Hotel Du Parc

This hotel, a charming Belle Epoque villa nestled within beautiful, well-maintained gardens, offers a memorable stay defined by its historical elegance and tranquil atmosphere. Its signature feature is the seamless blend of traditional grandeur with a welcoming, family-run feel, making guests feel at home. The consistently praised attentive and friendly staff are a highlight, providing exceptional service that enhances the overall experience. The hotel's prime location near the town center and lake is another significant draw, offering convenience for exploration. It is an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families looking for a comfortable base, solo travelers who appreciate warm hospitality, and sightseers eager to explore the area's attractions. To maximize your visit, guests recommend leveraging the staff's extensive local knowledge for recommendations and considering a room with a lake view for breathtaking vistas.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently commend the hotel's beautiful gardens and park, which provide a serene and relaxing environment for unwinding amidst lush greenery. The outdoor terrace is a particularly favored spot, offering a fantastic setting to enjoy the views, sunshine, and evening aperitifs. Inside, the extensive public sitting rooms on the ground floor are appreciated as comfortable spaces for relaxation, evoking a sense of historical grandeur. While the hotel maintains its traditional charm, it ensures modern comforts such as effective air conditioning in rooms, crucial during warmer periods. Most guests find the Wi-Fi generally available, though some note it can be intermittent or weak in certain rooms, particularly on higher floors, suggesting a need for boosters. The presence of a small bar is also a welcome addition, allowing guests to enjoy drinks in the evenings, often accompanied by complimentary snacks, adding to the convivial atmosphere.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many appreciating their spaciousness. The bathrooms often receive praise for being luxurious and renovated, with some featuring generous shower sizes. While many guests report comfortable beds, some find the pillows to be too firm or the mattresses hard, indicating a mixed experience with sleep comfort. Rooms in the newer annex building are frequently described as modern and recently updated, while some in the main building are noted as being more traditional and occasionally in need of minor renovation, with mentions of squeaky floors or dated furniture. Amenities like a fridge with complimentary water are appreciated, though some guests note the absence of a kettle or coffee maker in the room, which is common for the region. Noise levels are generally considered quiet, though light sleepers might occasionally notice sounds from the nearby train line or street.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives positive feedback, described as very good and delicious, served in a beautiful dining room that often boasts lovely views. Most guests appreciate the good variety of continental items available, including fresh homemade cakes, quality cold meats, cheeses, and fruit salad. The coffee is frequently highlighted as excellent, with options like cappuccino and espresso readily available. While the selection is generally well-received, some non-European guests express a desire for more hot food options, such as scrambled eggs or toast, indicating that the spread is primarily tailored to European tastes. Despite these minor preferences, the overall quality and presentation of the breakfast contribute significantly to a positive start to the day for most visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of Stresa's main attractions. It is just a few minutes' stroll to the town center, where numerous shops and restaurants can be found, and equally close to the lakefront and ferry dock, providing convenient access to the beautiful Borromean Islands. The train station is also easily reachable on foot, making arrivals and departures straightforward. Guests frequently highlight the breathtaking views of the lake, Alps, and city available from the hotel, particularly from lake-facing rooms. Parking is available on-site, which is a significant convenience for those traveling by car, often provided at no additional cost or for a small fee, and is described as secure and easy to access.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their warm welcome and genuine eagerness to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The team is described as knowledgeable, providing excellent advice on local attractions, restaurants, and transportation, often going above and beyond to assist with requests such as organizing transfers or recommending tours. The check-in process is noted as smooth, with some guests even finding their rooms ready before the official check-in time. This personalized and exceptional service creates a welcoming atmosphere, with many guests feeling as if they are staying with family rather than in a hotel, contributing significantly to their positive experience.

Additional Information
This hotel is a family-owned property, having been in the same family for three generations, which contributes to its warm and personal atmosphere. Originally a private villa, it has retained much of its historic charm and traditional decor, particularly in the main building's public spaces and some rooms, offering a unique Art Nouveau style experience. Guests appreciate the pet-friendly policy, noting that their furry companions are made to feel very welcome. It is worth noting that while the main building has an elevator, the annex building, which houses some of the newer or renovated rooms, does not. The hotel is also commended for its well-kept grounds and the overall tranquil ambiance it provides, despite its proximity to the town center.