Il Sereno Lago di Como

We stayed at il Sereno for about four days and we had amazing stay. The staff both at breakfast and at dinner was exceptional. The views of Lake Como is absolutely breathtaking. Definitely would go back and stay at this luxurious hotel. One day we took a boat ride of lake and the surrounding villages. Very memorable experience

This was our second visit and we were expecting the same perfection as last time but were disappointed. Maybe we should have heeded my mother-in-law's advice about all things in life...you can never go back! Here are some pros and cons: The Room (We were placed in the new section completed after our last visit. The smallest room has gotten smaller with limited closet space, but an outstanding direct view of the lake. This room had a musty smell. The welcome champagne and snacks were outstanding). The Concierge (Yannis and his team are terrific and they quickly pulled together a four-hour private boat trip of the Lake and its villas. A real highlight. Also, they moved dining reservations in and out of the hotel on a dime). Food and beverage: A shout out to the bartender that has been there since the beginning...he makes an amazing martini. The restaurant now has a Michelin star, but the food now has that international you could be anywhere taste. Some of the breakfast extras that made it special (e.g. the donut cart, beautifully cut fruit, etc.) are gone. The morning offering pales against other top luxury breakfast buffets in Italy. Have breakfast on your terrace and the view will be your treat. Also, the team at the pool is over-whelmed ...not asking if you'd like a drink, forgetting your order, etc. Two charming but young apprentice workers are part of the team and the crowds have them beat. By adding the new section of rooms the hotel added more chaise lounges, so its crowded. The other guests: This is beyond any hotel's control, but the people around you define an experience. When we were there, yelling unsupervised small children dominated the pool one afternoon and the breakfast area the following morning. Many outside restaurant visitors and hotel guests are often positioned in your view doing social-media photo shoots. The amount of luxury brand swag can allow you to go on a safari and "bag" the big 5... Hermes, Loewe, Dior, Prada and Fendi .. in the first walk through the lobby. Il Sereno is no longer the chic low-key hideaway that built its reputation. But everyone on staff works hard to make it special. The setting, gardens, architecture are tops. And the rates keep climbing.

I recently spent a weekend at Il Sereno at Lago di Como, booking it as soon as they won the Condé Nast Gold List number 1. I was both excited and a bit worried if the hype was real, especially since it was one of the priciest hotels we planned to stay at this summer. I was torn between choosing Il Sereno, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, or Mandarin Oriental. Let me say that Il Sereno has truly earned its award. This was the best hotel we stayed at this year. Even during the peak holiday season when the hotel was fully booked, it never felt crowded. The rooms were spectacular, the food was perfect, and the service was so exceptional that it felt like home. I loved it, my kids loved it, and we all had an amazing time. Thank you, Il Sereno. We look forward to coming back soon.

Easily one of the best, if not the best, hotel in which I have ever stayed. The design of the entire property is outstanding. It is extremely modern, but yet also has a cozy feel. The entire staff is hospitable, warm, friendly, yet not intrusive at all. Rarely does a hotel have such a friendly staff in all areas (bar, restaurant, pool, spa, reception) but somehow they have done it. I strongly recommend getting a room with a balcony; we had breakfast in our room (there's no extra charge if it's included in your room rate) and ate it on the balcony which was a real treat. We also booked a package with the hotel (rather than going through Amex) as it honestly was a better deal - it included a tasting menu (and wine pairing!) at their restaurant. I still remember the pasta course! The restaurant is fancy, but not stuffy. I think it's worth going to at least once. I also really appreciated the healthy food options at the bar/casual restaurant. Sometimes you just want a salad for lunch! They have a delicious, perfectly balanced Nicoise salad that I had multiple times. The only downside has nothing to do with the hotel specifically: Lake Como, wherever you go, is very expensive. Cabs are not reliable, so you have to arrange a car service or boat to other towns. I was extremely content to stay on the property, given everything I've written here. We are already thinking about returning next year!

Il Sereno delivered! Small, newish hotel with modern, spacious, luxurious rooms, all overlooking beautiful Lake Como. Staff to guest ratio VERY favorable. And staff is delightful. High end restaurant is excellent. If we have a "complaint", it's that we just couldn't make ourselves (we were with our 10 year old daughter) do the fine dining experience every night. We took a guided boat tour of the lake one day with an outside operator, something we'd recommend. Highly recommended: reserve one of the hotel's motor boats for a couple of hours and take it out yourself. It was a trip highlight.