Hotel Italie & Suisse is one of the oldest hotels in Stresa, and even although it has aged gracefully, it does lack a certain ‘modernity’. No problem, though, for that is more than compensated for by the friendly, helpful and attentive owner and his family. We visited at the beginning of October (2014) when it might be expected to find hotel staff tired and less than enthusiastic at the end of the season but not so: the service was excellent.
The accommodation was clean and comfortable; breakfast choices were limited but enjoyable.
Located opposite the ferry terminal and a 10 minute walk to the train station, the hotel is the perfect base for exploring the Lake Maggiore villages. Stresa Old Town, which lies right behind the hotel, offers a wide choice of restaurants and cafes (and prices). There are two we highly recommend.
1: Taverna del Papagallo, which has outdoor dining under a grapevine canopy, has an authentic Italian ambience, terrific service and great food with a bottle of very acceptable house red at a reasonable price.
2: The Pasticceria Gigi Bar, a short stroll along the lake-front from the hotel, became our favourite ‘people-watching’ café for afternoon coffee, or for our after-dinner night-cap. Great service, friendly and efficient. Their speciality, Margheritine Di Stresa - small, two-bite-sized, melt-in-the-mouth ‘cookies’ - are a must-try with a glass, or two, of Limoncello.