Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy · Cardinal Suite · Piano Nobile
The most celebrated hotel on Lake Como since 1873 — a 16th-century Cardinal's palace with 25 acres of formal Italian gardens, the world-famous floating pool directly on the lake, and 151 rooms and suites in two historic buildings. MICHELIN 1 Key. The Cardinal Suite on the piano nobile, with its private lake terrace, is the most coveted room in northern Italy.
Villa d'Este was built in 1568 as the summer palace of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, designed by Pellegrino Pellegrini — known as Il Tibaldi. For three centuries it passed through European royalty and aristocracy: Princess Caroline of Wales, Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia. In 1873 it opened as a luxury hotel. Alfred Hitchcock filmed his first feature here. Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were regulars. George and Amal Clooney still use the Grill as their local restaurant when in residence on the lake.
The Cardinal Suite occupies 108 square metres on the piano nobile — the first floor of the original 1568 Cardinal's Building and the most prestigious floor in the villa. Golden and deep velvet red interiors, antique furnishings, oil paintings, and silk drapes. The private terrace wraps the suite on two sides, with an unobstructed view of Lake Como, the formal Baroque garden, and the floating pool below. The suite can be connected to an adjacent lake-view double room to accommodate four guests.
The floating pool is Villa d'Este's most iconic feature: a 45,000-litre heated pool on a teak-decked platform, encircled by a lacquered wood balustrade, floating on Lake Como and connected to the villa by a wooden walkway. The Sporting Club — eight clay tennis courts with lake views, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and an indoor pool — makes Villa d'Este the most complete leisure estate on the Italian lakes.
The Cardinal Suite is the most exclusive accommodation at Villa d'Este, occupying the piano nobile of the 1568 Cardinal's Building. At 108 square metres, the suite features golden hues and deep velvet red throughout: antique furnishings, oil paintings from the hotel collection, silk drapes, marble bathroom, and a wrap-around lake terrace. The suite is the only room in the hotel named for its original builder.
All Villa d'Este facilities are included: the floating pool on the lake (May to September), the indoor pool, the Sporting Club (eight clay tennis courts with lake views, squash, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing), the spa with Turkish bath and gym, and the outdoor Jacuzzi by the lake. The concierge arranges private Riva boat tours and transfers to Bellagio, Varenna, and other lake villages.
The Veranda is Villa d'Este's signature restaurant — the formal dining room opening directly onto the lakeside terrace with retractable windows. Chef Andrea Guerini produces traditional Italian haute cuisine with seasonal ingredients and a curated wine list. Dress code applies in the evenings; jacket and tie required. The Grill, in the garden under centuries-old trees, is the casual complement to the Veranda — grilled meats and classic fish dishes in a relaxed lakeside setting.
Bar Canova on the lakefront terrace is one of the most celebrated aperitivo experiences in Italy: champagne, raw seafood, live music, and the sunset view across Lake Como toward the Alps. Platano is the hotel's newest concept — Mediterranean-Japanese fusion by the lake, with an extensive wine-centric menu.
Four nights in the Cardinal Suite — the piano nobile of the 1568 Cardinal Gallio villa, with private terrace above the floating pool and Lake Como. The Riva Aquarama on the water. Dinner at the Veranda at sunset. Aperitivo at Bar Canova as live music begins.
All packages are fully customisable. Contact your Richseen specialist for tailored inclusions.
Villa d'Este has been defined, repeatedly, as one of the finest hotels in the world. It has been so since 1873. The floating pool on the lake is a world first. The Cardinal Suite is in the room where Cardinal Gallio himself received guests in the 16th century. The Riva Aquarama is the correct boat for Lake Como. The Veranda, at sunset, facing the water — is one of the singular dining experiences in Europe. George and Amal Clooney use the Grill as their local restaurant.
A 4-night stay in the Cardinal Suite — 108 square metres on the piano nobile of the 1568 Cardinal's Building, with a private terrace overlooking Lake Como and the floating pool. Daily breakfast. Two dinners included. The Riva Aquarama boat tour. Bellagio and Varenna by private boat.
The floating pool at dawn. Chef Guerini tasting menu at the Veranda with sommelier pairings. Bar Canova aperitivo as live music begins. The 25-acre Baroque garden in morning light.
All components are fully flexible — refined with your Richseen specialist prior to confirmation.