Hotel Villa Mon Toc

The only stairs lead to reception and the first- and second-floor rooms, with no elevator. Staff helped us store and carry our bags, but the loose, rounded pebbles in the forecourt, typical of the area, made it difficult to get our heavy luggage to reception. At the last minute we ate in the hotel restaurant. The menu was limited, but the simple, home-style food was filling and tasty, and they fitted us in. The place was quiet while we were there, which helped after our 20-hour flight to Italy. The setting was pretty, with birds singing in spring, and it’s a short walk to the town center for meals and the seaside. Staff were friendly, helpful and personable. Breakfast was included, standard continental with a good variety. Stresa gave us the relaxing refresh we needed, and the hotel was an important part of it. We’d stay again.

Breakfast was actually very good for a two-star hotel. The location was very good, and private parking was convenient for the area. Still, I probably wouldn’t stay here again, as I think I could get better for the same price. It’s a very old hotel, and the family owners felt somewhat hostile and unfriendly. They asked us to return the key every time we went in or out, which was really annoying and made no sense, and asked when we’d be back, which wasn’t their business. There were lots of mosquitoes, though I know that isn’t the hotel’s fault, and the insulation was nonexistent. I woke whenever someone walked down the corridor. There’s no air conditioning, so keep that in mind for summer. The owner also had no boundaries. I explicitly asked her not to clean the room for one day, but she went in anyway, moved my things around and left the windows open. That let mosquitoes into the bedroom at night. Be prepared for an early start, military style, with someone vacuuming by 9am. P.S. I asked her about restaurants in Stresa. She said she didn’t know any, then suggested we eat at the hotel. She lives in Stresa and doesn’t know a single restaurant? It seemed like a joke.

The Italian decor is lovely, and breakfast was nice. It’s a good-value hotel, though it’s a little way from downtown. Our room felt pretty cold in late September, so pack some warm clothes.

We’ve visited Stresa 11 times in the past two years, and this is the best hotel we’ve stayed in, especially for the price. It’s about a 7-minute walk from the lake, which keeps things quiet enough to sleep with the window open even in peak season. The rooms are renovated and well looked after, everything was very clean, and breakfast was good. The hosts were great too. Thanks for all the work you’ve put into the place. We’d highly recommend it and wish you all the best!