Primavera Hotel

Alberto and his staff were fantastic with customers, always cheerful and happy. Our room was clean, the hotel was orderly, and when we asked for extra pillows they arrived right away. Breakfast was included and decent. The location puts you in the heart of Stresa, just minutes from the water and train station. We truly enjoyed our stay, and I recommend it to anyone wanting to explore this beautiful town.

We could walk from the train station, and the hotel is close to shops and the lake, with easy access to ferries and private boats. Breakfast had lots of options, and the staff in the breakfast area were very attentive. Our family room had bunk beds that were a little small for our tall teen boys, but they managed. The air conditioning worked well and there was a small fridge. We enjoyed staying at hotel Primavera. A bigger balcony would have made it perfect, since they are very small, and a lake view would have been lovely.

The rooms need renovation. They're worn, quite small, and extremely dark even with every light on. The staff were nice and helpful, though, and breakfast was fine, if a little limited in variety. Primavera is hard to beat for location. It's right in the town center, with the harbor and a bus stop both within a two-minute walk. Buses go to places including Verbania, Milano Malpensa, Arona, and Novara. The harbor has the official ferries on Lago Maggiore, including to the Borromean Islands. For those islands, it's honestly easier and more practical to get a one-day ticket from the official transportation ministry at the port than from private companies.

The adjoining restaurant's menu wasn't really for us, so we ate elsewhere in Stresa each night. The hotel itself was absolutely fine, with great people, good service and a good continental breakfast. We had a lovely stay.