Sempione Boutique Hotel, on the lake in Stresa
Sempione Boutique Hotel is a family-run hotel in Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, right in front of the water and close to the ferry landing. Spacious rooms, friendly staff and a breakfast guests enjoy, though the building is getting on and some find the bathrooms small. Best for those who put location before luxury.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Sempione Boutique Hotel.
Where the Sempione Boutique Hotel is in Stresa
The Sempione Boutique Hotel is in Stresa, on Corso Italia, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. More than one review describes it as facing the lake and right in the centre, and for me that is the number one reason to choose it.
The name suggests boutique, but guests describe it as a simple, family-run hotel with a slightly retro feel, the kind of place where you feel welcomed the way you used to be. I say this straight away because with this expectation the Sempione shines, and with the wrong one it may disappoint.
The advantage is real. In Stresa, with the lake in front of you and the boats a few steps away, the day can be organised almost without any other transport.
How to get there and get around from Stresa
The ferry landing is nearby. Reviews talk of three hundred or five hundred metres, so a few minutes on foot. The Borromean Islands, according to the hotel listing, are 1.8 km away.
For those arriving by air, Milan Malpensa airport is 55 km away. The hotel says it can arrange shuttles for transfers, but I have no conditions or prices, so ask before booking.
Parking is not in the data I have. If you are travelling by car, write to the property before you set off and ask how it works.
What the rooms and common areas are like
The rooms are air-conditioned and, according to many guests, roomy, comfortable and clean. Some have a balcony or a lake view, so it is worth asking when you book.
- Facilities. Desk, coffee machine, electric kettle, minibar, safe and flat-screen TV.
- Bathroom. Private, with bidet. For many it is more than adequate, although some find it small.
- Terrace and bar. The hotel has a panoramic terrace and a bar, handy for a break at the end of the day.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a reception with luggage storage.
Breakfast is the only meal. As several reviews point out, there is no kitchen service, and the breakfast room looks almost onto the lake, which is not a bad way to start the day.
What guests say
On Google the Sempione has 3.7 out of 5 from 44 reviews. That is a low average next to many enthusiastic comments, which shows that opinion is divided.
Three things come up again among the positives. Several people praise the friendly staff, who are helpful and multilingual, then the clean and large rooms, and finally the generous breakfast. One guest describes a group of seven people who were welcomed without difficulty, and another says pets are allowed at no extra cost. Some also mention good value for money and restaurants and shops nearby.
On the other side, a few voices but sharp ones. Some talk about small bathrooms, others about insufficient hygiene, and a couple say the only really notable thing is the view. These comments are rather dated, but they weigh on the average and should not be ignored.
What to know before booking
The Sempione is not a design hotel, despite the name. It is a hotel with a few years behind it, and the guests say so themselves. It is best to arrive with the right expectations.
| What works | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|
| Lakefront, close to the ferries | Dated building, retro feel |
| Spacious rooms and friendly staff | Small bathrooms for some guests |
| Generous breakfast and panoramic terrace | No kitchen service, breakfast only |
| Pets allowed at no extra cost, according to one guest | Balcony and lake view in some rooms only |
If the lake view matters to you, ask for it specifically. And if you want to eat in the hotel, this is not the right choice, although according to guests there are plenty of restaurants nearby.
Who it suits and what to do nearby
I would choose it for a lakeside weekend without too many demands, for families or groups, and for anyone who wants to travel by ferry. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a luxury stay or spacious bathrooms.
From Stresa the most natural trip is to the Borromean Islands, with boats leaving from near the hotel. For the rest, the lakeside and the centre are walkable, and that is the real value of the Sempione.
If you are comparing other places to stay between Piedmont and Lombardy, you could also look at the Osteria delle 3V in Gignese, the Rifugio Campiglio in Dumenza or the CaMelia B&B in Arconate.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
