I've been researching and reading reviews, and have narrowed it down to these four:
Hotel La Palma
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees
Regina Palace Hotel
Grand Hotel Bristol
Traveling are myself, husband, and two daughters (18 and 19). All of the properties look lovely. Does any one have an edge as far as food, amenities or location? I realize everyone's opinion is different, but opinions are exactly what I'm looking for :)
Thank you...
Those hotels are all way above my budget level, so I can't offer any personal comments on them. At that level, I'm sure they will all have comparable food and amenities. However, you could check the location of each on Google Maps to ensure that whichever one you choose will be within easy walking distance to the boat dock or other sights you may be interested in seeing.
I haven't stayed at any of those hotels. I did stay at Hotel Milan au Lac which is in a location that would be hard to beat, and had the largest breakfast spread I enjoyed during any of my travels to Italy. I asked for a room without a view to save money, but ended up getting a lake view and balcony at no extra charge! There is supposedly a swimming pool somewhere but I was too busy enjoying my time in Stresa to actually go look for it. I think it was on an adjacent property.
I stayed at the Milano Speranza Au Lac last year, in front of the ferry dock. The hotel had parking arrangements with the Regina Palace, 2 blocks up. My hotel was great and more than adequate for my standards, the Regina Palace (where I went every day to park my car) was way above my standards. When I saw the movie "The Grand Budapest Hotel", the Regina Palace came to my mind. Even if I could afford it, however I'm not in need of that level of old World luxury. I've seen the others from the outside and they are all at a level above my usual budget. Not sure you will find many on this website who travel in style like that. Most of us here of the Rick Steves' tribe tend to be parsimonious travelers.
