The Codagon Guide of Italy reminds us the Hotel des Iles Borromees was the refuge from war for Hemingways' fictional character, Frederick Henry, in "A Farewell to Arms." Hemingway in Stresa
That fact alone made it a clear choice for us. After staying at this grand Victorian style hotel I couldn't imagine how Henry could have not found a new lease on his dismal life. We, on the other hand, were captivated by the charm of the hotel on the "most charming and best-positioned town on the lake." See Stresa and Hotels
Located just a few blocks from the downtown center of Stressa, this opulent Belle Epoque palace is equipped to respond to all needs of a discriminating clientele. The grand marble entrance with its Persian rugs and gilded trims hosts tea-time under a canopy of leaded glass windows. Sit in the comfortable cushioned sofas and partake in the delights of an era gone by with a Campari and soda always served with a flourish and a silver tray of tasty accompaniments.
Meander down the immense hallways and find yourself at the Centro Benessere (the Beauty Center where guests are encouraged to improve their looks and general well-being with an extensive and thorough regime of treatments. But this is no ordinary "spa" as we might know it in the States. See Made in Italy Spa review
There are certified physicians on hand to give you examinations and treatments, some of which looked to be quite tempting being that they were so readily available.
However, as major change requires considerable forethought, which I had not been prepared to offer at this time, I opted instead for a simple manicure, pedicure and massage and was treated in an elaborately equipped room that did seem to rival a hospital operating arena. The best thing was that I wasn't required to move at all during the three treatments. All the necessary accroutements were brought to me as I lie dreamily on the massage table.
Breakfast was included in the board, which is standard for European hostelries, and was served in another grand and glorious room bedecked as if ready for a ball. Our room was sumptuous, furnished with antiques including the king sized bed and Italian linens, a writing desk and wing-back reading chairs situated so that we could watch the comings and goings in the utterly charming gardens and lake below us. An enormous armoire stood in for a walk-in closet, the sort of coveted thing that Americans seek out at high-priced antique stores and auctions.
An outdoor pool was available for guests in a palm-shaded courtyard next to the hotel and the hotel beach appeared to be a popular destination in spite of the chill. Walking the pathways lining the waterfront was a truly joyful parade of people of all ages enjoying the sheer beauty of it all.
Henry really should have appreciated this more.