These Hotels Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List in 2026

Il Sereno, Lago di Como
Serenity has a home, and it is located on Lake Como. With its iconic and picturesque views,this particular area in Lombardy has become a frequented holiday destination for travelers who prioritize tranquility and taste. Along the majestic lake and mountain landscape, one hotel stands out in particular, aptly named Il Sereno. As one of the very few newly-built hotels on the riviera (the hotel first opened in 2016 and re-opened with an entirely new look in 2025), Il Sereno is revered for its modern architecture and contemporary interior design, courtesy of famed architect and designer Patricia Urquiola.

Offering a luxury hideaway with 40 spacious suites in varying sizes, Il Sereno is the perfect place to wind-down and indulge, set in a one-of-a-kind panorama.“The lake was the main inspiration of the whole architecture. I was inspired by the colors, the severity of the surrounding mountains, and its sparkling waters. My goal was to create continuity as the lake is present in every room, with panoramic views on all sides. The colors of the water, the rocks, the sky – they’re all reflected inside: in the palette, in the materials, even in the proportions. We designed large windows not just to look out, but to let the lake come in – through light, through movement. The loggias and terraces become extensions of the rooms. The surrounding environment, the energy of the water and the natural tones of the palette are the common thread that deeply links the hotel also to the new penthouse suites”, explains Urquiola.

The penthouse suites with 200 square meters each feature private terrasse areas, lush gardens and a lap pool. They feel like a home away from home, ideal for longer stays, with all the extra amenities one might need. Speaking of extras: The hotel resort also has a lounge and bar area (serving up fantastic cocktails!), fitness center, full-service spa and heated outdoor pool directly overlooking the lake, inviting its guests to take a dip while fully enjoying Lake Como’s splendour. One of the most seducing parts of the hotel is that you actually don’t have to leave it at all. The Al Lago gourmet restaurant led by Raffaele Lenzi offers scrumptious breakfast, lunch and dinner, and was awarded its first Michelin star in 2017. A new unique feature is Il Sereno’s Listening Suite, owner Luis Contreras’ passion project for which he laboriously collected rare audio devices from the 1940’s and a curate vinyl collection. The suite is the first of its kind, allowing guests to experience sound like they never have before.

If you do feel like leaving the premises and would like to visit the surroundings (which we can only recommend), Il Sereno offers the best and probably coolest way to do so: Rent one of the custom-made Riva boats and cruise along Lake Como while exploring the region from the water. For bigger groups, the hotel also offers a water taxi to be used for transportation and sightseeing. One place you shouldn’t miss visiting is Villa Pliniana, a 16th century Italian Palazzo and architectural gem just a stone’s throw away from Il Sereno. The villa is magnificent and full of history. Rumor is Miley Cyrus recorded one of her albums while staying here.

Portrait Milano
Portrait Milano checks every box when it comes to experiencing an unforgettable stay. As part of the Lungarno Collection and owned by the Ferragamo family, the hotel’s history and architecture alone is worth a trip: the breath-taking and unique building originally served as an archbishop’s seminary, dating back to 1565. Restored and updated by some of Italy’sgreatest architecture and design minds such as Piero Portaluppi and Francesco Maria Richini, it is the duo consisting of Michele De Lucci and Michele Bönan who made it what it is today: a sanctuary blending heritage with the contemporary while exuding elegance and quiet sophistication. The generous square courtyard, Piazza Quadrilatero, framed by the 17th century colonnade, has not only become the emblem of the hotel, but has been transformed into a social meeting point for locals and tourists alike with restaurants and boutiques, notably concept store Antonia Milano and jewellery label SO-LE Studio. Restaurant 10_11 serves up the most lavish breakfast buffet and offers a casual all-day dining experience (do yourself a favour and order the white pasta, the restaurant’s signature dish), while Beefbar offers a stylish interior and cosmopolitan menu. Indulge in a night cap after dinner at Rumore bar, accompanied by live music – its lush interior and vibe will make you feel transported back in time.

As for the 73 rooms and suites designed by Michele Bönan, they take inspiration from the city’s 1950 parlours: cardinal red furnishings meet Florentine craftsmanship and Art Déco elements. It feels luxurious yet cozy, elegant yet inviting. This concept of laid-back luxury is what makes Portrait Milano truly stand out in every aspect. When thinking of a hotel of this standard, it’s easy to assume an atmosphere that is exclusive, in every sense of the word. Here, however, everything feels positively familiar; guests are treated like regulars who have been coming here for years, even if it’s your very first stay. The staff is friendly and accommodating with great attention to detail, and this idea of coming together to have a wonderful time is put first. Case in point: every midnight the bar serves “spaghettata di mezzanotte” to be enjoyed after a night out or if you’re craving a late night snack. Speaking of treating yourself to the finer things in life, Portrait Milano also features a state-of-the-art longevity spa with cutting-edge treatments to promote well-being. From red light floating beds and cryotherapy to different types of biohacking rituals alongside massages, facials and more, the spa promises to make you feel rejuvenated, relaxed or energised depending on your needs.

The hotel’s prime location in the heart of Milan’s fashion district is equally noteworthy. From here, you can enjoy the best shopping the city has to offer and explore the surrounding neighborhoods. For architecture enthusiasts, the hotel suggests a walking tour dedicated to Richini, visiting the Garden of the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Church of Santa Maria in Brera. Additionally, a must-visit is Villa Necchi Campiglio, just a five-minute walk from the hotel, to admire the works of Piero Portaluppi.