Villa & Palazzo Aminta

This amazing hotel is still family owned and it shows. Attention to details and facilities. Perfect setting just outside the hustle of Stresa. 3 minute car ride or a 15-20 minute walk to Stresa. The most unbelievable view of the lake and tight staff. It's a small team, so in only 3 days we knew many names and they certainly knew us. All staff are also concierge trained. Anyone can arrange a dinner reservation, boat taxi, etc. Only complaint was the Grotto Spa area. Whether allowed or not, children were running around, yelling in the space. A big disappointment as I've never seen children running free in a spa. I think the spa is mismanaged and not the draw though. Maybe with the right management, it may become more of an attraction for this property. The spa brought me down to 4 stars. Otherwise it is a hands-down 5 star hotel. Overall, an excellent facility. Wonderful meals. Fantastic view. Attentive staff. Excellent location.

Palazzo Aminta at Lake Maggiore is a beautiful property across the road from the lake. It has excellent free parking and its own dock. Our room, #201, had what they call a side lake view. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony watching the lake and the cars buzz by. The road is narrow and very busy, so it is not advisable to walk to Stresa. Fortunately the hotel does have a shuttle. The staff and the restaurant were excellent. We loved the old fashion key and tag. The pool was very nice.

We stayed for 2 nights and will not return. There are many issues. First, the hotel is located across a very busy road from the lakefront. The road is dangerous to cross, which is necessary if you are visiting the garden or getting picked up by boat. There is a shadow of an old crosswalk there. It needs to be repainted.The road is noisy. The guest room windows are insulated, but it would be nice to open them on cool nights. The noise makes that impossible. The noise is also an issue when trying to relax at the pool (hidden from, but right next to the road) and dining terraces. Our room, a deluxe lake view room was small and triangularity shaped. We did not like the space. The bathroom was a real problem. The only shower was inside a tall jetted bathtub. Claiming in was difficult and felt unsafe, especially given the lack of grab bars. Th stand under the showerhead, you had to stand on the sloped part of the tub, on top of uncomfortable jets, which were directly underfoot. This again, without grab bars. There was a 20 inch glass partition which was supposed to contain the shower water. Of course, Water went all over the floor. The location was not ideal. While it did have a good view of the Borromea Islands, it was. far from town.

Beautiful hotel with magnificent views of the lake. Elegant furnishings, well appointed room with a view of the lake, excellent food and wines together with professional, caring and friendly service made for a very relaxing and very spoiling holiday. Privately owned, the level of service is exemplary whether it be a porter, chambermaid, waitress or receptionist or indeed the owner, their desire for you to be spoilt and have a lovely time is palpable. Even the driver of the efficient shuttle bus went the extra mile. All areas of the building and grounds were absolutely spotless. It really is a very special hotel.

The hotel is in the most glorious location - breakfast sat on the terrace with amazing lake views is something that will live long in the memory. The service was fantastic - from the waiters in the restaurant to the lovely helpful lady round the pool to the minibus driver - they were all so helpful and polite. All the food we had was great - breakfast a particular highlight with a fantastic selection ton of hams, cheeses, smoked trout (delicious), pastries, cakes, fruits, breads, eggs……so much choice and such high quality. Also, and very unusually for us brits, great breakfast tea! Also a huge Italian wine list and high quality cocktails. Mark down to four is just because for us the decor is too chintzy. I know that’s a matter of taste, and it’s all very high quality and well kept, but the flounces and ornaments were just too much for us! Others have commented on the walk on the road. For us it was OK. Yes there’s a bit along without much path but the traffic was all considerate and we enjoyed our daily strolls into Stresa. Thanks for a beautiful stay.