Il Sereno Lago di Como

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.

PLEASE READ - HONEST REVIEW FROM HOTEL SNOB WHO LOVES TOP NOTCH SERVICE AND AMENITIES. IL SERENO ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽❤️❤️❤️ Lake Como’s BEST 5 star resort!!! Wow: this was our first time to Lake Como and Il Sereno was PERFECTION!!! We vacation as a family at many 5 star properties but Sereno is now our favorite!!! - gorgeous property on the lake with stunning views - modern rooms are spacious, comfy and everything works properly - SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE: with only 40 suites the hotel team treats you like family and give the most amazing and thoughtful service. From the guys at the pool & dock, to the concierge team, the food and beverage, even the valet. Everyone treats you like family and is well trained and genuinely wants to provide a great experience. You feel the love and it’s special. (Special shout out to Gabrielle at the pool, Isabella at concierge and Matteo at the restaurant - truly special individuals who my family won’t soon forget. - food is superb: Michelin star restaurant in lobby but they always say yes and even allowed us to order from the all day menu when we wanted less sophisticated foods for the kids (and myself)