Where to Stay in Lake Maggiore: 7 Best Hotels You NEED to Know

Whether you want to peer over Lake Maggiore from above or stay right along the waterside, there’s plenty of incredible accommodation to choose from. If you’re unsure where to stay in Lake Maggiore, I’ve listed my favourites.

Lake Maggiore is known as the largest pre-Alpine lake. It’s Italy’s little oasis which seduces every visitor with its rolling hills, hidden gardens, and beautiful villages. This is probably why it can be so difficult to decide where to stay near Lake Maggiore, as the scenery is incredible everywhere you turn.

The lake is a colossal reservoir on the Alps’ south side, standing as Italy’s second-largest lake and the largest in southern Switzerland. It’s situated across Piedmont and Lombardy in Italy and the Swiss canton of Ticino, so visitors can explore both countries.

If water sports are your passion, the Lombard coast is your playground. Canoeing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding – it’s a water lover’s dream where sailing steals the spotlight. You can even cruise to the Borromean Islands.

Stresa is arguably the most popular destination near Lake Maggiore. Verbania offers nature reserves and botanical gardens. Arona, the jewel of nightlife on the lake, has lively streets and bars. Don’t miss the panoramic view from Arona fortress or a boat trip to Angera though! Or why not ride the funicular in Varano Borghi or play gold in Varese!

There’s lots of different places to stay in and around Lake Maggiore, each with their own characteristics. This list covers all sorts of accommodation from Lake Maggiore’s finest hotels to charming B&Bs.

Where to stay in Lake Maggiore?

Lake Maggiore is an Italian-Swiss dreamland, and these beautiful hotels nearby certainly make the most of the location.

1. Il Chiostro Hotel, Intra

In Intra, Verbania’s charming old town, Il Chiostro Hotel is a beautifully renovated monastery on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Offering gardens, a gym, and free Wi-Fi, it’s your perfect getaway. The lounges are adorned with frescoes, antiques, and a real fire, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy delightful traditional Italian dishes at the on-site bar, cellar, and restaurant.

Il Chiostro has been rated 8.6  for a romantic escape on booking.com with couples who love the location. The historic garden, surrounded by walls with a centuries-old story, is a peaceful spot to unwind under vaults with a drink and a good book. Then, when it comes to dinner, the restaurant is set across three spacious dining rooms to refuel and relax you for more adventures.

Steeped in sixteenth-century history, the hotel seamlessly combines tradition with modern comfort and is conveniently located a short walk from the lakefront. Il Chiostro gives easy access to key attractions making it easy to explore Intra Ferry Terminal, Pallanza Ferry Terminal, Monte Mottac State Reserve, and Villa Taranto Botanical Garden. Whether indulging in water activities or mountain biking, Hotel Il Chiostro promises a friendly blend of history, comfort, and a perfect Verbania experience.

2. Hotel de Charme Laveno

Want a heated outdoor pool and spa? Look no further than Hotel de Charme Laveno in Laveno Mombello, a delightful lakeside retreat. Each room offers stunning views of Lake Maggiore, and their wonderful on-site restaurant, Antica Ceramica, features Mediterranean cuisine with gorgeous garden views and al fresco dining. 

Hotel de Charme Laveno’s location is ideal, with a 9.4 rating for couples seeking a memorable getaway. From the rooftop infinity pool, marvel at the stunning views of Lake Maggiore and Monte Sasso del Ferro. 

For all you fitness lovers the hotel has a gym and also a swimming pool. Activities like cycling can be enjoyed on-site, and Besozzo is just a 15-minute drive away.

Formerly a renowned ceramic factory, the hotel now stands as an elegant 4-star hotel which provides stunning views of the mountains, surrounded by the stylish, modern design of the hotel. With its excellent lakeside location, Hotel de Charme Laveno is a perfect choice when considering where to stay near Lake Maggiore.

3. Hotel Sole, Cannero Riviera

Just 1.5km from the centre of Cannero Riviera, perfectly situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore, is Hotel Sole. Their rooms are gorgeous and feature classic décor and parquet floors and beautiful lake views. Couples love their location, rating it 8.8 for a romantic escape on booking.com.

Start your day with breakfast on their terrace overlooking Lake Maggiore, then for later in the day their bar is always ready for drinks, ice creams, and snacks. Plus, they are a pet-friendly hotel which is a wonderful bonus for animal lovers.

Explore Cannero Riviera, a charming town on the Piedmontese bank of Lake Maggiore, near the beautiful mountains that separate Italy from Switzerland. If you should so need it, Hotel Sole offers a buoy for mooring boats, accessible by a small rowing boat from the adjacent beach – now that really would be arriving in style.

Music to my ears, just a kilometre away, the Lido di Cannero beach, recognised as a ‘Blue flag beach,’ is there for you to create glorious memories on and could be a deciding factor when considering where to stay near Lake Maggiore.

From Verbania, just 10 km away, explore the Taranto Villa gardens or, if you love a hike, embark on a challenging five-hour walk to the summit of Mount Zeda for views of Piemonte’s mountains and valleys. It may be hard work but the view from the top is amazing.

Hotel Sole offers not just a room but the chance to experience Lake Maggiore’s beauty and the wonderful Cannero Riviera.

4. White Lilac Romantic B&B – Adults only, Dagnente

Wondering where to stay near Lake Maggiore that’s adult only? Well look no further than White Lilac Romantic B&B. If you’re looking for a cute couples retreat or are a solo traveller who wants a relaxing place to stay whilst in Italy, then this is perfect.

It’s just 3.5 km from Arona and a quick 5-minute drive from the captivating Lake Maggiore. Each room is like a cosy haven, with its own unique style, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom adorned with free toiletries. Get ready to challenge your partner to a friendly game of table tennis as Hotel Sole have their own!

Couples are smitten with the location, giving it a solid 9.2 for a romantic escape. Nearby delights include the Sancarlone Statue, La Rocca Castle, and the Spiaggia Libera Rocchetta.

This recently renovated romantic B&B sits in the heart of Dagnente, overlooking Lake Maggiore. The period villa boasts six Italian-style rooms, each telling its own story with a mix of rustic wonder and modern comforts. Restored with natural materials like hemp and clay, the villa not only pampers but is also eco friendly.

I could rave about the picturesque property, its spotless charm, delightful breakfast, and the warmth of the hosts. In the village of Dagnente, there are lots of  restaurants, bars and shops for you to explore. Don’t forget to soak in the stunning view from the church on the hill. After a scrumptious lunch at Arca di Noè, unleash your sporty side at the village fields or explore the enchanting walking and biking paths in the woods behind Dagnente.

With a rooftop terrace, a garden to chill in, and even a seasonal outdoor pool, White Lilac Romantic B&B ensures your escape is filled with unforgettable moments.

5. Hotel Pallanza

Hotel Pallanza, is a stunning 19th-century building gracing the shores of Lake Maggiore. Admire the view with a drink on their panoramic terrace or enjoy the spacious guest rooms, some overlooking the lake and Gulf of Borromeo.

This upscale hotel offers not just comfort but a taste of history with its Art Nouveau architecture. With 48 recently refurbished rooms, it perfectly blends traditional elegance with modern comforts. 

If you are wondering where to stay near Lake Maggiore that has something different to offer then Hotel Pallanza has a very unique feature. They let you ‘choose your room fragrance’ for a personal touch and select your ideal pillow from their pillow menu for the sweetest dreams.

Guests particularly love the location, rating it 9.5 for a romantic getaway. The hotel is conveniently close to boat connections to the Borromean Islands and Stresa. The charming old-style lobby, the proximity to the ferry station, and the lakeside promenade make it dream choice.

The hotel’s quiet street facing the lake is perfect for a relaxing swim, and the proximity to a bar/restaurant by the lake adds to the charm. Experience the beauty of Lake Maggiore and the elegance of the early 1900s at Hotel Pallanza.

6. Hotel Villa Borghi

Hotel Villa Borghi, a historic Liberty-style villa, is surrounded by a lush 6-hectare park near Lake Comabbio. Their 4-star hotel, just a stone’s throw from Malpensa Airport, offers spacious rooms with hydromassage baths or showers, and lake views in some. Get booking to avoid disappointment. You want to wake to those lake views!

There’s lots of benefits to staying at Hotel Villa Borghi such as complimentary parking and convenient services like airport transfers, laundry, and breakfast room service. O’ Lac restaurant has a delectable à la carte menu, and Ristorante Pizzeria La Scuderia offers even more options for your palette.

Couples adore their location, rating it 8.5 for a romantic escape. The sumptuous villa, once home to the Borghi family, underwent a fine 19th-century restoration, showcasing Art Nouveau elegance. The park, filled with beautiful rare trees, just begs you to walk around and lose yourself in the summer breeze.

When wondering where to stay near Lake Maggiore, you may be looking for some luxury R&R. Well luckily for you, they have Wellness Beauty & Spa, offering rejuvenating treatments and massages. 

Two restaurants, a poolside bar, a breakfast room with park views, and a terrace provide endless possibilities for fun and relaxation here at Hotel Villa Borghi – where history meets modern luxury in the heart of Varano Borghi.

7. Hotel Ancora

Hotel Ancora, a modern boutique hotel right by Lake Maggiore, provides an intimate and friendly experience in the heart of Verbania. Conveniently located in the town centre, their hotel offers easy access to explore the region.

Housed in a characterful building facing an ancient port, Ancora Hotel has a minimalist design and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi in every room. The staff are very attentive and knowledgeable and are always there to help whenever they can.

The hotel’s classy ambiance, welcoming drinks, and superb breakfast really allow you to begin to relax and unwind on your holiday. Start your day with something lovely from the buffet before wandering around the town’s array of shops and restaurants. Couples rave about their location, rating it 9.2 for a romantic getaway. Oh and don’t worry, the double glazing ensures peace despite being on a main road!

Experience the beauty of Verbania, known as ‘a garden on the lake,’ and explore nearby attractions like Villa Taranto Botanical Garden and the Borromean Islands. 

If you are thinking about where to stay near Lake Maggiore that is eco-friendly then Hotel Ancora’s commitment to the environment reflects in their eco-friendly practices, avoiding plastic use, minimising water waste, and choosing products with care.

Best places to stay in Lake Maggiore

READ MORE: 25 Awesome Things To Do In Lake Maggiore

I hope I’ve helped you decide where to stay near Lake Maggiore – although there’s so many awesome places it might be difficult to choose. Whether you’re up for water adventures, lakeside bliss, or a romantic escape, there is something for everyone.

If you fancy a taste of history, Hotel Pallanza by the lake is a winner, and for a lush getaway, Hotel Villa Borghi in Varano Borghi has you surrounded by nature. And let’s not forget the modern boutique, Hotel Ancora in Verbania. 

Whether you’re into water sports, lakeside scenery, or just soaking in the sun, your Lake Maggiore adventure awaits!