Hotel La Palma

Having read some very good reports on this Hotel we spent 4 days there during an extensive trip to the Italian Lakes from which we have just returned. Sadly the experience was very poor for a number of reasons. Firstly, and of most importance to anyone thinking of using this hotel for the foreseeable future, there is a recently commenced major building site to the rear of the Hotel. Excavations and an enormous crane twice the height of the hotel are only 20 metres.............yes 20 metres, from the Hotel building. No mention was made of this whatsoever at the time of booking which is, frankly, a disgrace. Our visit was also spoiled by a particularly rude and offensive senior waiter (Paolo) who took exception to being asked the most simple request of an alternate table. The following Dinner he decided to dish out some "punishment" to us by having us wait an inordinate period of time (whilst other guests were attended to) to then be seated beside the waters' station on an otherwise unused table. At this I spoke to the Duty Manger who showed little interest in tackling the issue. Fortunately the Maitre D' appeared to become aware of the evolving situation and personally intervened on his own accord to improve matters but by this time we were half way through our stay. Further interaction with "Paolo" was of the sulky spoiled child nature. I witnessed other guests being subject to similar behaviour. Had he been an employee of mine he would have been looking for another job as, clearly, his personality does not blend well with the service sector ethos. The actual food in the Restaurant was average with no change to the limited choice during the period of our stay. For those driving to this Hotel, especially those arriving in a car of some value there is a rude awakening in the form of the parking provision. At the Hotel itself there is room for perhaps 6 tightly parked cars. For the vast majority of guests the parking provision takes the form of the overgrown grounds of an adjacent derelict property which is also used by refuse trucks and coaches. Cars are therefore left on muddy uneven ground, unlit, with no form of security some 200m from the Hotel. Fortunately I had taken my Range Rover on the trip rather than one of my Porsches but, either way, the parking was a disgrace. Once again, there is no mention made as to the nature of the parking available at the time of booking. Finally, and to add insult to injury, at the time of checking out the Hotel had made various billing "errors" - all of them conveniently in favour of the Hotel.

An excellent hotel in every respect. Within 5 minutes walk of the ferry terminal and town centre. Facilities top class, especially the lakeside pool area, 7th floor Sky Bar with stunning views, extensive lounge areas inside and outside and dining room opening onto the garden. Breakfasts and dinner very good and all staff are courteous, friendly and helpful. Bedrooms clean and roomy, with very ample wardrobe space and very good ensuite. Rooms facing lake have balcony with excellent views. No criticisms at all.

This hotel exceeded our expectations. It could easily be 5*. The location is perfect, just a 5 minute walk into the centre of Stresa and a few minutes from the port. We had a lovely room on the second floor with amazing view of the lake and islands. For fitness enthusiasts there is a well equipped gym and also a spa. The Sky Bar is a great place for a relaxing drink on the roof with great views. Very popular so good idea to book. The swimming pool is across the road with a beautiful pool and plenty of loungers Food in the hotel is very good. We are vegetarian and we’re able to have a different dish each night. There is a wide choice of dishes for breakfast. Definitely something for everyone. It was my husband’s 70th birthday and a special thank you to Stefano for arranging a special vegetarian meal and a cake with candle! All of the staff in the restaurant gave really good service and are a credit to the hotel. The hotel staff are all exceptionally helpful and welcoming. A special mention for the cleaning staff who keep the hotel spotless. Thank you to the manager for frequently engaging with guests..