Surrounded by a shady 18th-century park the Boscolo Porro Pirelli Hotel comes slowly into view as you approach from an avenue flanked by majestic pines. An historic patrician villa that still exudes the splendour of the 18th century the Porro Pirelli is just a few kilometres from Varese Lake Maggiore and the Swiss border and is also within easy reach of the new Milan trade fair facilities and Malpensa Airport. The Porro Pirelli also has an exotic soul as did Count Gian Pietro the adventurous 18th-century explorer: it is he who inspired the hotel's extraordinary antique Oriental decor. Chinese furniture Thai woodcarvings and Balinese marquetry are set against the rich Baroque backdrop of the hotel like echoes of the Far East.