In the heart of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, the Boutique Hotel Stresa is a 5-star destination where the soul of the Belle Époque is reborn among panoramic rooftops and original ‘bubbles’.

A Royal History: from the Palazzina Ducale to Villa Ostini

The Boutique Hotel Stresa, the first 5-star luxury hotel to open in decades on the shores of the Pearl of Lake Maggiore and the only one in the city’s historic center, has deep roots. At the end of the 19th century, the Duchess of Genoa, Elisabeth of Saxony, mother of Margherita of Savoy, the first queen of Italy, commissioned the famous architect Augusto Guidini to build the Palazzina Ducale, a residence intended to house her son, Tommaso Alberto of Savoy.

The Duchess chose that particular site because she had settled in the historic Villa Bolongaro, then renamed Villa Ducale, located right next door, dating back to the late 18th century, hence the oldest in Stresa, where Alessandro Manzoni and Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, were regular guests.

I was very happy to be in Stresa. It’s a place where you can feel very comfortable even when it rains, and the view of the islands is incredible. I felt like I had come home, or perhaps better than home.

(Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms)

After the Duchess’s death, in 1950, industrialist Carlo Ostini transformed it into a hotel, a vocation for hospitality that lives on today thanks to the current owner, Svetlana Fisun, who purchased it, enamored with these places and the timeless charm that emanates from the structure.

Suites with a view and private spa

The hotel features 28 unique suites, furnished with custom-made pieces and Made in Italy design. Each room tells a story, thanks also to the vivid black-and-white photographs by Gisella Motta, a Stresa-based photojournalist who has captured the most authentic soul of the area.

For those seeking the ultimate in wellness, the Private Spa Suites (Natura, Amazonia, Monte Rosa, and Laguna) are small private sanctuaries designed by the Hofer group: experiential programs for up to six guests include exclusive rituals and massages, right in the comfort of your room.

Rooftop Perlage: the Infinity Pool overlooking the Borromean Islands

The heart of the hotel is the Rooftop Perlage, with an infinity pool and a cocktail bar offering a marvelous view of Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori.

For even more private relaxation, the Solarium offers five private gazebos overlooking the infinity pool with Jacuzzi massage.

Gourmet Experience: LeBolle Restaurant

In the designer interior rooms or in the original outdoor bubbles set up in the garden, the restaurant’s cuisine is entrusted to Chef Luca Gulino, who presents refined dishes combining Mediterranean, Eastern influences, and French gastronomic culture, with a focus on seasonality and local products.

As the only 5-star hotel located right in the historic center, Boutique Hotel Stresa is the perfect base for visiting the Borromean Islands and the many beauties of Lake Maggiore.

The Secret

The hotel’s logo is the peacock, symbol of Isola Bella, whose design recurs in the furnishings and details that give the historic building a new identity.

Useful info

Boutique Hotel Stresa
C.so Umberto I 21
28838 Stresa, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
Tel. +39 0323 086753

Rooms: from €400 with breakfast