Since there is only one rather old thread without particularly helpful content and several individual threads about hotels, I'll start a new one once.
I will probably do one (or 2, depending on the route) short stay at Lake Como in October. I'm generally very partial to the Mandarin, but am also looking at the alternatives. Villa D`Este is out because too worn out. Tremezzo is out, I already had a grotty Stay there, which is enough for this life. Has anyone had experience with the Aria Retreat? Looks quite good and would fit well because of the proximity to Lugano for a part. What is the opinion about Il Sereno? Any other options I should consider? Villa Serbelloni?