I will be in Stresa for four nights in May. Am trying to decide between Villa Aminta and Grand Hotel Borromeo. The Villa Aminta is less expensive and looks quite beautiful from their website. We will have a car so location is less of an issue. Would like to hear comments from anyone who stayed in either. Thanks.

We have stayed at the Aminta and loved it. However, they have since upgraded to a 5 star--we paid about $150 in 1994.
It is about 2 miles north of town in a nice setting and very close to the cable car to Mt. Motarrone, but too far to walk into town. Good luck !

I know both hotels cos I have spent so many summers in Stresa. The Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees is an historic hotel and it is more central (nearer the centre of Stresa) and it is just in front of the promenade of Stresa. The Villa Aminta Hotel is good too, but its position is a bit outside Stresa, on the way to Baveno. It overlooks the Isola Bella island. It has just underwent some renewings. Again, both are good but if I had to choose I'd choose The Borromeo.

I stayed at the Hotel Borromeo in 95 and still remember the grand & luxurious room we had.
Impressive inlaid wood floor, great furnishings, awesome marble bathroom. Incredible view of the lake & mountains which inspired Hemingway to write The Sun Also Rises. The hotel also has a relaxing old Italian garden which inspired my wife to redo our garden. The only negative aspect was the sombre receptionists. At that time the hotel was filled with rich Italians with designer cars. There were a few hotel guests who came with bodyguards guarding the floors they stayed on which made it a bit unpleasant for us. I would still recommend the hotel very highly. It is also very close to town.

Thanks a lot everyone for your comments. I think I'll book at the Grand Hotel Borromeos as the location certainly seems better.

We were in Stresa last July, and thought about staying at the Borromeo, but balked at the expense. Instead, we opted for Hotel Palma, which is two blocks down ( toward town) from the Borromeo, and couldn't have been more pleased. While the hotel itself is not nearly as opulent, we had a lovely room with small terrace and magnificent view for about $260/night. The hotel has a beautiful lakeside pool, and the staff was quite helpful with touring arrangements.

However you decide, have a great trip. Make sure to see the Borromean Islands, esp. Isola Bella ( gorgeous palace with gardens filled with white peacocks!) and Isola dei Pescatore ( the hotel restaurant there is great for lunch or dinner). It's also possible to visit Lugano, Switzerland by boat. We didn't have time to do this, but several concession stands in town offered day trips.

Have a great time!