Stresa (Lake Maggiore) - Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

Stresa sits by the three Borromeo Islands, Pescatori, Madre and Bella. Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees is between Stresa and the islands and if you have a room with a lake facing balcony, you will have great views of the three islands.

Fortunately for us, we did have a lake facing balcony which saved the day.

The hotel claims “5 star L” status.  Maybe 50 years ago we think, but not now!

The hotel web site says it was built in 1861 and was renovated in 1991.  We reckon a renovation is long overdue and question what happened in 1991.  It is a relic from a past generation of grand luxury hotels which have not moved on with the times.  The décor is dark and drab.  The restaurant is stuffy, as is the “piano bar.”

The location is superb and we thoroughly enjoyed the three Borromeo Islands.  Pescatori has an excellent restaurant called Casabella (recommended by the hotel) for lunch.

Lake Maggiore and Stresa are stuck in a different era, which has its own appeal.  It is almost as if one is propelled back 100 years.  The Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees reflects this and actually fits in appropriately with the general ambience of the area.

But it’s a hotel for a two night visit.  We stayed for three which was too long because once you have visited the three islands there is precious little else to do in Stresa.

At over 500 euros per night for a lake view double room, it's not a bargain.

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
Corso Umberto
Stresa
Lake Maggiore