Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

The hotel is beautiful and has amazing views over the lake and the mountains beyond. and the staff were unfailingly helpul and polite - nothing was too much trouble for them. It is well worth paying a little extra for a room with a lake view, although the gardens to the rear are lovely too. The rooms are comfortable and well furnished, some have a small balcony. Better for adults rather than families with small children - too many antique vases around! Stresa is a small town, with lots of places to eat and a few good shops. The Borromean Islands are worth a visit, and other outings and day trips are easily arranged if you are staying for more than a few days.

First impressions were excellent - immaculate entrance, great common areas and lake view junior suite very pleasant. However, we soon felt this was a thin veneer. For some unknown reason some of the staff have a major attitude problem - possibly trying to be a pretentious 5* offering instead of one with elegant style. The young man on concierge duty, however, was excellent. Main issue with this hotel - the pool area is simply diabolical - it desperately needs attention and we would go as far as to say that if a pool is in any way a priority for your trip do not stay here. Hotel drinks etc very expensive - very good lakeside cafe across the road - significantly less expensive and better than the hotel pool area! All in all - main hotel and room was good (very good breakfast buffet) but pool area totally spoils it.