Regina Palace

Regina Palace's impressive Art Nouveau building was constructed in 1908, when the hotel -- and Stresa -- was a popular destination for Europe's upper class, including Italy's royal family, who frequently stayed in town. The property's well-maintained gardens feature fountains and ponds that set the scene for the elegant interior. Renovations to the property have been conservative and left the architecture mostly intact, giving it an obvious historic atmosphere. Antique furniture and period chandeliers can be found throughout the stately property, and the lobby itself is truly magnificent. Piped music plays throughout the common areas, including the pool area and gardens, which might not be everyone's taste. Much of the clientele comes through Riviera Travel, though these guests seem to dine separately and from a different menu from those who book independently. The hotel's stunning vistas and elegant decor tends to primarily attract romancing couples, but there are still frequent families and business travelers attending conferences here. While the hotel is often busy, the noise level is low and the vibe is peaceful.

Located across from the lakefront promenade and a two-minute walk from the beach, Regina Palace is situated just outside Stresa proper. It's only a five-minute walk into the center of town, which offers restaurants, cafes, and bars, plus everything in Stresa is within walking distance. The Stresa ferry port is a quick five-minute walk as well, where guests can depart to Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and many of the towns located along Lake Maggiore's shores. For those serious about town-hopping, a hop-on-hop-off day ticket for the ferry might be the best bet. For those arriving by train, Regina Palace is just an eight-minute walk from the station. From Malpensa Airport -- the closest to the property -- it's a 50-minute drive or a two-hour (cumbersome) trek by public transit. 

The property's 214 rooms and suites offer either garden or lake views from their balconies -- and like with most hotels in Stresa, the higher the floor, the better the view. Balconies in the suites are large and furnished; those in other room types have space for patio chairs only. Rooms tend to be on the small side, though that's par for the course with a historic European hotel. Each is traditionally furnished with lovely period pieces, though items that naturally need replacement -- bed linens and upholstery, particularly -- are growing dated in style. Chandeliers, decorative accents such as painted walls and crown molding, and gilded furnishings are elegant touches. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes, plus individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. Bathrooms are smaller than one might expect, even in the suites, though all rooms offer shower/tub combos. Jetted tubs come in the higher-category rooms. A good range of high-end toiletries, bidets, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers are also provided. Note that rooms on floors close to the lobby might catch a fair bit of noise.

While there are a number of leisure facilities on-site, the pools are the highlights of the property. The heated outdoor pool is a decent size and surrounded by loungers, umbrellas, and lovely gardens. The indoor pool is located in the wellness area -- also known as the Regina Sporting Club -- and set in a dimly lit, artificial grotto with waterfall features and jets. Saunas are tucked into the surrounding rocks. Both the pool and sauna, as well as the modern gym, are free for guests to use. Spa treatments can be arranged for a fee. A tennis court can also be used for soccer. The property has two sophisticated restaurants: The Liberty and Charleston restaurants both offer fine dining in classic spaces. Both have terraces available for dining in the summer months. Breakfast is included in all room rates and is the standard continental fare. The lobby-level 1900 bar feels like a step back in time and offers piano music six days a week. There's also a bar out by the pool that's open during high season. Drinks at both tend to be on the expensive side.The hotel has conference rooms that can suit from five to more than 500 people and it's a fairly popular spot for business travel. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, but it can be patchy in areas. Guests can take advantage of free parking in the property's covered garage.