Located right on the shores of Lake Como, Il Sereno has attracted numerous celebrities with its Italian elegance. In an exclusive interview with finews.com, the founder and owner Luis Contreras talks about Il Sereno and showcases why it has been ranked one of the best hotels in the world in 2023.
Why did you become a hotelier?
My father worked in the hospitality industry in Miami in the 80s, so I've had the "travel bug" since I was a child. When I learned many years ago that a run-down hotel was for sale in St. Barth, I jumped at the chance. With the opportunity to buy the property in St. Barth, I was able to bring my own hotel vision to life and become an owner. Later, the house by the Lake Como followed.
What are the five things that make your hotel stand out?
Our hotel is unique and a true gem. There is nothing comparable around Lake Como.
- Design: contemporary design by Patricia Urquiola, in respect of the natural environment. Warm materials and perfectly proportioned spaces serve as a frame for the wonderful lake views.
- Views, views, and more views: Everywhere you are in the hotel, there is an incredible view of the lake. All the suites – Il Sereno Lago di Como is an all-suite-hotel – have large furnished terraces with floor to ceiling windows and incredible views of Lake Como.
- Cuisine: Our Michelin star restaurant “Al Lago”, right on the water, is an unforgettable experience in itself.
- Pool: It’s hard to explain in words, you just have to experience it.
- Service: All the amazing products and locations are nothing without the service. Service is everything and makes the difference. We consistently get ranked as the best hotel in Europe. This is thanks to the wonderful team of Il Sereno.
What makes your hotel exceptional?
I am convinced that we have the most sophisticated and modern hotel in the region with an exceptional service, outstanding culinary experience, and total privacy. But I guess it is best to experience this by yourself.
What is the most unconventional thing you’ve experienced in your job?
Ah, as a hotelier, you experience unconventional things every day. But it's also part of our job that we never talk about it.
How do you define hospitality and excellent guest service?
At our Sereno Hotels in St. Barth and Como we do two things: we are a family-run hotel with warm and friendly service and at the same time we offer the highest level of professionalism and luxury. The team, led by Valentina Paggi, makes this possible every day.
Which VIPs have you had the privilege of hosting at your hotel?
We have the fortune of hosting important people every year in our hotels.
According to press articles, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, accompanied by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, stayed with them last year. Spotify founder Daniel Ek is even said to have married with best man Mark Zuckerberg, master of ceremonies Chris Rock and the live music of Bruno Mars. Even Miley Cyrus has been a customer of yours. Is this true?
Respect for the privacy of our guests prohibits us from talking about it.
What does your hotel offer for a perfect weekend for two?
That is our specialty. Some clients like to go hiking, swimming or water skiing, while many others prefer to relax, enjoy the large room, the pool, the spa, and the restaurant. Our rooms are so spacious and offer so much that our guests often just spend the day in the room. We see them only when they come to eat dinner at the restaurant or at the Spa. That is a perfect weekend for me!
What plans for the hotel are you excited about?
We are currently working with OJAS from Brooklyn (New York) to create an incredible “Listening Room” in our largest room at Il Sereno. It will be ready in the spring! The over 200 square meters suite comes with private lake access, a private dining option and with an over 100,000 Euros sound-equipment and long playing-records for private enjoyment. It will be unique!
How is dining changing at your hotel?
Chef Raffaele Lenzi earned his Michelin Star based on his work with local ingredients that are transformed into a culinary experience. His vegetali tuberi e radici vegetarian menu is a great success, and a great experience for carnivores such as me.
What’s your personal motto in leading a hotel?
The world has changed a lot in the past 100 years, and so has the world of hotels. Nevertheless, I think that hospitality at its heart has remained the same. I always like quoting the Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz: «Never say no when a client asks for something, even if it is the moon. You can always try…». Or simpler, but no less important: The customer is never wrong.
Describe your favorite hidden gem in the area.
The path that goes from Il Sereno to our sister property Villa Pliniana. It’s a 20-minute walk in the forest with lake views. Tranquil and magical.
What is the best piece of advice you received from your mother or father?
My father always told me to work hard. I still stick to it today.
Luis Contreras is the owner and founder of the Il Sereno Lago di Como, which was opened in the year 2011. Beforehand, he founded his first hotel, the Sereno Hotel and Villas in St. Barth, which opened in 2001. He studied civil engineering at the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Venezuela and obtained his MBA at INSEAD in France. Before he entered the hospitality industry, he worked in investment banking at Credit Lyonnais Securities for 8 years. Next to his work in hospitality, he is also an owner of the financial consultancy firm Fulcrum Partners.
(Pictures in order: Fernando Guerra, Christian Oth, Nicolo Brunelli, JP Piter, Sara Magni, Nicolo Brunelli)
