Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees stands on Lake Maggiore, Italy, and was built in 1861. It has a history of playing host to an international elite of academics, artists, business entrepreneurs and heads of state: famous figures from Clark Gable to Mussolini have stayed at this luxury hotel. After some recent refurbishments, Borromees has recaptured the spirit of its past days and provides the same grand setting for its clientele as has been enjoyed for the past 150 years.

The facilities

The luxury hotel's restaurant, Il Borromeo, serves up beautifully prepared Italian and Mediterranian dishes in its opulent dining room and summer terrace. The Pool Bar also serves light meals and drinks in the summertime.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees has a spa that offers beauty treatments, massages and personal trainers and nutritionists, as well as an indoor pool. The luxury hotel has two other pools outside that enjoy stunning views of the lake and gardens.

The rooms

This luxury hotel has 179 air conditioned rooms, all decorated in classic Italian style. 'Al Steresa' rooms have nineteenth century furnishings, while 'Al Impero' rooms have Napoleonic style headboards and dressers. 'Alla Baveno' rooms are junior suites, with Murano chandeliers and garden or lake views. The suites really ramp up the luxury quotient, with the Hemingway suite offering two king-size bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as a large private terrace.