Grand Hotel Dino

Occupying a scenic slice of lakefront real estate, Grand Hotel Dino is a polished, upscale property with traditional interiors and grassy grounds. A beautiful stained glass ceiling feature takes center stage in the lobby, rich in vivid colors and intricate designs. Patterned crimson rugs cover the tile floor, while wooden wall panelling, mirrored columns, gilt-framed oil paintings, and chandeliers give the space a classic and refined look -- though the style might not suit all tastes. Hallways are polished too, and their walls are lined with paintings or tasteful patterned wallpaper. Seating nooks with sofas and elegant armchairs are scattered here and there throughout the property, but it's a shame to sit inside when the grassy grounds offer picturesque vistas over the lake and plenty of seating on immaculate lawns.The hotel is linked to sister property Hotel Simplon by an art gallery. An elegant hallway connects the two hotels, featuring vaulted ceilings and sleek tile floors lined with artifacts and art pieces. The property 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's lakefront location on Lago Maggiore offers a scenic, picturesque setting. Situated in the town of Baveno in Italy's Piedmont region, the property is within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, shops, and the ferry dock, which is just two minutes away. The quiet town is full of charming alleys to roam and explore, and it makes a good base for traversing the lakeside region. 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.

The hotel offers an ample choice of rooms and suites, with categories that include Standard and Superior Rooms, as well Junior Suites, Suites, and Presidential Suites. Traditional decor varies among the categories, but may include patterned bedspreads, damask wallpaper, classic-style wooden furniture, gilt-framed paintings on the walls, and heavy drapes framing large windows or doors leading out to balconies. It's a pleasant and polished look, but might not suit all tastes; some find it dated.Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, and electronic safes, but no tea- and coffee-making facilities. Wi-Fi incurs an extra charge. Many rooms have small balconies furnished with rattan chairs and tables -- some of which offer stunning views over the lake. Some rooms have lackluster views of a courtyard, however, so guests should request lake views when booking. Bathrooms are small, but sleek and modern, featuring shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads (or separate showers and whirlpool tubs in suites), bidets, magnifying mirrors, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Junior Suites and Suites have living areas with seating, while Senior Suites and Presidential Suites have separate living rooms. Presidenital Suites also have an additional marble bathroom and a drawing room the can serve as an office, equipped with a large table and a printer.

The highlight here is the scenic lakeside location, and the hotel makes the most of the picturesque views, providing plenty of places to relax in outside on the green, grassy grounds. Benches line the water's edge, and there are lots of tables and chairs set on lovely lawns. Guests can also relax around the outdoor pool, which is suitable for lap swimming and offers sunbeds and umbrellas. There's also a small kids' pool alongside the main one, and families can make use of an outdoor playground as well. Should weather not be conducive to outdoor swimming, the hotel also offers an indoor pool and two hot tubs 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 overlook the outdoor pool.Other wellness facilities include a massage room, sauna, steam room, and Turkish bath. There's also a well-equipped fitness center that offers a variety of cardio and weight machines. Guests must obtain a key from the front desk to access the wellness areas. Those wishing to indulge in some outdoor activities can use the tennis courts and soccer fields at neighboring sister property, Hotel Splendid.The hotel offers several on-site dining options, all serving traditional, regional fare. Last Hall Restaurant is situated in the former horse stables and also offers alfresco dining in the garden, while Panorama Restaurant is an elegant setting with chandeliers overhead and gorgeous views of the lake from a wall of windows. There's also the Tre Isole Restaurant, as well as two bars -- a classy cocktail lounge, and a seasonal pool bar serving snacks and drinks.The hotel offers extensive conference facilities, with a variety of elegant meeting rooms and event spaces available for functions that are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and can accommodate up to 1,200 people. Other amenities include a business corner with two computers and a printer, as well as a game room with billiards, table tennis, and games and entertainment for kids.