Hotel Garden - Garda

Very nice hotel in a super location for the Garda area as the town and main lake front are just a short walk away where there is a fantastic range of bars, restaurants and shops. Short walk away from the bus station (expect them to be usually running late in the high season !) and from the ferry terminal. We had a lake-front room with a good size balcony and appreciated the view but the room was a little dated and the shower cubicle was very small as am I, so it would be quite challenging for a larger person. Plenty of hanging space but drawer space was limited. We needed the assistance of the hotel too with a plug adapter as the typical European one did not work (suspect it is because it is a slighter older property which we have encountered in Italy before). Short walk from a lovey bakery in the heart of the town but only open in the morning. Good supermarket just beyond the bus station which was useful for snacks, cold drinks and souvenirs. There was a mini bar in the room but we just purchased our own cold drinks. We only took breakfast from the hotel which was very good with a nice cold buffet selection with fresh eggs cooked on request. The cakes were amazing !. Absolutely loved the pool area. No grabbing of beds in the early morning and there was always one available if you went out sightseeing for a couple of hours. Pool towels were left in your room on arrival and mattresses for the sunbeds are beside the pool. In August the pool temperature was just lovely. There is a service available around the pool for cold drinks and lots of folk were taking lunch too but we didn't try this. On a final note there is a good local market in Garda on Friday if you enjoy a bargain or two !.

Arrived a little flustered, met at the desk by a lovely friendly gentleman ‘Corrado’. Smooth check-in and escorted to our room. First impression of the room was that it was a little dated but air conditioning worked well and the beds were good quality & firm and lots of lovely fluffy towels. After a short time we appreciated our room and grew to like it very much. The balcony was large, with seats and small table and a canopy for shade. There was a great view of the lake and town. Best of all, the nights were peaceful and we had great sleeps. No noise from neighbouring rooms or housekeeping. Housekeeper Ilalia tended our room every day and we had regular fresh linen & towels. Breakfasts were delightful. Nice selection of fruit, bread, spreads, delicious cakes, & eggs cooked to order. Lunches were reasonably priced and very tasty with good choice of dishes. We were served by Carmen, Michela, Sylvia, & Dana. Always smiling and helpful. Fantastic service. The general hotel interior was spotless and full of Italian charm & character. Lots of original artwork on the walls. Lucas’s bar was very pleasant and not at all expensive. Great view of the pretty gardens and pool area from the bar. Alexandra manned reception in the evenings. She was helpful and easy going. It was a pleasure to become acquainted with her and chat about the local area and her homeland, Germany. The pool was a great size and really clean. Sun beds were robust, clean and comfortable. We really enjoyed Garda. A beautiful town with lots of character. Our top Would be to stay away from the harbour front and head to restaurants on the other side of the main road. Our favourite was PEGASO (great food, not expensive but best of all GREAT service). Also enjoyed Pizza Jolly. It’s a shame the hotel didn’t offer evening meals, we would definitely have eaten in if it had. Just to mention the gym and tennis courts. Both well maintained. If we hadn’t had such high temperatures we would definitely have made use of them but as it was, it was too hot for us to contemplate!