I Palazzi - Palace Grand Hotel Varese

Those porcelain dogs, each life-size and waiting at a different stair landing, were such a fun touch. The building is more than a century old, but it's kept clean and in good shape, and the views are fantastic. The classic style is gorgeous, and I loved it. The staff were lovely, down to earth, and very focused on helping. Breakfast was both delicious and beautifully laid out. One small drawback: sound carries between neighboring rooms, which makes sense in an old building but could bother anyone sensitive to noise. It didn't change how much we enjoyed our stay.

The lake-view room felt like a dream, and the spa is gorgeous. Book a treatment with Lisa if you can. We also really liked the atmosphere and cocktails at the bar. Everyone on the team was friendly and professional, and the free private shuttle was handy. Dinner at Liberty restaurant was a must for us, with terrific food and service. What a gem ❤️

We found the staff especially welcoming, helpful, and friendly, which more than made up for the hotel's need for some updating. The rooms are comfortable and clean, though their style is a little old-fashioned. The hotel sits on a hill with lovely views of the lake. If you book a lake-view room, the morning scenery is particularly beautiful.

Varese was a pleasure to explore. It felt safe, with friendly locals, interesting museums and attractions, and plenty of good restaurants at reasonable prices. We were there in November, and both the room and hotel stayed warm and comfortable. The grounds are spacious parkland around an atmospheric historic hotel, kept in good condition. Staff were charming and courteous, especially Dominic the barman, and breakfast was generous and good quality.