "know what 5 star service should be like" I'll go on to say the same, with the recent week-long stay at Rome's St. Regis Grand, along with many other places all over the world, of course :-). Since we were there for my birthday, the hotel has delivered champagne on the day of arrival, insisted (we practically don't drink) on champagne at dinner (jacket & tie are required at Veranda, but nothing tops a sunset dinner on the lake) and brought out a beautiful cake with candles for dessert. Though the hotel was fully booked during our stay at the end of August and quite a few families were with kids (very well-behaved kids, thank god) I was surprised to see many young couples after having read that the place is predominantly "senior citizen". Our room was located on the third floor of the main building facing the main entrance (end of august is high season and balcony rooms with lake views were sold out, but try to go for those for amazing views). It was very spacious, with high ceilings and 2 huge windows. Make sure to request the main building and not the red pavilion, a newer building located by The Grill restaurant. Breakfast was included in our stay and was limited to coffee, juice & pastries for in-room, but was absolutely amazing, and with a vast selection, if you chose to come down and have it by the lake in the Veranda. The ferry is located in Cernobbio 10 minutes away from d'Este by foot, but we rented the boat from the hotel and it was beautiful 2 hours on the lake with a guided tour from the "Captain". After reading thousands of reviews about how beautiful Bellagio is I was a bit disappointed by how it really was just another village on the lake with lots of hotels and even more tourists. But another side of me was very happy that I made the right choice and went with d'Este. For our trips to Lugano & Milan we also went ahead with d'Este for transportation. I'm positive that trip to Milan would have cost significantly less had we taken the train, but I doubt it'd be significantly less had we ordered a taxi. With everything said, don't follow my advice on doing the opposite. Visit the Villa that will capture your heart for years to come and please email me if you have any questions or want to see photos of this slice of italian heaven :-).

Rating
"The Best of Everything" The greatest location, the most beautiful grounds, the most elaborate building, the most polite and professional staff at all levels, the best rooms, the best restaurants, the best service- that's the Villa D'Este. At another level from all others anywhere else. Celebrities spotted everywhere on the premises. The average age of people staying there is a bit mature; it's not for a family with a bunch of little kids. The only younger people there are rock stars or professional athletes. Yeah, it's that amazing. Pricey, sure. The restaurant prices are comparable to New York City restaurants- but the food and the service are utterly incomparible with anywhere else. Each food item is a work of art, amazingly fresh and delicious. The grounds are breathtaking. The gym is maybe a bit small and could use better equipment, but most of the time you'll be laying at the amazing pool being served the greatest drinks of your life, while rock stars and their families frolick around you. I cried when it was time to leave. Start saving your pennies. You must go there once in your lifetime.

Rating
"I left my heart at this hotel!" What can you say about this hotel. Go there! Its not cheap in fact its expensive but it will be the best money you have ever spent. Even though my visit was over 2 years ago I still remember the experience and think back fondly on everything about this place. The building, the views, the lake, the service, the staff all are superb. If you like luxury and are prepared to pay for it then you must go to this hotel! Please can you take me next time you go!!

Rating
"Go ahead and splurge!" Everything you have read here is true!!! This is a truely fabulous place. Room was 890 euros per night for the exclusive jr. suite in main house. My wife and I had a big lunch that cost us $300 ($100 for the wine) but we did get to sit 10 feet away from Billy Joel and his wife! Dinner at Non Solo Pasta? restaurant was interesting. Only 5 tables in the restaurant. A large buffet followed by pasta, cheese then dessert!? Way too much food!!!! I can't figure out why such a small restaurant in this large resort. Work out room needs to be brought up to date. Some machines are as old as the hotel. First class all the way! Service at it's finest from the minute you arrive until the moment you leave. Everyone makes you feel like a million bucks (afterall, that's pretty close to what your bill is when you leave!! But it's all worth it!!) If you have $2000 that you would like to spend for a truly memorable experience, I would highly recommend you stay at least one night at Villa D'Este. You will not regret it!

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