Hotel Villa & Palazzo Aminta

Perched along Lake Maggiore, Hotel Villa & Palazzo Aminta was previously a private mansion built in the early 20th century, and subsequent renovations have transformed the property into one of the most elegant hotels in the already luxurious Stresa. The entrance's magnificent facade, gorgeous gardens, and elegant wrought-iron portico sets the tone for the stay from the start, and the lobby carries it on, with Venetian chandeliers, marble columns, and antique blue-and-white ceramics set against the otherwise ecru and ivory palette. Furnishings are elegant and traditional throughout, giving the property a formal -- though still welcoming -- vibe. The hotel is a popular spot for weddings (the hotel can plan them from start to finish) -- so during the high season, expect a few celebrations. Otherwise, guests here are most honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic stay. 

The hotel is located on the edge of Lake Maggiore overlooking the Borromean Islands in one of the quietest parts of Stresa, which is a relief for some who arrive during high tourist season. The on-the-outskirts location is secluded, but that doesn't mean guests are cut off: There's a free shuttle service throughout the day that takes about five minutes to and from the center of Stresa (evenings get a bit limited on scheduling, but guests can book a ride for a nominal extra cost). It's possible to walk to and from Stresa, but the road is busy. For those who don't want to drive, bicycles are available for guests to rent for free. The train station in Stresa is about a four-minute drive, and Malpensa Airport, near Milan, is about a 50-minute drive away. 

The property's 72 rooms are just as luxurious as classically elegant as the rest of the property. The design and color scheme differs a bit between rooms, from traditional blue and gold to more contemporary magenta and gray. All, however, are sophisticated and blend antique elegance with clean modern lines -- think gilded light fixtures, damask drapes, and tufted headboards. Some rooms can be small, given the original architecture of the villa; guests wanting larger rooms should book suites. Given the setting, a lake-view room is worth the upgrade. Deluxe Villa Amintine rooms are tucked away in a cottage surrounded by the hotel's garden. Each room has a decently sized private balcony or terrace, but suites -- of which there is a variety, including one named after Liz Taylor, who stayed at the hotel in the '60s -- offer large private solariums. All rooms offer free in-room bottles of mineral water (replaced daily) alongside the minibars, safes, bathrobes, and slippers. There are also flat-screen satellite TVs, though only a few channels are offered. Marble bathrooms all have Acqua di Parma toiletries, hairdryers, and either shower/tub combos or separate showers and jetted tubs. 

The property's outdoor pool is large, with plenty of sun loungers surrounded by gardens and palm trees that overlook the lake. For more relaxation, wellness facilities are plentiful: There's a beautiful spa with the highlight being the Camelia grotto -- a gilded natural cave with a steam bath, ice waterfall, Aromarium and spa showers. Also available are a hot tub and hammam, plus a solarium. Additionally, a small fitness center has ivory- and gem-inlaid panels amid free weights and a few cardio machines. Two excellent on-site restaurants are both rather formal. The main restaurant, Le Isole, looks out onto the lake from its gold-and-ivory setting and is open for all three meals, serving a blend of Italian and international cuisine. Breakfast on the terrace is free and particularly nice, with offerings like waffles, omelets, pastries, and fresh fruit. The I Mori restaurant is a gorgeous crystal and wrought-iron gazebo that overlooks the lake and islands. Open for lunch and dinner, it offers traditional Italian food. There's also the I Principi bar, with plush club seating under antique portraits. A downside for families is the lack of kid-centric amenities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.