Inside Il Sereno, the Modern Lake Como Resort Where You Can Captain Your Own Boat

Stay Here For

A modern, unfussy stay that could be plucked straight from an architecture and design magazine.

Lake Como has long been considered one of the most glamorous destinations in Italy, but it wasn’t on the cutting edge of design until Il Sereno Lago di Como opened its doors in 2016.

Dreamed up by renowned Milan-based architect Patricia Urquiola, the modern hotel feels unique among its more traditional, more ornate neighbors—a contemporary masterpiece filled with furnishings by some of the country’s most storied brands, plus many of Urquiola’s own pieces. Natural materials such as local stone, and colors inspired by the water and surrounding mountains make the hotel feel like an extension of the lake itself.

From the moment you arrive (which will probably be by car), you’ll sense that Urquiola understood something fundamental about this place when she undertook the project: that here on the lake, it’s all about the landscape. 

Once you’ve cleared the greenery-shrouded path to the entrance, and round the corner past the reception desk, you’ll find yourself in the lobby lounge, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame water views. In good weather, these sliding glass doors can be unfurled to create an open-air lobby, from which you can gaze down at the hotel’s heated pool, encircled by triangular cabanas, and the dock where the hotel’s boats bob in the gentle waves.

But Il Sereno doesn’t thrive on looks alone. There’s also an excellent restaurant, Il Sereno al Lago, helmed by chef Raffaele Lenzi, whose modern approach to cuisine feels in lockstep with Urquiola’s fresh, forward-thinking design. Dinnertime presents a choice between three tasting menus, all of which use local ingredients in innovative ways. There’s a more casual menu at lunch, stacked with polished but not-too-fussy dishes like fresh tagliolini with butter and white truffle. Aside from the spa, Il Sereno al Lago is the only place on the property where the original stone walls from the previous structure remain, and the arched windows make you feel like you’re practically floating on the lake.

And ultimately, that’s what you’re really here for: the lake. Luckily, Il Sereno makes it very easy to get out on the water. It’s the only hotel on Lake Como with boats guests can use on their own—and naturally, those also have interiors designed by Urquiola. Take one for a spin and you’ll understand Como’s long-standing lure.

In the lobby lounge, floor-to-ceiling windows frame clear views of the scenery.

The Room

Il Sereno is an all-suite hotel, and all 40 rooms are spacious and have lake views—so there’s no bad room in the house. The aesthetic is rather masculine, with walnut-paneled walls, textiles in muted colors and bathrooms in marble or local natural stone. Like the lobby, suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, which in some cases are actually sliding doors that open onto a garden or terrace. Thoughtful touches include a magnifying mirror that pops out of the bathroom countertop and Ex Voto bath products in the Black Amber scent.

The massive Darsena Lago Suite has a terrace from which you can dive right into the lake. But our personal favorite is the Signature Penthouse suite, which has walnut paneling, hand-laid seminato floors (the technique, often seen in Venice, incorporates tiny pieces of irregularly shaped marble) and bespoke furnishings designed by Urquiola. The best part? It’s completely shoppable, so if you fall in love with the sofa, the beautiful cabinet containing the minibar or one of the ceramic pieces on the shelves, you can buy it and have it shipped home.

The Features

Don’t miss: Dinner at Il Sereno al Lago—it’s a must. Chef Raffaele Lenzi originally hails from Naples but has embraced the regional cuisine of Lombardy, sourcing local products like olive oil from Valtellina and fish from the lake. Choose between three different six-course tasting menus, one of which is vegetarian. We tried the “Omaggio alla Tradizione” menu and especially loved the sautéed mushrooms with hazelnut miso.

Favorite features: The Lobby Bar is popular for an aperitivo, but it’s also perfect for a nightcap after dinner at Il Sereno al Lago. The head bartender incorporates Japanese spirits, flavors and techniques in unexpected ways.

Can’t stop thinking about: Cruising the lake in one of the hotel’s custom Jetto boats by Ernesto Riva, the company known for top-of-the-line speedboats. Many hotels offer boat tours with a captain, but Il Sereno lets you rent its Jettos and cruise around the lake on your own—no prior boating experience required. The sense of freedom you get when you’re in charge is unparalleled.

The Vibe

The highly specific reason you’d come here: You’re attending the world’s largest and most influential furniture fair in Milan and want to extend your trip with a design-forward sojourn on Italy’s most glamorous lake.

What are people drinking? The wine cellar has more than 850 labels, with an emphasis on Italian wine and French champagne, and the sommelier will be happy to lead you through a tasting or help you choose a bottle. Try some Franciacorta, an Italian sparkling wine, produced nearby.

Are guests staying in or going out? During high season, when dining reservations can be hard to come by, guests are given priority at the restaurant and the bar. Take the opportunity to stick around for dinner, and definitely try one of the tasting menus—but go out for lunch instead.

The local spot everyone’s talking about: The hotel’s staff recommends low-key Trattoria del Glicine or Bar Italia, a casual all-day spot just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

What might surprise you? Villa Pliniana, which is available exclusively for buyouts, is a 10-minute ride away by boat and is the oldest villa on Lake Como. Inside are original floors and coffered ceilings, the piano where Rossini composed “Tancredi” and a billiard table with a marble base created for Napoleon Bonaparte’s visit. Ask nicely and, if it’s unoccupied, you might be able to take a tour.

Il Sereno’s sleek design sets it apart from Lake Como’s more traditional hotels.

Fast Facts

• Number of rooms: 40
• Number of pools: 1
• Fitness center? Yes
• Spa? Yes
• Salon? No
• Number of bars/restaurants: 2
• 24-hour room service? Yes
• Childcare and kids club? No kids club, but childcare can be arranged