Looking for a private estate that feels historic and quiet, set in the hills above Lake Como? Here is a step-by-step plan that takes you from picking the right stay to confirming every detail before you book.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Choose the Right Stay at Villino Rubini
- Step 2: Match the Estate to Your Group and Purpose
- Step 3: Plan Rooms, Services, and Daily Routines
- Step 4: Build a Brunate and Lake Como Itinerary
- Step 5: Confirm the Details Before You Reserve
- FAQ
Step 1: Choose the Right Stay at Villino Rubini
Villino Rubini offers three ways to stay: a bed-and-breakfast style in ten rooms, private hire of the whole estate, or themed experience stays such as wellness retreats. The estate includes five rooms in the main Villa, three in the Dependance, and two in the Orangerie, with eleven bathrooms serving up to nineteen guests.
When you book a B&B stay, continental breakfast and daily housekeeping are included, and a private shuttle to the historic Como-Brunate funicular runs for you. For private hire, you can host up to one hundred guests for an outdoor dinner under a tent in the gardens. The heated pool, spa, sauna, gym and studio give you many options for relaxation without leaving the grounds.
The estate was built in 1892 and has been recently restored, preserving original ceiling mouldings and period floors. That historic character makes it a strong choice for couples, families, or small corporate groups who want a home rather than a hotel.
Pricing varies by season and rental mode, and a minimum stay of three nights applies for private hire. For a detailed price sheet, request a quote from the villa directly.
Step 2: Match the Estate to Your Group and Purpose
Identify the main purpose of your visit. If you are planning a wedding, the garden can seat up to one hundred guests outdoors, while the Villa’s historic rooms provide intimate ceremony spaces. For a corporate retreat, the gym, studio, and quiet study areas support workshops and team-building activities.
Family reunions benefit from the separate bedroom clusters across the three buildings, allowing grandparents, parents and children to have private space yet share communal areas like the pool and garden.
If you prefer a wellness focus, the spa and sauna give daily recovery options, and the villa’s quiet woods provide a natural backdrop for yoga or meditation.
Key Takeaway: Villino Rubini adapts to weddings, retreats, and family stays because its ten rooms are spread across three buildings, offering both privacy and shared spaces.
For more ideas on how boutique hotels with pools handle group events, see Best Boutique Hotels with Pool on Lake Como | Villino Rubini. The next paragraph continues without a link to respect the spacing rule.
When you know the guest count and the main activity, you can decide whether you need the whole estate or just a few rooms. The estate’s staff can also arrange external catering, licences for civil ceremonies, and local entertainment.
Step 3: Plan Rooms, Services, and Daily Routines
Start by assigning rooms to guest groups. The Villa’s five rooms each have unique décor and easy access to the main living areas. The Dependance’s three rooms are set in a quieter wing, ideal for guests who prefer a calm night. The Orangerie’s two rooms overlook the garden and pool, perfect for couples who enjoy sunrise views.
Next, decide on daily services. Breakfast is served in the dining salon each morning. Housekeeping provides two hours of service per day, and additional cleaning can be requested for larger events. The private shuttle runs on demand to the funicular, which departs every 15 minutes and connects you to Como town in ten minutes.
Consider a daily schedule that balances indoor and outdoor time, especially in May when the weather is mild. Morning walks in the beech forest, late-afternoon pool time, and evening garden dinner create a natural rhythm.
For weather details, consult the climate data that shows May averages a high of 21 °C and a low of 9 °C, with about 159 mm of rain for the month. The long daylight, up to 15 hours by the end of May, lets you fit several activities into one day.
All these choices can be refined with the villa’s concierge, who will handle chef arrangements, activity bookings, and any special requests.
Step 4: Build a Brunate and Lake Como Itinerary
Base your days on the funicular schedule. A morning ride to Como town gives you access to the cathedral, the historic centre, and the lakefront promenade. From Como, ferries reach Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio in 30-40 minutes.
Sample day one: after breakfast, take the funicular up to Brunate for a walk along a local hillside trail. The walk offers panoramic mountain scenery and quiet spots for a coffee break. Return to the villa for lunch by the pool.
Day two: catch an early ferry to Bellagio. Wander the cobblestone streets, visit local gardens, and have lunch at a local trattoria. In the afternoon, take a short boat to Varenna, stroll a lakeside promenade, and explore a botanical garden.
Day three: spend a relaxed morning at the villa’s spa, then head to Menaggio for a leisurely promenade and a light lunch. End the day with a sunset dinner back at the villa’s garden under the tent, using the villa’s in-house chef for a custom menu.
Pro Tip: Book ferry tickets a week in advance during May to avoid long queues, especially for the popular Bellagio-Varenna route.
Each day can be adjusted based on guest interests, whether they prefer art, food, or nature.
For additional details on the funicular and local walking routes, see How to Plan an Art Nouveau Villa Stay in Brunate. The following paragraph continues without a link.
The itinerary balances cultural visits with ample downtime at the estate, ensuring a relaxed yet engaging experience for all guests.
Step 5: Confirm the Details Before You Reserve
Review the guest list, room assignments, and service schedule. Verify that the villa’s staff have noted any dietary restrictions, mobility needs, or special event licences.
Ask for a written agreement that outlines the rental period, payment schedule, and cancellation policy. The villa does not charge a booking fee, but a deposit is typically required to secure the dates.
Check travel logistics: confirm train or flight arrivals in Milan, arrange a private transfer to Como, and make sure the funicular tickets are booked for the first day.
Finally, request a final itinerary from the concierge that lists daily meals, activities, and any external providers such as boat charters or guided tours.
When everything is signed and the deposit is paid, you can relax knowing that Villino Rubini will handle the rest.
FAQ
What is the maximum number of guests Villino Rubini can accommodate?
The estate can host up to nineteen guests overnight in its ten rooms, and the garden can seat about one hundred guests for an outdoor dinner under a tent.
Is there a pool and wellness area on the property?
Yes, the grounds include a heated pool, a spa, a sauna, and a gym, all available year-round for guests.
Do I need a car to get around Lake Como from the villa?
No, a private shuttle to the funicular and local transport options allow you to reach Como town and nearby villages without a car.
Can I host a wedding ceremony at Villino Rubini?
Yes, the gardens are suitable for an outdoor ceremony and a reception for up to one hundred guests, and the villa can arrange licences, catering and floral design.
What is the typical weather in May for planning outdoor activities?
May averages a high of 21 °C, a low of 9 °C, and around 159 mm of rain, with daylight extending to over 15 hours, making it a comfortable month for garden and terrace use.
How can I arrange airport transportation?
Private transfers or taxi services can be arranged for your arrival.
For reservations, visit Villino Rubini, Brunate | B&B and Villa above Lake Como.
Occasional stories from the estate, sent a few times a year at most.