A Stay with Mixed Feelings at Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, Stresa
As enthusiasts of hotels rich in history and with a touch of grandeur, we’ve often enjoyed stays that embody both historical character and modern luxury. The Biltmore in Asheville (USA) is a perfect example, where we previously stayed with great pleasure. This time, for the fourth time, we chose the iconic Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées in Stresa, Italy. Known for its impressive elegance, old-world charm, and breathtaking location on Lake Maggiore, this hotel undoubtedly exudes grandeur. However, while the hotel’s historical splendor remains undeniable, this stay left us with a few disappointments.
The hotel itself remains majestic, with a rich historical ambiance that permeates every hallway and room. The building is a tribute to the luxury of a bygone era, and the sense of grandeur it exudes is unmistakable. Unfortunately, this grandeur was not enough to compensate for some of the shortcomings we encountered during our visit.
One of the first disappointments was the room. Previous bookings through an external site went smoothly, but this time the friendly front desk staff advised us to book directly with the hotel, as it would be more advantageous. For whom exactly this would be advantageous, however, was not clear. Instead of the expected perks, such as a room upgrade or a complimentary addition to dinner, we were assigned one of the smallest rooms on the floor. This felt like a letdown, especially compared to our previous experiences at the hotel.
Another downside was the breakfast, which seemed to have deteriorated significantly compared to previous years. Where breakfast used to be one of the highlights of our stay, this time it fell short. This was disappointing, as the breakfast had always been a key part of the overall experience at the hotel.
What still stands strong, however, is the professionalism, friendliness, and helpfulness of most of the staff. They ensure a warm welcome and do their best to make the stay as pleasant as possible. An exception to this was the concierge, who rather sternly reprimanded us for standing too close to the lemon trees. His harsh gestures and knocking on the window suggested he thought we were trying to pick a lemon, while we were simply trying to take a photo of a ripe one. This incident felt unnecessarily strict and introduced an unpleasant note in what was otherwise a positive interaction with the staff.
Will we return? Perhaps not. While the hotel has much to offer and, in all its glory, can be a wonderful stay, this fourth visit felt like one visit too many. What was once a highlight now feels slightly tarnished by small disappointments. It may be time to look elsewhere, seeking a new experience with the same historical allure but with flawless luxury and service.
Rating: 3/5