Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
A historic Belle Époque gem on Lake Maggiore, offering opulent Art Nouveau interiors, a renowned spa, and breathtaking lake views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Belle Époque gem on Lake Maggiore, offering opulent Art Nouveau interiors, a renowned spa, and breathtaking lake views.
"Staying here feels like being in an Art Museum; the decor is over the top but works beautifully. "
🎯 Book a Lake View Room
Prioritize lake-view rooms for stunning scenery; some rooms may have limited views.
🧊 Ice & Amenities
Request ice buckets or be prepared to visit the bar for ice.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 2,510 reviews
Type
Hotel
Website
borromees.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Nouveau Elegance
Step into a lavish world of Art Nouveau design, where every corner feels like an art museum.
Hemingway Suite
Experience a piece of literary history in the iconic Hemingway Suite, a must-see for fans.
Lakeside Serenity
Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore from the hotel's prime location and terraces.
+1World-Class Spa
Indulge in the hotel's expansive spa, often hailed as one of the best guests have experienced.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Grandeur
Spa & Amenities Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Lake View Room
Prioritize lake-view rooms for stunning scenery; some rooms may have limited views.
🧊 Ice & Amenities
Request ice buckets or be prepared to visit the bar for ice.
🚶♀️ Walk to Town
The hotel is a short walk to Stresa town and ferry docks.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Experience the Hemingway Bar with live piano music for a classic vibe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Lake View Room
Prioritize lake-view rooms for stunning scenery; some rooms may have limited views.
🧊 Ice & Amenities
Request ice buckets or be prepared to visit the bar for ice.
🚶♀️ Walk to Town
The hotel is a short walk to Stresa town and ferry docks.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Experience the Hemingway Bar with live piano music for a classic vibe.
🍽️ Patio Breakfast
Dine on the terrace for a 'retro Hollywood' breakfast experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests rave about the hotel's stunning beauty, historic charm, and prime lakeside location, often describing it as an 'Art Museum' experience. The spa and dining are frequently praised, though some visitors noted issues with room size, air conditioning, or the availability of certain amenities like ice.
"The property is undoubtedly beautiful—historic charm, elegant grounds, and a premium location. We truly enjoyed the atmosphere and amenities during our stay.
Unfortunately, our experience was impacted by the non-functioning air conditioning in our room. Despite calling the reception multiple times and receiving repeated promises that someone would come to fix it, no one showed up and the issue was never resolved.
For a hotel of this caliber, we expected much better responsiveness to guest concerns. We hope management addresses this, as everything else about the stay was memorable."
Abdulla Al-Mehshadi
"Staying here feels like being in an Art Museum. For some Europeans, the decor may seem bit over the top, as you don't know what to look at first, but it certainly works for Americans, 😉 The Hemingway Suite is definitely an experience. Lots of history to be found in this Grand Hotel. Would definitely stay here again."
hęïdî Søõōõ
"The hotel was very fancy and high-end. It did seem to be over the top. There was not enough desk space to set the suitcases, so they weren't in the way. Mounting the TV on the wall would help. The breakfast was top-notch.
We were put in the farthest room from the elevator. We're older and didn't need that. We had a window that opened to the pool roof not the lake.
We as Americans like our ice. Going to the bar each time I wanted ice was a pain. Put an ice machine on a floor and put us all on it. Give us ice buckets so the ice doesn't melt in 30 minutes. Put a soda machine on the same floor. The hotel was located a LONG way from downtown. Our feet were sore after the walk."
It's Me
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Milan, you can take a train to Stresa (approx. 1 hour). The hotel is a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk from the Stresa train station.
Yes, the hotel offers parking facilities for guests. It's advisable to confirm availability and any associated fees when booking.
Yes, trains run frequently to Stresa. From the station, you can walk or take a taxi. The hotel is also accessible by ferry if arriving from other lakeside towns.
Train travel from major Italian cities like Milan is highly recommended for its convenience and scenic route.
While the hotel is grand, accessibility can vary. It's best to contact the hotel directly to discuss specific needs and room availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As this is a hotel, you need to book a room in advance, especially during peak season. There are no 'tickets' for entry, but reservations are essential.
Standard check-in is typically in the afternoon (e.g., 3 PM) and check-out is in the morning (e.g., 11 AM). It's always best to confirm these with the hotel directly.
No, there are no entrance fees for the hotel grounds if you are a guest. Visitors may be able to access public areas like the bar or restaurant.
The Hemingway Suite is part of the hotel's accommodation. Access is typically reserved for guests staying in that suite or for special tours if offered.
The hotel often has various packages, especially for spa treatments or romantic getaways. Check their official website or contact them for current offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Rooms with lake views are highly recommended for their stunning vistas. Some guests found standard rooms to be small, so consider upgrading if space is a priority.
The spa is extensive, featuring pools, hydro-massage, and various treatments. It's often described as one of the best guests have visited.
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the hotel for guests.
While not strictly enforced in all areas, the hotel has a sophisticated ambiance. Smart casual attire is recommended for dining in the upscale restaurant.
The Hemingway Bar offers a classic grand hotel experience, often enhanced by live piano music, creating a sophisticated and nostalgic atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Breakfast is often described as top-notch, with options to enjoy on the terrace for a picturesque start to the day.
Yes, the hotel features an upscale restaurant and a bistro, both praised for excellent food.
Some guests found ice availability inconvenient, suggesting a need to visit the bar or request ice buckets.
Yes, the Hemingway Bar is a notable feature, offering a classic ambiance and often live piano music.
Room service is typically available at luxury hotels like this, though specific hours and menus should be confirmed with the hotel.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the lake from the terraces, the opulent interiors, and the elegant facade. The Hemingway Suite also offers unique photo opportunities.
While general access to public areas like the lobby or bar might be permitted for brief photos, it's respectful to be a guest for extensive photography, especially in private areas.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for lake views. Mid-day can be good for capturing the architectural details of the hotel's facade.
Drone usage is typically restricted in many areas, especially around hotels and public spaces. Check local regulations before flying a drone.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for interiors and exteriors. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the rooms and lake views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit