Grand, elegant, lush. Villa d’Este is a WOW! And has been for 150 years, the hotel celebrates this milestone all year. This magnificent villa began life as the summer residence for the very wealthy Cardinal of Como. When he died his family let things fall apart. Luckily later owners, including a ballerina, one of Napoleon’s Generals, a Russian Empress and Queen Caroline of England, all poured money into the villa when they owned it. The result is  a palace filled with grand staircases, Murano chandeliers and stunning works of art sitting within a 25-acre private park. Edith Wharton came to admire these stately gardens complete with multiple fountains, terraces, cleverly carved topiary and a mock fortification from the 19th century built to amuse the General. Villa d’Este became a hotel in 1873. It has been renowned for luxury, old world glamour and attracting the glitterati ever since. Hitchcock made his first film, ‘The Pleasure Garden” on the grounds. Mark Twain, Greta Garbo, King Leopold of Belgium were early fans. Elizabeth Taylor, Clark Gable and Madonna have all been charmed by the unique rooms. Lady Gaga called the hotel home while filming ‘House of Gucci”. The Clooney’s are said to frequent the Grill regularly. Expect large rooms with plush décor, incredible service from the long-term staff and to feel like part of history. I have stayed several times…always magic!