Il Sereno
Il Sereno is the most design-forward hotel on the lake. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, who oversaw every detail from the architecture to the bathroom fittings, it occupies a lakefront position in the village of Torno, south of Bellagio on the eastern shore. The aesthetic is dramatically contemporary: walnut, stone, raw silk, and enormous windows that frame the lake as living art.
The 30 suites all face the water, most with private terraces or gardens, and the heated infinity pool extends to the lake's edge. The hotel's restaurant, Il Sereno Al Lago, holds a Michelin star, and a vintage Riva Aquarama is on hand for guest excursions.
Rates start around EUR 700 for a junior suite. This is the hotel for travellers who find the grand-hotel tradition stuffy and want a contemporary expression of lakeside luxury.
Guest Reviews
Yesterday we had dinner at restaurant. They were very kind and food was very delicious. Also, my wife was a little tired, and they took great care of her health.
From the moment I arrived at Il Sereno, I knew I was somewhere extraordinary. The view of Lake Como from my suite was as impressive. Every detail of my stay felt intentional and seamless. The staff struck that perfect balance of warmth and discretion, always one step ahead without ever intruding. Everything invited me to slow down and simply be. Il Sereno didn’t just meet expectations; it gave me a sense of peace I didn’t know I needed. Coming back as soon as possible!
Stayed for 4 nights - wish I could say I loved it as much as so many others appear to, but sadly not. Save for the bedroom, the rest of the room lacked windows and didn't feel particularly pleasant - just stark and bare. Rest of the hotel was nice, but not of the calibre of somewhere like Reschio in Umbria. General sentiment "it's okay" - but wouldn't rush back
We travel a lot for work and pleasure, and I can confidently say it is one of our favorite hotels in the world! From the moment you step onto the property you receive the most thoughtful, attentive yet not overbearing service. We enjoyed the pool and restaurant (had both lunch and dinner!) and enjoyed the walk to the town to take the ferry around the lake. We enjoyed breakfast in our room both days (included in our Amex booking) overlooking the stunning view. The hotel’s secluded but accessible location and modern design make it a must visit. We will absolutely be back!
Overall, our stay was wonderful—the property is stunning, the views are breathtaking, and the service was generally very good. Don’t get me wrong—my lower rating is not because the hotel lacks cleanliness or beauty. However, when you’re paying a premium to stay at a property of this caliber, your expectations naturally rise to meet that level. Unfortunately, the housekeeping fell short of those expectations. On two consecutive days, the bed linens had visible stains, and on one occasion, there appeared to be a bloodstain. This was not only disappointing but also unsettling, and it genuinely impacted the overall experience. For a hotel of this standard, such lapses simply shouldn’t happen. I hope this feedback is taken constructively and leads to improvements, as the hotel has so much potential to deliver a truly flawless experience.
More Hotels in Lake Como
Filario
Filario is a modern lakefront hotel in Lezzeno, between Como town and Bellagio on the eastern shore. The 10 rooms are minimalist and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows over the lake, and there is a small pool, a good restaurant, and a jetty for boat arrivals.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is, for many, the definitive Lake Como hotel. It has been hosting guests since 1910, and the combination of Art Nouveau architecture, a floating pool set in the lake itself, lakeside gardens, and views directly across to Bellagio creates a striking setting. This is the hotel that appears in every Lake Como feature, and it earns the attention.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
The Villa Serbelloni is Bellagio's grande dame: a neoclassical palace at the tip of the promontory, with gardens, a pool, a private dock, and old-world grandeur that modern hotels cannot replicate. The hotel has operated since 1873, and the frescoed ceilings, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers reflect that lineage without feeling preserved in amber.