Grand Hotel Bristol
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About
#17 of 37 hotels in Stresa
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
The strikingly elegant Grand Hotel Bristol is set amidst beautifully tended gardens and has a wonderful view over the lake and Borromean Island at the foot of the Alps. Conveniently situated across the road from the lake, and only 300 metres from the centre of Stresa, the hotel’s large swimming pool is set in the immaculate grounds and shares the panoramic view of the lake and mountains. There is also an indoor pool at your disposal with two hot tubs.
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Property amenities
Parking
Free internet
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Wifi
Paid wifi
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Indoor pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Poolside bar
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Sun loungers / beach chairs
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Shoeshine
Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Park View
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English, French, German, Italian
Location
Corso Umberto I, 73, 28838, Stresa Italy
Name/address in local language
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 70 out of 100
70
84 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
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Detailed Reviews
We spent a lovely week at the beautiful hotel, having stayed there 15 years ago. We had the most incredible view of the lake and garden which was the highlight of our stay. The hotel and grounds were very clean and the staff were all helpful and friendly. We loved the pool area and gardens and ate our lunch at the pool side bar, and found the staff friendly. There was a pizza van they on two days which was a great success. We were disappointed with the breakfast buffet selection which was fine if you like cake and croissants; although loved the fresh orange juice and location - sitting outside overlooking the lake was very special. We did have a few issues in our room ie the tv didnt work, nor did the balcony doors but all complaints were resolved quickly. We were disappointed not to have a kettle in the room and would have liked the showers in the gym and pool area to have soap - especially on our final day when we needed to shower before leaving. Our daughter used the gym every day and was frustrated that the equipment was not turned on and had to contact a member of staff to do this each time - strange that this wasn't done daily. The gym was small with no air conditioning.
We were also surprised that a hefty amount was added to our bill for service, albeit discretionary, but this had not been stated.
Overall we would recommend this hotel as it is very beautiful and well kept and the staff were very helpful and friendly.
We were also surprised that a hefty amount was added to our bill for service, albeit discretionary, but this had not been stated.
Overall we would recommend this hotel as it is very beautiful and well kept and the staff were very helpful and friendly.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A wannabe throwback to the golden era of luxe accommodation, the old style and shabby furniture are rather the result of a long overdue upgrade. Our room was petite (to use a generous word) with the world’s most uncomfortable pillows, with the only thing making up for it being the spectacular view of the lake. In fact this is the only “grand” feature of this so called Grand Hotel. Good luck to the rooms facing back walls or even the loosely labelled ‘garden’. Good luck also if your neighbours are particularly fond of their balcony or if you have an aversion of traffic noise.
Other than the view, the pool deserves a mention - not sure how it would cope if too many guests were keen on a swim but that wasn’t the case during our stay. Please get rid of the exchange towel cards for pool towels policy - it makes you look cheap plus the towels are not that great anyway! You’d have to force us to leave with them.
The breakfast food is plentiful but repetitive and the service is shambles. Reception staff have no clue about local amenities or indeed the history of the hotel. Everyone working there behaves like they really don’t want to be there, ducking and diving whenever we asked a question.
We loved Stresa, the location, the view - but the Grand Hotel felt more like the caricature of a once grand hotel, now fed up of staying open.
Other than the view, the pool deserves a mention - not sure how it would cope if too many guests were keen on a swim but that wasn’t the case during our stay. Please get rid of the exchange towel cards for pool towels policy - it makes you look cheap plus the towels are not that great anyway! You’d have to force us to leave with them.
The breakfast food is plentiful but repetitive and the service is shambles. Reception staff have no clue about local amenities or indeed the history of the hotel. Everyone working there behaves like they really don’t want to be there, ducking and diving whenever we asked a question.
We loved Stresa, the location, the view - but the Grand Hotel felt more like the caricature of a once grand hotel, now fed up of staying open.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Get the lake view rooms, your only hope
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Despite an outdated look, the hotel is quite suitable and well located.
Very professional welcome, in French, thank you.
The senior suite is huge, very comfortable and very bright with lots of small balconies and offers an exceptional view of the lake and the Borromean Islands as well as the swimming pool.
We really enjoyed the bar and its atmosphere at the end of the day. The lighting could be corrected and dimmed to give it a more intimate atmosphere.
The small problems linked to the electric charging station and excessive occupation by stupid customers were resolved by efficient and very attentive staff. THANKS.
The upstairs bathroom is still an organizational constraint but ultimately surmountable.
The air conditioning in the room was extremely noisy and a small pump noise every 5 minutes was quite unpleasant and annoying.
The indoor pool water was extremely cold, even for summer use. Damage.
Very professional welcome, in French, thank you.
The senior suite is huge, very comfortable and very bright with lots of small balconies and offers an exceptional view of the lake and the Borromean Islands as well as the swimming pool.
We really enjoyed the bar and its atmosphere at the end of the day. The lighting could be corrected and dimmed to give it a more intimate atmosphere.
The small problems linked to the electric charging station and excessive occupation by stupid customers were resolved by efficient and very attentive staff. THANKS.
The upstairs bathroom is still an organizational constraint but ultimately surmountable.
The air conditioning in the room was extremely noisy and a small pump noise every 5 minutes was quite unpleasant and annoying.
The indoor pool water was extremely cold, even for summer use. Damage.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were with a garden tour group. Yes, we were shoved in the dreaded back rooms which are accessed by the carpeted ski slope tunnel decorated with tired silk flowers and Nonna's artwork.
The room was overstuffed with furniture. The furniture was also probably Nonna's and there was plenty of it. One of our party demanded that they remove some chairs just so she could move around. We had to place white hand towels on chair arms so that we didn't trip over in the night.
We were "treated" to a welcome dinner at the restaurant. Afterwards we were informed that our our tour farewell dinner would also be there. Revolution ensued. It was elsewhere.
The buffet breakfast was OK. But we were told that we had to sit with our tour group. Not at an individual table. We were obviously in Economy class, definitely not Business.
The beds had what seemed like a rubber sheet underneath, giving the bed a crunchy effect. We swiped some extra towels from the maid's cart, used them as an underlay and that seemed to alleviate the issue a little. I did see a lot of senior guests so I guess that's an issue...
In summary, we couldn't get out of there fast enough.
The room was overstuffed with furniture. The furniture was also probably Nonna's and there was plenty of it. One of our party demanded that they remove some chairs just so she could move around. We had to place white hand towels on chair arms so that we didn't trip over in the night.
We were "treated" to a welcome dinner at the restaurant. Afterwards we were informed that our our tour farewell dinner would also be there. Revolution ensued. It was elsewhere.
The buffet breakfast was OK. But we were told that we had to sit with our tour group. Not at an individual table. We were obviously in Economy class, definitely not Business.
The beds had what seemed like a rubber sheet underneath, giving the bed a crunchy effect. We swiped some extra towels from the maid's cart, used them as an underlay and that seemed to alleviate the issue a little. I did see a lot of senior guests so I guess that's an issue...
In summary, we couldn't get out of there fast enough.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Don't go there
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IMHO this is an ex luxury 4* hotel now catering for large coach groups providing 3* service and food. We were part of a small walking group there for the week unlike most visitors who were on the "lakes coach tour", just there for a night. This makes it all seem unfriendly, cold and with no coziness. Bar very expensive and you don't even see the price you're charging to the room and then they add 5% for "Service" which is very questionable. So suggest you don't come as a couple! The food is a reasonable mass catering (several hundred a night) standard (but don't expect 4* Italian). The huge dining room is divided in two with different levels of food provision in different sides (including no breakfast toaster on our side!) - weird for a 4* hotel!
Nevertheless for our small group it was ok and the staff were very helpful in providing alternative pillows very quickly and providing a mains converter for the 3 pin vertical italian sockets. The grounds are very nice and it is a wonderful location. And the coffee out of the machine in the morning was surprisingly good.
Nevertheless for our small group it was ok and the staff were very helpful in providing alternative pillows very quickly and providing a mains converter for the 3 pin vertical italian sockets. The grounds are very nice and it is a wonderful location. And the coffee out of the machine in the morning was surprisingly good.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Don't come here expecting a couple's 4* experience - its all large groups.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This hotel is situation right on the lake front in a run of large, traditional hotels. Being the furthest hotel away from the town be aware this is a good 'stroll' outside to Stresa town, maybe a 20 minute walk, so if anyone has mobility issues (as my wife has) this may not be the best option. Apart from that the hotel is wonderful.
Yes, you could call it faded grandeur, or unspoilt tradition. But it is a hotel on a grand scale. There is an outside (and inside) pool with a bar and loungers. A small point is the loungers may have passed their best and are not particularly comfortable in my opinion.
We had a lake side balcony room. While not huge it was perfectly adequate for two people with a very comfortable bed. Another small point - the bathroom does feel dated. There is a very high bath where the shower is located which again proved difficult for my wife to get in and out of. But again this was not a major problem.
We had seen some negative reviews of the breakfast at the hotel. We thought it was a fantastic buffet selection. Yes, it's continental of course, but there is everything we needed, from fresh Orange juice to a (limited) offering of fried food (Bacon, Scrambled eggs, Sausage, etc). With a vast range of breads, croissants, meats and cheese plus cakes and pastries etc. Lovely sitting outside over looking the lake at breakfast.
The staff were all very friendly and efficient. Very nice bar and the drinks were not too expensive. On a side note we had never been to Stresa before and thought it the perfect place for a relatively quiet break. Lot's to do, and the Islands on the lake are beautiful places to visit.
We really enjoyed our 4 night stay and will look to return as my wife's mobility problems improve. Highly recommended.
Yes, you could call it faded grandeur, or unspoilt tradition. But it is a hotel on a grand scale. There is an outside (and inside) pool with a bar and loungers. A small point is the loungers may have passed their best and are not particularly comfortable in my opinion.
We had a lake side balcony room. While not huge it was perfectly adequate for two people with a very comfortable bed. Another small point - the bathroom does feel dated. There is a very high bath where the shower is located which again proved difficult for my wife to get in and out of. But again this was not a major problem.
We had seen some negative reviews of the breakfast at the hotel. We thought it was a fantastic buffet selection. Yes, it's continental of course, but there is everything we needed, from fresh Orange juice to a (limited) offering of fried food (Bacon, Scrambled eggs, Sausage, etc). With a vast range of breads, croissants, meats and cheese plus cakes and pastries etc. Lovely sitting outside over looking the lake at breakfast.
The staff were all very friendly and efficient. Very nice bar and the drinks were not too expensive. On a side note we had never been to Stresa before and thought it the perfect place for a relatively quiet break. Lot's to do, and the Islands on the lake are beautiful places to visit.
We really enjoyed our 4 night stay and will look to return as my wife's mobility problems improve. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just back from an excellent three nights at the hotel, excellent location with great views across the Lake and mountains. Worth having the Lake view rooms with a balcony, but excellent views from the side too overlooking the pool and distant views.
A traditional hotel, with the occasional hint of ‘Fawlty Towers’ in some of the ‘rules’ and quirks, but all well intended.
Food at the total wasn’t great for us, breakfast buffet had a very good range, but hot buffet was cold and each day very busy with several coach parties and a conference whilst we were there. We eat at the hotel the first evening and found the menu limiting but there is a very wide range of good restaurants within a 15 minute walk.
Great location for exploring the area and Milan area.
A traditional hotel, with the occasional hint of ‘Fawlty Towers’ in some of the ‘rules’ and quirks, but all well intended.
Food at the total wasn’t great for us, breakfast buffet had a very good range, but hot buffet was cold and each day very busy with several coach parties and a conference whilst we were there. We eat at the hotel the first evening and found the menu limiting but there is a very wide range of good restaurants within a 15 minute walk.
Great location for exploring the area and Milan area.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovely characterful hotel, with faded grandeur, but small niggles prevent it from being a great hotel.
On the plus side the views over the lake are fantastic and it is within walking distance of Stresa town centre for restaurants, shopping and the ‘hop on hop off’ ferry to the islands.
Now for the niggles…… only small ones though.
Badly leaking shower door which over time had rotted the base of the wooden bathroom door.
No glasses in the bedroom (just paper cups)
Constant music from the pool area.
No complementary body lotions.
Gym too small
The food at the pool bar and restaurant is not the best.
To end on a positive note the staff were very welcoming and we enjoyed our stay.
On the plus side the views over the lake are fantastic and it is within walking distance of Stresa town centre for restaurants, shopping and the ‘hop on hop off’ ferry to the islands.
Now for the niggles…… only small ones though.
Badly leaking shower door which over time had rotted the base of the wooden bathroom door.
No glasses in the bedroom (just paper cups)
Constant music from the pool area.
No complementary body lotions.
Gym too small
The food at the pool bar and restaurant is not the best.
To end on a positive note the staff were very welcoming and we enjoyed our stay.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4 stars may have been possible, but at the moment this is on the high side. The room was small but well appointed. Bed comfortable and bathroom with bath and shower. Unfortunately, the refrigerator was not in use and there were no coffee/tea options. Don't take a room in the courtyard because there is a lot of noise from the supply and disposal of hotel supplies. Breakfast 25 euros, garage 19 euros per day. A 5 percent service charge is stated on the bill. These are voluntary and you do NOT have to pay if you are not satisfied.
We still give 4 stars because the location, the beautiful swimming pool, the friendly employee and the cleanliness of the hotel are worth it.
We still give 4 stars because the location, the beautiful swimming pool, the friendly employee and the cleanliness of the hotel are worth it.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A traditional, large, characterful hotel but with smart modern amenities.
Amazing hotel with the most excellent food. The restaurant overlooks Lake Maggiore, and it is possible to eat on the outside, sheltered terrace. Simply splendid.
We enjoyed a spacious room with a balcony, and ate in several nights because the food was so good, but check what your room includes as some are smaller.
The reception staff were friendly, really helpful and made our stay.
Amazing hotel with the most excellent food. The restaurant overlooks Lake Maggiore, and it is possible to eat on the outside, sheltered terrace. Simply splendid.
We enjoyed a spacious room with a balcony, and ate in several nights because the food was so good, but check what your room includes as some are smaller.
The reception staff were friendly, really helpful and made our stay.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Check what your room includes and how big/small it is
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fridge yes! Our room didn’t have a stand alone shower
There are bus routes into Milan stopping at Milan central . Ask reception at your hotel for timetable and which bus Tec . They will be More than pleased to help
LynneManchester asked a question Nov 2017
Stalybridge, United Kingdom280 contributions127 helpful votesHi, Would it be easier to do day tripping with a car and is car parking easily available?
Yes, there is parking at the hotel. You’d need to check what they would charge. It depends where you want to go. There are plenty of day trips either by boat or train once you’ve got to the resort.
I think more "smart casual" than " dressy"
my room had no fridge, really quite basic rooms
"Make sure to book room with lake view ie front of hotel and check size before reserving"Read full review
"You only get 1gb free wifi a day per person, so defo recomend having enough data before you arrive."Read full review
"If you can, definitely splurge for the balcony! We spent most of our time on our spacious, private and comfortable balcony! Fantastic views!"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$224 - C$280 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
grand hotel stresa
LOCATION
ItalyPiedmontLake MaggioreStresa
NUMBER OF ROOMS
255
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Hotel Bristol
Which popular attractions are close to Grand Hotel Bristol?
Nearby attractions include Palazzo Borromeo (1.0 km), Lungolago Stresa (0.08 km), and Isola Bella (0.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Grand Hotel Bristol?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Grand Hotel Bristol?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Grand Hotel Bristol?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Grand Hotel Bristol?
Conveniently located restaurants include Taverna Del Pappagallo Ristorante E Pizzeria, La Botte, and Cicinin Panini al Metro.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Grand Hotel Bristol?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and locker rooms available in the fitness centre during their stay.
Is Grand Hotel Bristol located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Stresa.
Are any cleaning services offered at Grand Hotel Bristol?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Grand Hotel Bristol?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Grand Hotel Bristol offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.