How it is staying in style at probably the best luxury hotel in Stresa in the northern Piedmont:

You may have never heard of Stresa, but it is one the older tourist resorts in Europe. This small, elegant town, embracing Lake Maggiore’s western shore, is part of the Piedmont, in the very north of Italy. Its rise began in the early 20th century when the Simplon Tunnel opened and trains on the London-Paris-Milan line made a stop here. Ever since, tourists flock to Stresa, also because of its most famous sight, the three Borromean Islands. While my husband and I have vacationed in the nearby Swiss Ticino many times, we never made it to this lakeside town. Until recently, when we decided to combine Stresa with a stay in the Piedmont wine region around Alba. And we did so also because news had reached us about a just unveiled hotel, Boutique Hotel Stresa, which is probably the best luxury hotel in town.

Before coming to the newly opened Boutique Hotel Stresa, I want to provide some more information on Stresa.

About Stresa

Most luxury travelers – especially from the U.S. – rather head to Lake Como than to Lake Maggiore. And that is the reason that this region, which is also lovely, has become very pricy. When it comes to Stresa, this is different as it is not so on North American tourists’ radar. And while I secretly hope that this does not change much, I cannot help but promoting Stresa a bit.

To get here from Milan by car or train, you need just over an hour. This makes it an ideal base for exploring Italy’s second-largest lake. Lake Maggiore stretches along the border between Piedmont and Lombardy all the way up into Switzerland. As a side note, when doing this trip you come to Ascona/Switzerland. And you will find quite a few posts on my blog related to this beautiful town. As to Stresa, there is a bunch of things to do in and around this lakeside resort. You will find a post about some of these activities later on my blog.

A few quicks words on Stresa as a place. While it is not large, it has everything you need for a few laid-back days on the lake. There is a promenade bordered by palms and flowerbeds with lots of spots to have a drink.

It evokes the atmosphere of the Belle Époque with lots of luxury villas and opulent hotels lining the lake’s shore. I have already mentioned Stresa’s most famous sight, the Borromean Islands that catch the eye immediately.

And the scenery is dominated by a forest alpine backdrop that fades into the snow-capped peaks on the horizon. Plus, this small town is blessed with a mild climate.

Staying in style at Boutique Hotel Stresa on Lake Maggiore in northern Piedmont

While there already was the one or other luxury hotel in Stresa before Boutique Hotel Stresa, I was not necessarily drawn to its hotellerie. So, I much welcomed the arrival of this high-end lodging option in the lakeside town. After some info about the accommodation’s back story I come to all the other details of interest for (luxury) travelers about Stresa’s best hotel.

Back story Boutique Hotel Stresa

Boutique Hotel Stresa’ story goes back a long time. The construction of the historic Stresiana villa is attributed to the Swiss architect Augusto Guidini (1853 – 1928). The property is known as Casa d’Oro or also as Villa Ostini, as the entrepreneur Ostini took it over in 1940.

After a remarkable three-year long restoration, the villa, transformed to a luxury hotel, opened its doors in August 2023. The building’s celebrated facade remains yet belies the modernity within. 26 spacious, state-of-the art rooms await you here. No comprises were made to create a cutting-edge accommodation yet with the charm of the past.

This new old gem of a hotel belongs to Preferred Hotels & Resorts. When it comes to the ownership structure of Boutique Hotel Stresa, the whole thing remains a bit nebulous. When researching this topic, I came across the name of the Russian entrepreneur Aleksey Fisun. This investor holds a dual passport and has been an Italian citizen resident on the lake for several years. In a more recent publication, I read that Svetlana Fisun (Daughter?) was the hotel owner. She also appears to be a dual citizen and resident in Stresa.

Location of the best luxury hotel in Stresa

The hotel could not be more favorably located in the town of Stresa. It is in the center of this lakeside resort, just adjoining the old town and opposite the promenade. You can reach the Stresa Ferry Terminal in a five-minute walk from here. To get to the train station, you can do this in ten minutes by foot. From the lodging’s roof top restaurant, you have the most stunning views of the lake, the Borromean Islands and the surroundings. And it is situated just between the Villa Ducale, Stresa’s oldest building, and another hotel, the Regina Palace.

Ambiance/Staff

I mentioned it, Boutique Hotel Stresa is a true jewel. It is one of the most beautiful hotels I have stayed in the recent past. Everywhere your eyes fall you find beauty and perfection. The unique allure of the place has been kept, yet at the same time the property got a new contemporary, unpretentious look. The front view of the hotel, where you can only see its old facade, is quite different from its side view. The latter discloses that two (Or three?) historic buildings have been connected by a contemporary modern building. Old and new are united in harmony.

The employees’ attitude is exemplary. We encountered an exceptional service from every member of staff, and this all the time. I was astonished to notice that even the bellboy, a young male, was articulate and fluent in English. He said and did all the right things at the appropriate time. At breakfast, we were pampered by the server, an older male. I think he also did so as there were not that many guests around on our stay.

Rooms/Pricing at Boutique Hotel Stresa

Room categories

As I already let you know, everything is top notch here. And this is true for the guest rooms as well, which offer the most modern equipment and exceptional comfort. There are three main categories: Garden, Lake and Peacock, with ascending value.  As to the Garden category, you can choose among Petit Garden (30 sqm), Garden Suite and Grand Suite Garden (both 45 sqm). It remains unclear to me what the difference is between the latter two. We had the Grand Suite Garden. While we had a large balcony, I noticed that other Garden Rooms did not. All the rooms of this category overlook the garden of the Villa Ducale. This is a good thing as this is the quieter side.

The next higher main category is the Lake. Here you can go either for the Suite Lago (45 sqm), the Grand Suite Lago (45 sqm) or the Corner Suite (60 sqm). Again, I cannot figure out what distinguishes the Grand Suite Lago from the Suite Lago. As far as the orientation of the rooms is concerned, I assume that they predominantly face the street that turns into the main road (actually the side view of the property). While you enjoy a lake view from here, you also have to consider the somewhat busy street.

The highest main category is the Peacock, with five different rooms ranging from 65 sqm to 155 sqm. And I presume all of them have panoramic lake views.

Pricing at the best luxury hotel in Stresa

I checked out the room pricing (best available with breakfast) for the beginning of August 2025 (high season), and this during the week. As to the Garden category, prices vary from 591€ to 900€. As far as the Lake is concerned, rates are between 810 and 1,264€. And the least expensive Peacock Suite starts at 1,446€.

Now to the room we had – as you know by now, it is about a Grand Suite Garden.

Grand Suite Garden

Visiting Stresa in early July over the weekend, we considered the pricing for our generously sized Grand Suite Garden (870€) as appropriate. I fell heavily in love with the gorgeously sleek room kept in blue, brown and light beige. There was not only a seating area but also a high table and chairs.

Our Grand Suite Garden was in the front section of the three-part building. This even allowed us to catch sight of the lake from our spacious covered balcony.

Also the bathroom embraced contemporary style in design. It was huge and kept in a dark grey.

The one thing not that ideal was the room being a bit on the dark side (three windows instead of two would have been better, but of course it is a historic building).

One reason for us to choose this room category was the option to have two single beds instead of one double bed. Unfortunately, this did not work out, so we had to make do with a king size bed instead. Yet, it was comfortable, and they arranged for two covers (which were too wide). Another issue was that the air conditioning was not set cool enough. We had to ask several times for an adjustment – apparently the temperature returned to the initial position every time when they cleaned the room. In addition, the fridge was not cold enough either. Plus, they did not refill the drinks in it every day (which were included in the room rate). Said that, these minor issues did not spoil our stay here, which was really great.

Facilities at the best luxury hotel in Stresa

Apart from the restaurants, into which I go further below, Boutique Hotel Stresa features following amenities. On the middle building’s roof you find a sun deck complete with loungers, tables and chairs, a small pool with jacuzzi massage and a bar service. And you have the most fabulous lake view from here.

In terms of relaxation and health, there are four private spa suites on site, each with a unique concept. For example, the Natura Suite transports you in some kind of alpine barn. And as these accommodation also have beds, you are able to stay here overnight.

Restaurants at Boutique Hotel Stresa

On the premises of Boutique Hotel Stresa, two restaurants are at your disposal. One is the fine-dining spot (LeBolle Restaurant), which also is the breakfast place. The other is the bar (Rooftop Perlage), where you can have drinks and light meals.

1. LeBolle Restaurant, the fine-dining spot

The main eatery at Boutique Hotel Stresa is LeBolle Restaurant. Le Bolle translates in English The Bubbles. There are five of these igloos made of glass and wood in the garden overlooking the lake. They definitely are the flagship sign of this dining spot and regularly arouse the curiosity of passers-by.

But it is not only about appearance at LeBolle but also about substance. The chef, Andrea Falciola, is knowledgeable in his field. At this high-end dining spot, they serve Mediterranean food with a twist made with quality produce. And they do this not only in The Bubbles of course but also in the modernly designed interiors

and in an outdoor area. My husband and I have dined here twice. All the details about how it was you will find in a separate post about best (Michelin) fine dining in Stresa later on my blog.

Also the breakfast is served at LeBolle Restaurant, located on the hotel’s ground floor. There is a well-assorted buffet plus an à la carte menu. From the latter, you can order some extra items just as fresh fruit salad, hot egg dishes or pancakes, and this with no additional costs. There is a section on the menu with selections just as egg Benedicts or smoked salmon, for which you have to pay extra. We liked what we got here and enjoyed our breakfast on our four days at this hotel.

2. Rooftop Perlage, the bar

The Rooftop Bar/Restaurant is the place to go for drinks and lake views. From here you really have a fabulous vista of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands. Yet the panorama includes parts of Stresa too, also the neighboring Villa Ducale or Regina Palace Hotel. When staying at Boutique Hotel Stresa or at a nearby other place, do not miss the chance to benefit from these great views!

In terms of spending, drink prices are high. Cocktails cost 20€, gin drinks between 20 and 30€ and tonic waters 8€. Yet drinks are accompanied by things to nibble and a snack of the day. Service is knowledgeable and friendly. When it comes to food, there is quite a choice in the four sections of starters, first courses, second courses and desserts. In addition, you find here also a menu with typical aperitif snacks. Plus, they have a truly special selection of champagne here, although I have never seen a correspondent menu.

Overall on the best luxury hotel in Stresa

The new high-end Boutique Hotel Stresa on the Lake Maggiore in Italy’s north, close to Switzerland, hits many if not all the passion points for luxury travelers. They have it all at this upscale lodging: top location, immaculate premises, exquisite fine-dining, excellent staff and also that certain something. With the latter, I address The Bubbles in the garden, where you can have your meal when dining at their LeBolle Restaurant. These igloos are really an eye catcher. Yet at Boutique Hotel Stresa it is more than only about style. They deliver also in the area of content. What they do, they do it right at the best luxury hotel in Stresa.

And while Stresa is not Como or any other trendy place in Italy, it is a pleasant, pretty spot with lots of things do in town and surroundings. Find out about some of the activities in a post to appear on my blog soon. Furthermore, I will go into where to head as lovers of (Michelin) fine dining in and around Stresa.

Looking back and forward on my Piedmont reporting

In the paragraph before, I let you know what will come as to more content about Stresa. Now to what was before. The start of my reporting made a 11-day itinerary outlining three stops in the Piedmont and one in western Switzerland. Then I published three posts about the first main destination of the voyage, a stay near Alba in the typical Piedmont wine region. They included a review of the luxury hotel my husband and I stayed, three of the best (Michelin) fine-dining restaurants and things to do in the area.

With this very post, we have arrived at the second main destination, Stresa on the Lake Maggiore in the northern Piedmont. You have learnt more about probably the best luxury hotel in Stresa. Next is all about dining in style in and around this lakeside town and the final blogpost will inform on activities in the area.

Date of stye: July 2024

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