Il Sereno Lago di Como

服務完美，酒店設計完美。床品很舒服。

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.

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!