This pleasant little family-run hotel in Piedmont is attractively situated close to the shores of Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore's smaller sister lake. The area is unspoilt and very rural with lovely mountain scenery interspersed with handsome villas with beautifully tended gardens. Hotel Madonna Della Neve, Novara
Hotel Lo Scoiattolo is a friendly, welcoming three star hotel set amid chestnut woods in the hillside resort of Massino Visconti, near to Italy's Lake Maggiore. There are 30 light and airy rooms, all with colour TV, direct-dial telephone, personal safe and minibar. Hotel Lo Scoiattolo, Novara
