Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

A five-star Art Nouveau grand hotel on the Stresa waterfront with three pools, a spa, an upscale restaurant and bar, and antique-filled public rooms.

Why people love it

• The building and interiors. Guests describe the hotel as feeling like a museum, with sculptures, antiques, a large magnolia tree and a breakfast room one guest called breathtaking.
• The spa and pools. Several recent guests single out the spa, and one tried the Spa Day Experience and called it elegant. Another praised the pool area.
• Staff who go further. Some September 2026 guests describe the staff as professional, friendly and courteous. One upgraded a couple to a junior suite with a lake view and small balcony.
• Weddings and events. One parent held a daughter's wedding here in September 2026 and was fully satisfied with the staff.

The worst thing guests say

Service and upkeep are the recurring complaints. Between July and October 2026, at least eight overnight guests said the service did not match five stars, citing cold or condescending reception staff, dated and worn interiors, and rooms they did not like. In July 2026 a guest described a rock band at the pool running until 11:45 pm with the sound shaking rooms. Two guests in July 2024 reported their cars were scratched in the hotel garage. Other complaints in July 2026 were hard beds, weak air conditioning in 85 to 90F heat, and being charged 80 euros to use the spa after checkout.

Insider tips

• Ask what events are planned at the pool before you book, as a band played late in July 2026.
• Expect to pay extra if you want the spa after checkout.
• Ask for a junior suite or a lake-view room, as rooms vary in size and condition.
• Check the dress code for the restaurant when you arrive.

How we rated this: Google rating 4.6 from 2,695 reviews. We read the newest and the lowest-rated guest reviews (28 recent guest reviews with text) and set aside reviews from restaurant or bar visitors who did not stay. Address: Corso Umberto I, 67, 28838 Stresa VB.