History

Our hotel’s origins date back to 1859, when Elisabetta Paltani Bortolla opened the Osteria della Speranza, a modest restaurant operating under a municipal licence. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the inn, which offered 15 beds, was renowned for its warm, family atmosphere and carefully prepared cuisine. It also played a pivotal role as a hub for merchants participating in the market established by Vittorio Emanuele II in 1854.

The early twentieth century marked a notable surge in tourism at Lake Maggiore, fuelled by the advent of the railway and the inauguration of the Sempione Tunnel in 1906. This shift has transformed Stresa into an international tourist destination, while the Osteria experienced significant growth under the management of Carlo Alberto, expanding first to three floors in 1937 and then to six floors in 1948. During this period, the façade was enhanced with the city’s first neon sign.

In 1962, with the launch of the “Musical Weeks of Stresa”, the city attracted leading international musicians from around the world. Carlo Alberto therefore decided to acquire the nearby Hotel Milan, completing the configuration of what is now the Milan Speranza Au Lac. 

Today, the hotel - renovated with modern comforts - features 161 rooms and is managed by the Padulazzi family. It maintains the enchanting character of its heritage, beautifully reflected in its architectural and decorative details, while proudly positioning itself among the premier hotels in Stresa.