Hotel Simplon

Situated in a grand building with a pale pink facade, Hotel Simplon is surrounded by charming grounds peppered with lush greenery like palm trees, flowering bushes, and grassy lawns studded with neat topiary. Interiors are equally appealing, with classic decor that favors elements like damask wallpaper, gilt-framed paintings, chandeliers, heavy drapes framing windows, and wooden wall panelling -- which might not suit all tastes. Guests are greeted by a beautiful stained glass ceiling feature upon entering the lobby, a vividly colored dome of intricate designs, with a rug that mirrors it right underfoot. Further in, a collection of sofas and armchairs provide seating, or guests can relax in the hotel bar or out in the gardens. There's plenty of seating placed here and there around the lovely grounds, plus there are wicker tables and chairs on a green lawn by the pool.

The hotel is linked to nextdoor sister property, Grand Hotel Dino, by an art-filled passage. An elegant hallway connects the two properties, featuring vaulted ceilings and sleek tile floors lined with artifacts and art pieces. The hotel is part of Zacchera Hotels, a small, local chain that was founded by the Zacchera family in 1873 and includes four other properties on the shores of Lago Maggiore.

The hotel is set on the main road of Baveno, a quiet, charming town on the western shores of Lago Maggiore in Italy's Piedmont region. The property is conveniently situated within easy walking distance of restaurants, cafes, and shops, and the town makes a good base for exploring the lakeside region. The ferry dock is just a four-minute walk away, from where guests can depart for other lakefront towns -- including those in Switzerland -- while the Baveno train station is seven minutes away on foot, with trains connecting to Milan in under two hours (or it's about an hour to an hour-and-a-half by car). The nearest airport is Milan's Malpensa Airport, which can be reached in about 45 minutes by car or a bit under two hours by train.

A choice of rooms and suites includes Standard, Superior, and Family Rooms, as well Junior Suites and Suites. The spaces feature classically-styled traditional decor, which varies among the categories, but may include patterned bedspreads, damask-patterned wallpaper and headboards, gilt-framed paintings on the walls, and heavy drapes framing large windows. It's an elegant look, but some might find it a bit dated. Rooms are fairly average in size; Junior Suites offer a sitting area by the bed and Suites have separate sitting rooms.

Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, and electronic safes, but no tea- and coffee-making facilities. Wi-Fi incurs an extra charge. Some rooms have balconies or terraces. Bathrooms are small, equipped with shower/tub combos, bidets, magnifying mirrors, wall-mounted hairdryers, and toiletries. Suites have separate showers and whirlpool tubs. Guests should note that some rooms may get noise from the road outside.

One of the highlights here and perhaps the most attractive feature is the hotel's lovely outdoor pool, with the grand pink facade of the building and surrounding green grounds providing a charming backdrop. The mosaic-tiled pool features a couple of built-in sunbeds submerged in the water, plus there are many more lining the surrounding wooden sundeck. A small kiddy pool sits alongside the main one, and a neat hedge encloses the pool area. Immaculate green lawns surround it, dotted with more sunbeds and umbrella-shaded wicker tables and chairs. 

Guests also have access to the indoor pool of neighboring sister property, Grand Hotel Dino -- the two hotels are connected by an elegant, art-lined passage. The indoor pool and two hot tubs are situated in an elegant space with chandeliers and Roman statues in niches along one wall. Wooden tables and chairs provide seating on the wooden deck surrounding the pool, while large windows offer lovely views of the lake. Guests also have access to the wellness center of Grand Hotel Dino, which includes a fitness center, sauna, steam room, and Turkish bath. Those wishing to partake in some outdoor activities can use the on-site tennis court or soccer field.

The on-site restaurant serves regional fare in an elegant setting complete with chandeliers and crisp, white tablecloths, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer views over the neat green grounds and pool. There's also a charming bar with both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as live piano in the evenings. Other features include meeting and event space suitable for a variety of functions, and an elegant on-site boardroom; there are also extensive conference facilities in neighboring Grand Hotel Dino.