Corso Umberto I, 67, Stresa, Italy | (888) 635-3814
Luxurious, ornate hotel with flower-covered balconies and lakefront views
Sumptuous rooms with chandeliers and whirlpool tubs
Restaurant serves a quality breakfast with variety of foods
Two outdoor pools with grassy sunbathing areas and pool bar
Free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout
Beautiful park with stone paths, flowers, and water fountains
Spa with indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath
Fitness center with three treadmills and yoga mats in front of mirrors
A palpable sense of history in this grand, elegant property
Wi-Fi is slow
Room decor may be too fussy for some
With an excellent location on Lake Maggiore, the 179-room Grand Hotel Des Isles Borromees is an Art Nouveau, luxury property with spectacular lake views. Decor is ornate throughout the lobby and rooms, and the hotel grounds are gorgeous. The hotel has an outdoor pool with grassy sunbathing areas, a spa with an indoor pool, and a fitness center. The rooms are traditionally elegant, with patterned carpets, bedspreads, and drapes. Some guests find reception from the staff to be a bit on the cold side. Guests may also want to check out the Hotel La Luna Nel Porto, a charming boutique on the lake with a friendly staff.
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Scene
Historic hotel with opulent decor
Originally opened in 1863, Grand Hotel Des Isles Borromees has an eclectic history that includes being a military recovery site during WWII, once housing the town’s casino, and playing a setting role for part of Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. The hotel is elaborately decorated with tapestry rugs, fresco covered ceilings, and chandeliers. Cherub statues rest above the reception sign in the lobby over an opulent marble-top front desk with gold embellishments. Lakefront views can be enjoyed from room balconies and the restaurant terrace. Lavish outdoor areas include an exquisite park with stone paths, ponds, and colorful flowers and large fountains and statues. Many guests have noted that the hotel has a bit of a museum feel.
Location
On Lake Maggiore within a short walk to Congress Palace
Grand Hotel Des Isles Borromees is a lakefront hotel in Stresa conveniently located for exploring the area on foot. It’s within a 10-minute walk to the Ferry Terminal Stresa providing services to the Borromean Islands. It's also a 10-minute walk to Congress Palace where international business conferences and an annual film festival are held. There are several restaurants within walking distance, and Malpensa Airport in Milan is less than a 50-minute drive. Parking at the hotel is free.
Rooms
Lavish rooms, some with gorgeous lakefront balconies
Rooms are lavishly decorated with heavily patterned wallpaper, ornate drapery, and green carpets. Sumptuous furnishings like ornate headboards, chandeliers, and crown molding create an opulent feel from another era. All rooms have minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have beautiful lake view balconies decorated with flower boxes and furnished with white wrought iron tables and chairs. Marble bathrooms include whirlpool tubs and double sinks. Luxe toiletries and a wall mounted hairdryer are provided.
Features
Outdoor pools, elegant restaurant, and tennis court
An elegant restaurant with a well-reviewed breakfast buffet and lake view terrace seating is a property highlight. The hotel also has an inside bar with beautiful seating areas and an outdoor pool bar near one of the two pools. There is a spa with an indoor pool and sauna and a beautiful park with benches to enjoy the tranquil setting. The fitness center has several exercise machines including three treadmills and yoga mats, plus a tennis court outside. A variety of rooms are available for business functions and receptions. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
