This review is based on the fact that we immediately coughed up another €180 for 3 days to avoid the horror story that is the rooms at the back of the hotel. I can only imagine the disappointment for those poor residents.

This is a hotel that will wow you from the front, but let you down once you're inside. It's a beautiful old building, that's for sure. Very grand and you can imagine what this place would have been like back in the day.

But now... Now it's a tired old place with hilariously quirky electrics and a feeling that you're being overcharged at every turn.

Like I say, we were so outright horrified with these "rooms at the back" that I called reception and asked what they could do. They very kindly gave me some options for a lake view. €60 a day. As we were only staying for 3 days, I decided to go for it, and I really don't regret that. The views were fantastic. We were able to enjoy a drink on the balcony over the lakes. The staff were fantastic throughout to be honest. Really friendly and a nice atmosphere throughout the hotel.

The breakfast buffet was also superb for us. Not a fan of buffets, but they kept things refilled regularly, and the options were a plenty. You can sit outside too, and enjoy the day... Which we did! There's a good indoor pool there, and very below-average "gym"... If you can call it that!

Outdoor pool looked nice. Astroturf, which upset my wife!

But the place was also riddled with things that left a sour taste. Beer was €10 for a half-litre, and tea was €5. Punchy numbers. Add to that the fact you get a small bottle of water on day one, and that's your lot. No tea/coffee facilities in the room, and it's €5 a day to hire a kettle! WHAT?!?! TV was tiny (not that it really bothered us). I suspect their electrics is straining, which is why they try and keep the wattage down. Quite often we'd press a light switch and it would turn on different lights. Most odd!

It's also quite a stroll to the shops and restaurants. We don't mind a stroll, but it's a lengthy 15 minutes to get close to anything.

I hope they take a hard look at things there. It needs a rethink. It's just not as grand as it thinks it is. Not right now anyway.

This is a large imposing hotel from the street with lovely gardens and pool. Unfortunately it falls apart when you enter your room. We had a tint double room at the back of the hotel - so small in fact that we had to place a chair from the room onto the balcony to be able to get into bed. Bathroom was small and very average. Breakfast in the enormous dining room had a good selection but very average quality. Many, many tour groups. We had one dinner and again just okay. Much better options available in Stresa