Villa d’Este Hotel in Florence

Photo Credit: www.italianvisits.com

The Villa d’Este Hotel in Florence, Italy, was voted as the top hotel in the world by Forbes Traveler in 2009. It’s hard to deny that this is, indeed, one very spectacular hotel.

The hotel sits on Lake Como, and is actually a converted residence from the 16th century. To say it’s palatial is to diminish its grandeur. It sits on around 300 acres of space, groomed and planned to inspire the senses. There are fountains galore, including the Fountain of Neptune and Fountain of Tivoli, and the row of 100 fountains. As a matter of fact, there are over 500 fountains on the premises. There are also many statues and gardens, mosaics, and multiple spas on its grounds.

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There are nearly 160 rooms available in the hotel, ranging from double rooms to suites. Most of the rooms have their own Jacuzzi, which is a nice touch. There are three restaurants in the hotel, one of which is supposed to have the best Japanese food in the nation. The residence has been a hotel for around 130 years, and is known for high marble ceilings, columns, and multiple staircases.

If you’re lucky to arrive at certain times of the year, there are even tours planned through the hotel that will let you see other areas of Italy during an extended stay at the hotel. You’re already on the shores of Lake Como, but there are other sites to see along the lake, including other old villas. There are also tours to Florence, Tuscany, and Chianti. Whether or not you like wine, taking an Italian wine tour is something you just can’t experience anywhere else. Also, we all know that Italy has a rich history, so there will be tours of historic buildings and sites, including the ruins of Rocca di Tentennano and its art museum in Tuscany.

The hotel has boats for going out on the water, and still employs horse drawn carriages for guests who just want to saunter around a bit. There’s also an 18-hole golf course on its grounds, considered one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in Europe.

And, if you’re in the need for something a bit more modern, Rome is only 30 minutes away. But the Villa d’Este is meant to take you away from all of that, offering your senses enough to help you relax and replenish your mind so that, when you go back to your daily grind, you’ll be more mentally prepared than when you left.

See more:
Florence, Italy Restaurant Guide (Where to Eat)
Florence, Italy Weather
Sights to See in Florence