The hotel is a puzzle. The location for one - to the north of Vogogna, and in a commercial zone. The design - like a mix between 5 star hotel and a factory. The underground car park is enormous, and all the public areas such as reception and restaurant are big also, but minimalist in design.
We chose the hotel for 3 main reasons, the location (we were on our way back to the UK, visiting the Italian Lakes and working our way west), availability (we booked a week prior to travelling) and the facilities (such as secure parking, a pool and a gym).
The rooms were really impressive, huge and very well furnished. The bathrooms were as good as we have seen in 5-star hotels. The big thing that lets the hotel down (as others have noted) is the poor air con. You can't leave windows open due to the proximity of the highway (and mosquittos), and the air-con is either not big enough, has no cooling ability, or isn't maintained - it just doesn't work.
The pool and gym, plus sun deck were all good standard. We only ate breakfasts in the restaurant (which were fine). We ate out because the kitchen was closed the day we arrived, and after that we decided it would be too warm to eat in comfort there.
We stayed towards the end of July/ early August, and the hotel seemed fairly empty, I'm guessing due to its location. It's about 30 minutes by car to Sressa or to Verbania, and 20 minutes to Lago Orta. The Swiss border is also only 30 minutes away.
Due to the size / emptiness / design of the place (and the air-con) we wouldn't use the hotel again for a long stay, but possibly a one-night stop-over.
To locate the hotel, from the south, drive through Vogogna, and carry on for around 3km until you pass over the river and get to the commercial zone. The hotel is signed to the right (behind a shoe factory). Don't use the address given for your satnav - you won't find it! The hotel reception appear used to directing people trying to locate it.
- Valgrande Hotel Vogogna
