Hotel Splendid

Established as a tavern in 1873, Francesco Zacchera expanded the property into an inn before it became a hotel. Generations later, the family owns several properties in the area and still oversees the management of Hotel Splendid. Classically elegant, with a gorgeous red exterior and lots of antiques, rich woods, and gorgeous textiles in the lobby alone, Hotel Splendid is impressive from the start. One of the most defining spaces in the hotel is the bar, which encapsulates the property's elegance -- think leather barstools and stained-glass light fixtures above refined seating nooks). It also spreads to an outdoor terrace with modern wicker furniture and stunning views of Lake Maggiore. This is a decent pick for families and business travelers, but couples will find the property especially ideal for a romantic trip. 

Located on the shore of Lake Maggiore, Hotel Splendid's views of the water and Alps are about as postcard-perfect as they come. It's also located a short (11-minute) walk into the center of Baveno, where there are plenty of options for dining. From town, guests can catch the ferry around the bay to visit different towns and islands. Malpensa Airport is 50 minutes by car, or almost two hours by transit and requiring several changes. Bergamo's airport is two hours by car and about three and a half hours by transit (again, with several changes). The rail station in Baveno, located centrally in town, is just 10 minutes by foot from the hotel. 

Like the rest of the property, rooms have an attractive design that's traditional and polished. The rooms reflect the aged grace of the property through rich fabrics such as damask-print bedding, antique wooden furniture, and large oil paintings. Marble bathrooms are spacious, with large soaking tubs and separate showers, a selection of upmarket toiletries, bidets, and hairdryers. Every room has a furnished balcony, and it's hard to go wrong when it comes to selecting a view with a choice of either the Alps or the lake. 

Rooms have minibars and wardrobes with safes, as well as flat-screen TVs (with gilded frames in some), however, the antenna reception can be patchy. Air-conditioning is available during summer. Suites are particularly stunning, with features such as opulently canopied four-poster beds, striking red-mosaic-tiled showers, and velvet-upholstered furniture. Bathrooms have larger showers and terraces, plus a wider array of toiletries. 

The hotel touts its private beach on Lake Maggiore, though it's really a dock with sand under loungers, plus a pier with stairs for getting in the water. An outdoor pool is also available for swimming and inlaid with mosaic tile that catches the sun and sparkles; nearby is a large terrace with plenty of loungers for sunbathing. There are a well-equipped gym, sauna, Turkish bath, hot tub, and salt sauna on-site, but disappointingly, access to all of these areas comes at a steep daily charge. Spa services, including massages and facials, are also offered. The tennis court and soccer field are available for free. 

The hotel's all-day restaurant receives good reviews and features traditional Italian cuisine in a formal setting, though it's expensive compared to what can be purchased in town. Meals and drinks can be taken on a terrace overlooking the water. The property also caters to business travelers with seven meeting rooms, some of which are quite large. Wi-Fi is only free for a limited time, and after that, incurs a charge.