Hotel Astoria

This was our second visit to the Astoria, having previously been there a few years ago. Nothing had changed: the food was excellent, service impeccable and the room very comfortable. The hotel is very close to both the Stresa waterfront and town centre. Many rooms, like ours, have a lakeside view, which is quite stunning. Using the water taxis, it is very easy to reach other towns spread around the lake, and the three islands close to Stresa. Staff in the local travel offices were very helpful and friendly, as well as speaking excellent English. All in all, we had a great time there, and will certainly go back again.

Not the best - the location is great but from the moment we arrived things went down hill - check in was swift - very little information given - I think all they told us was meal times - no check out times no other information No pool towel tickets issued ( as we found out later) We were then shown to our room 202 which quite frankly was appalling - small out dated - sweat stains on the headboard, bathroom dated, small and broken surfaces and very cheap over the bath shower, I honestly think this is the worst hotel room the I have ever been put in. I went straight to reception to complain and to see if there was another room available - all they could offer us was a junior suite costing an extra £115 per night - we had no choice but to pay and accept this. There was just no way we could have stayed in room 202. The staff gave the impression ( apart from a couple of the restaurant team ) of not giving a damn that you were a guest at the hotel. The reception staff never greeted you or even acknowledged you at all . The Rooms contained absolutely no information . The hotel seemed to cater for large coach tour groups and hence when they were in dinner the restaurant service was very rushed. You were in and out in the evening within 35 to 40 mins . Some good points - Pool was good, breakfasts good and communal areas very clean I’m still not sure if the original room offered was a ploy to get you to upgrade - I can’t see anyone wanting to stay in it - I have stayed in hotels all over the world through work and this was the pits. We did see some other rooms during our stay and they looked looked ok - a bit dated but ok Stresa is a great location and I would definitely recommend a vacation there - just avoid this hotel . We booked through Citalia and will be taking this up with them on our return to the UK

A welcoming smile from the receptionist would have been nice, & information concerning mealtimes & directions to areas of the hotel eg dining room, pool. The staff on reception always appeared quite dour. Our room was in the annexe overlooking the pool with noisy building works at the side. The lavish rooms advertised must be expensive upgrades as ours was more akin to a Premier Inn, but without the welcoming tea & coffee facilities, although the linen was changed daily. The hairdryer was horrendous. It felt as if you were drying your hair with an elephant's trunk. The first day was ruined by deafening "music" coming from a wedding reception, which apparently is a frequent event. The plus points were the delicious food & the wonderfully helpful, cheerful waiters.