The Grand Hotel Victoria is the deluxe option in Mennagio, though this doesn’t hold out much hope for the other choices in this pretty lakeside town. The impressive façade of the hotel inspires confidence as do the verdant gardens, but once inside, disappointment is only alleviated by the views of the outside. Whilst the public rooms have retained original features such as stucco ceilings and parquet floors, the drab bedrooms have been recently renovated without the merest hint of style: ugly patterned bedspreads and carpets, cheap beds and cupboards, reminiscent of a chain hotel. This does, however, highlight the view of the lake and mountains. Rooms without lake views have little to recommend them. The pool does not benefit from the glorious view as it’s located at the back of the hotel but across the road there is a small stony beach from where you can swim in the lake.