La Palma

Hotel La Palma, Stresa: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Hotel La Palma in Stresa, Italy, stands as a highly-regarded establishment on the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore, celebrated for its stunning views, exceptional service, and modern amenities. While specific mentions of its "Michelin Key Selected" status were not detailed in available reviews, the overall guest sentiment and descriptions of its quality strongly align with such a prestigious recognition, highlighting a commitment to excellence in hospitality, design, and dining.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel La Palma garners an impressive overall rating, reflecting a high level of guest satisfaction. Reviews frequently describe the hotel as "fabulous" and "excellent," with an average rating around 8.8 to 8.9 out of 10. Guests consistently praise its prime location, top-notch facilities, and the welcoming nature of its staff, making for an unforgettable experience that blends comfort, convenience, and exceptional service.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features that make Hotel La Palma a memorable stay:

• Panoramic Views & Sky Bar: The rooftop Sky Bar and panoramic pool are frequently cited as major highlights, offering "amazing views" of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands, especially at sunset. The Sky Bar is considered one of the most renowned panoramic terraces on the lake.
• Exceptional Facilities: The hotel boasts excellent facilities, earning a remarkable rating of 9.1-9.2, including a well-equipped fitness center, a refreshing outdoor swimming pool right by the lake, and a full-service spa with a sauna, Turkish bath, and various treatments.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design is described as an "essential contemporary design" that dialogues with the lake, emphasizing functionality and respecting the natural beauty of Lake Maggiore. The ambiance is generally relaxed and elegant.
• Direct Lake Access: The hotel's lakefront location provides easy access to a serene beach and a swimming pool by the lake, creating unforgettable vacation memories.

3. Room Quality

The 120 rooms at Hotel La Palma are consistently described as "lovely," "spacious," "elegant," and "clean". They are designed to blend classic Italian style with modern comforts, featuring premium bedding, air conditioning, free in-room WiFi, and safes. Many rooms boast balconies and offer magnificent views of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands, or the hotel's gardens and surrounding mountains. Some rooms include multi-functional showers and wooden floors.

4. Dining Experience

Hotel La Palma offers a noteworthy dining experience with its on-site international cuisine restaurant, La Palma, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant has been recently renovated in a contemporary style with a retro twist, featuring a view of a flower garden in front of the lake. The cuisine focuses on high-quality local products, Piedmont tradition, and fresh, light ingredients, expertly prepared by the Executive Chef to blend intense local flavors with international tastes. Breakfast is typically included and generally well-regarded as "excellent". However, one guest suggested that the "quality and variety of the breakfast should be better for a 4-star hotel of this level".

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel La Palma receive overwhelmingly positive feedback. Guests frequently highlight the staff as "helpful," "friendly," "attentive," and "incredibly welcoming," often treating guests "like family". The hospitality is described as a family tradition with a contemporary twist, aiming to combine founding values with modern comfort and technology.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a "superb" and "excellent" location with a rating of 9.7, nestled directly on the lakefront in the heart of Stresa. It is just a short stroll (about 5-10 minutes) from the town center, where guests can find numerous shops, bars, and restaurants. The Stresa Train Station is conveniently located about 5-10 minutes away by foot, providing easy connections to major cities like Milan and Turin, as well as other charming towns along Lake Maggiore. The embarcadero (ferry terminal) is also only 300 meters away, ideal for exploring the Borromean Islands. Nearby attractions include the Stresa Lakeside Promenade, Giardino Botanico Alpinia, and the Mottarone cable car.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel La Palma is considered to offer good value with quality service. While it provides an exceptional experience, some reviews indicate that with an average room price of around $283 (compared to the Stresa average of $245), it offers "unparalleled value for money" for those seeking luxury without necessarily "breaking the bank". However, other sources mention prices starting from around $455 or even $1,158, suggesting significant variation depending on room type, season, and booking platform. A local tourist tax of approximately €2.50 per person per night is also payable.

8. Common Complaints

While overall reviews are highly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• Breakfast Variety: As mentioned, one guest suggested that the quality and variety of breakfast could be improved for a hotel of its caliber.
• Room Odor: In one instance, a guest reported that their room was "drenched in bleach," causing illness, and their request to change rooms was not accommodated. This appears to be an isolated incident rather than a recurring issue.
• Lack of Coffee Machine in Rooms: One review noted the absence of a coffee machine in the rooms, though they were otherwise very clean.

In conclusion, Hotel La Palma offers a luxurious and tranquil retreat in Stresa, highly praised for its breathtaking lake views, modern facilities, delectable dining, and outstanding hospitality. Its prime location and commitment to guest satisfaction make it a highly recommended choice for travelers seeking an upscale experience on Lake Maggiore.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. hotels.com
5. hlapalma.it
6. hotelstresa.org
7. hlapalma.it
8. trip.com
9. hlapalma.it
10. youtube.com
11. expedia.com
12. hlapalma.it
13. audleytravel.com
14. hlapalma.it
15. youtube.com
16. tui.co.uk