Hotel La Palma Stresa: 4-Star Lakeside Hotel Review

Perched on the shore of Lake Maggiore, the 4-star Hotel La Palma in Stresa combines a prime location with a rooftop bar that many guests call the best evening spot in town. This review draws on official property data, guest feedback from Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia, and independent travel specialist assessments to help you decide if this lakeside hotel fits your trip.

Last checked: 2026-07-07

Hotel Name: Hotel La Palma ·
Location: Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Italy ·
Star Rating: 4 stars ·
Key Feature: Lakeside pool, panoramic terrace with hot tub, fitness area on 6th floor ·
Nearest Landmark: Stresa’s lakeside promenade and main square (5 min walk) ·
Unique Philosophy: Entirely inspired by Lake Maggiore and its territory (official site)

Is Stresa a Nice Place to Stay?

Stresa occupies a prime spot on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, directly across from the Borromean Islands. The town’s lakefront promenade, ferry connections to Isola Bella and Isola Madre, and the wooded slopes of the Mottarone mountain behind it make it a natural base for exploring the lake. Hotel La Palma sits on Corso Umberto I, the main lakeside road, putting guests within walking distance of both the historic center and the ferry terminal. Audley Travel describes the property as having “panoramic views over Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands,” and notes that the roof bar offers “some of the best views on the entire lake.”

The pattern is consistent: reviewers value the convenience of stepping from the lobby directly onto the promenade. One Expedia guest noted that “the location cannot be beaten — right on the lake and a short walk to everything.” The implication is that for travelers who prioritize easy access to the lake and town center, Stresa — and specifically this stretch of the promenade — delivers a compact, walkable experience.

Where Is Hotel La Palma?

Hotel La Palma is located at Corso Umberto I 33, 28838 Stresa, Italy, directly across from the lakeside promenade. HRS and several booking sites confirm this address and describe the hotel as occupying a quiet yet central stretch of the road. The property is less than five minutes on foot from Stresa’s main square, Piazza Marconi, where the funicular to Mottarone departs and ferry tickets are sold at the nearby dock.

Expedia’s listing characterizes the hotel as “family-friendly” and notes it sits “on the beach” — a reference to the small pebble beach adjacent to the promenade. The ferry terminal serving the Borromean Islands is roughly a 7-minute walk south along the same road.

The bottom line: for guests arriving by car, HRS confirms free parking directly by the hotel — a practical advantage in a town where lakeside parking can be scarce in peak season.

How Many Stars Does Hotel La Palma Have?

Hotel La Palma holds an official 4-star rating, confirmed by its own website, Citalia, and all major booking platforms. The rating places it in the upper tier of Stresa’s accommodation options, though below the historic 5-star Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees. Several Expedia reviewers comment that the property “feels like a 5-star” experience, particularly citing the rooftop Sky Bar and infinity pool as amenities more common in higher-rated hotels. Citalia describes the hotel as having “around 120 rooms” and a philosophy “entirely inspired by Lake Maggiore and its territory.”

The catch: not all facilities match the five-star expectations some guests bring. The breakfast buffet, while rated around 8.0/10 on Booking.com, has drawn occasional remarks about inconsistency — one Booking.com reviewer called it “disappointing for the price point.”

“The rooftop bar has some of the best views on the entire lake.”

— Audley Travel, tour operator specializing in Italian lakes

What Makes Stresa Special?

Stresa’s appeal rests on three concrete factors: its lakefront setting, the proximity of the Borromean Islands, and the views. The town sits at the midpoint of Lake Maggiore’s western shore, directly opposite the three main islands — Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori — all reachable by a 10-minute ferry ride from the Stresa dock. The lake is surrounded by alpine peaks, and from any elevated viewpoint, the panorama stretches across the water to the snow-capped Monte Rosa massif on clear days. Expedia’s travel guide ranks Stresa among the top destinations on the lake, and multiple guest reviews on Hotels.com describe the “wow factor” of the first view from Hotel La Palma’s room windows.

The trade-off: Stresa is a resort town, and during July and August, the promenade and ferry queues can be busy. For travelers seeking a quieter, less commercial lakeside base, the smaller towns of Cannobio or Baveno may be better suited. But for first-time visitors to Lake Maggiore, Stresa’s combination of easy logistics and scenic density is hard to beat.

Which Town on Lake Maggiore Is Best to Stay In?

The most common comparison travelers draw is between Stresa and Arona, the larger town at the southern end of the lake. Arona is more urban, with a wider selection of budget hotels, a longer promenade, and direct train connections to Milan. But Arona lacks the island views that Stresa delivers from every lakeside hotel. Citalia’s guides tend to recommend Stresa for travelers prioritizing “lakefront charm and romantic setting,” while advising Arona for those focused on transit convenience or lower nightly rates.

For couples seeking a lakefront stay with rooftop ambiance, Hotel La Palma’s location in central Stresa gives quicker access to the island ferries than options in Arona or Baveno. One Hotels.com reviewer wrote: “We looked at staying in Arona because it’s cheaper, but we are so glad we chose Stresa. The view from the hotel room alone was worth the extra.”

The pattern across review platforms is clear: Stresa scores higher on atmosphere, while Arona scores higher on value. For a trip centered on the Borromean Islands and lake panoramas, Stresa is the stronger choice.

Arona vs Stresa: Which Should You Choose?

Arona is roughly 15 minutes south by car or train, with a larger train station and a wider range of dining and shopping. However, its lakefront is less dramatic: the view looks across a wider, more industrial stretch of the lake, and the Borromean Islands are not visible from most hotel windows. Stresa, by contrast, sits directly across from the three islands, and the ferry ride to Isola Bella takes less than 10 minutes. For a traveler whose primary goal is island-hopping and lake panorama, Stresa is the logical base. For a traveler who plans to use Lake Maggiore as a springboard for day trips to Milan or the Alps, Arona’s train connections may save time. For a more in-depth look at a highly-rated option, check out the Alaiye Resort & Spa atsiliepimas.

“Perfect in every way — felt like a 5 star experience.”

The bottom line: “Perfect in every way — felt like a 5 star experience.”

— Verified guest review on Expedia

What Are Some Hotels with Pools on Lake Maggiore?

Hotel La Palma offers two separate swimming facilities: an outdoor pool at lake level, directly beside the lakeside promenade, and a rooftop infinity pool on the seventh floor adjacent to the Sky Bar. Booking.com and Hotels.com both list both pools as key selling points. The rooftop pool and hot tub are accessible to hotel guests and, during the evening, complement the Sky Bar experience — one TripAdvisor user described it as “the perfect place for a sunset drink after a day exploring the islands.”

For comparison, the nearby Regina Palace Hotel, a historic grand hotel with classic interiors, offers a large indoor pool but no rooftop infinity option. Hotels.com notes that La Palma’s design “feels more modern” than Regina Palace’s traditional style. Two travel agents — Citalia and Audley Travel — specifically recommend La Palma for travelers who “prioritize lake views and rooftop bar culture.”

What to watch: a frequent minor complaint on TripAdvisor is that service at the Sky Bar can feel slow during busy periods. Several guests advise arriving before sunset to secure a table and allow time for ordering before the rush.