NEW YORK—Sereno Hotels has opened Il Sereno Lago di Como, the first new hotel on Lake Como, Italy in decades, designed by Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola.
The all-suite hotel features 30 oversized suites, all with their own furnished terraces and lake views. Il Sereno is the third property to join the Sereno Hotels portfolio after Le Sereno Hotel & Villas in St. Barthélemy and Villa Pliniana, also located on Lake Como, Italy.
Milan restaurateur and Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton is at the helm of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Ristorante Berton Al Lago, which features cuisine inspired by the region. Botanist Patrick Blanc installed his signature vertical botanical gardens throughout the property, including a spectacular green sculpture work of art. It is the first property where Blanc has created three distinct art pieces in one setting; two vertical gardens and one green sculpture.
“We are thrilled to open the doors of the much-anticipated Il Sereno Lago di Como,” said Luis Contreras, owner of Sereno Hotels. “This project has been a true labor of love between Sereno Hotels and Patricia Urquiola, and we are excited to introduce an entirely new design concept to Lake Como. We know devotees of Sereno Hotels and new guests alike will enjoy the exquisite design coupled with unparalleled attention to detail, amenities and relaxed service our brand is known for.”
Situated on a promontory next to the village of Torno, Il Sereno’s location stretches approximately 450 ft. along the lake’s Eastern shore. Sereno Hotels partnered with Patricia Urquiola and her team at Studio Urquiola to bring to life the vision of creating a contemporary hotel with understated decor; a contrast to the classical designs that can be found around Lake Como.
Urquiola and her team envisioned every facet of the hotel from the architecture to the interior design, which includes designing custom furniture, rugs, wallcoverings, lamps, bathtubs and bathroom fixtures.
At the center of the hotel, Urquiola designed an original stairwell that serves as one of many focal points around the property. Made with natural materials such as walnut wood, the large steps are encased in bronze and appear to float as the lobby’s centerpiece. In addition, there are marble walls with bas-relief patterns that mimic the patterns found in the Venetian terrazzo floors of the restaurant.
Modern and custom furnishings created by Urquiola complete the design, with understated earthy tones of gray and walnut with touches of blue and green hues to incorporate the colors found in the surroundings of the lake.
Amenities include robes and towels made by D. Porthault for Il Sereno and bath toiletries by Ex Voto Paris; a private bar; 24-hour room service; and cutting-edge technology, including complimentary WiFi, cordless telephones, flat-screen TVs and Bluetooth music systems. In-room spa services are also available.