Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

Stayed in room 507 for 8 nights on 5th floor with great views of the Borromean Islands . Room very clean and well presented - love the separate wardrobe area. Breakfasts are plentiful with great choice - service excellent. Outside pool area excellent with fab choice of sun loungers . Le Bistro offers excellent snacks/drinks. Spa indoor swimming pool is excellent as are the steam rooms etc. We had dinner a couple of nights which was a wonderful experience eating outside on the terrace. Highly recommend the Chateaubriand . Great location for walking into Stresa ( 7-8 mins) and to the boats/ferry . Service superb . Such a wonderful experience .

This is a fantastic property. Only steps from the lake, the views are wonderful, the facility reflects the classy history yet is modern with resort level amenities. Dining was excellent, staff is friendly and very helpful. Our room was recently renovated with a view of the lake, comfortable and roomy yet maintained the heritage of the hotel. Short walk into the business section with great shops and restaurants. Property has a private dock which we used to take a boat tour of the lake and an historic island. This property was the highlight of our four city trip

I was debating between 4 and 5 stars, but decided as 5 stars says "excellent" that is what it is...but not perfect. Hotel: is beautiful!! We went for a look around on the other floors and each one is sumptuously done. The reception and outside areas are lovely. The bar area is far too small and there is no living area of any sort to relax. The whole ambience was lovely with a pianist playing most evenings. Rooms: We were upgraded to a lake view....next to the Hemingway suite..sounds lovely but there was an enormous magnolia out of our window which blocked the view..I would not have liked to pay lake view price for that. Room was beautiful but very "cosy" and bathroom was tiny..fortunately we are two small people. The shower was over the bath and it had no glass wall, so we always had to put hand towels on the sink and move everything out the way as otherwise everything got wet..very strange. Beds were so comfortable and very quiet room. Breakfast: good selection of hot and cold foods...and fresh orange juice- fantastic! If you want a hot coffee, you have to especially ask for it hot as otherwise they come luke warm... such a shame as so easy to make hot coffee! Always scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon- no change in the 3 days there. Food selection was always the same- fresh fruits galore. Plenty of cheese selection, ham, smoked salmon and trout. Cakes were very dry. Front tables have a view of the lake. Pool and spa areas: Really lovely indoor/outdoor pool. We were shown how to use the sauna, ice room, steam room etc. In your room you are provided with flip flips, towels and bathrobes. There were about 50 loungers around the main indoor pool- lovely as it poured with rain one morning. I would definitely recommend it, just remember it is excellent and not perfect!