Lake Garda
 

Hi

Looking for some help/advice. I'm from the UK and my wife and I are planning on going to Lake Garda this Summer (July) for our holidays. Going for 14 nights, but no idea where on the lake to stay. To give you an idea about ourselves we are looking for a nice relaxing holiday, nothing too adventurous. We like to spend our days either relaxing by the pool or wandering around quaint villages and our evenings by having a nice dinner in a local restaurant.
Any ideas of the best places on the lake to stay or any hotels that anyone can recommend would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Martin

This past summer we spent a week at a gorgeous villa in Desenzano at the south end of the lake. It has a pool (shared with the owners who live in another part of the building.) It was a fabulous place, but may be a bit too large for two people (we shared it with another couple.)
Many posters like towns on the northern end of the lake, such as Torbole or Riva del Garda, better. TYhe northern end is more mountainous and scenic, but in my opinion, it is also more German than Italian. Most of the menus are in German (and Italian) and the food and drink cater to German tourists.
If I were to go back to the area, I would definitely spend some time in Torri del Benaco, a small, but beautiful town on the east side of the lake.

One of my co-workers told me of a special place of Lake Garda. The name escapes me but it is a small hotel, off by itself on its own peninsula. I don't know your expectations but it was like 300 euro per day, full board.

We have stayed in Riva at the Hotel Europa. We were there for one night and really liked it (but no pool).

we absolutely loved the hotel grifone on lake garda (in sirmione.) however, it does not sound like it is what you're looking for, as there is no pool and it is very basic. but... dirt cheap (i think it was 70 euro) and a million dollar view from the balcony room (only one.) straight ahead is the endless lake...and to the right are the walls of the castle. a tiny beach below. the lapping water left us drooling on the bed, unable to move for the first day. if you don't stay there, we were shocked to find out (our last night, sadly) that their restaurant downstaire (on the lake) was excellent. you could stay there, then go to the thermal pools there in town (day use fee.) also, you can walk to an area of the lake that has warm, thermal spots. a delight.
-k.

I wouldn't recommend Sirmione for a relaxing holiday, as it is extremely crowded with tourists. But you will no doubt be visiting the town, wherever you choose to stay. And you should plan to have dinner at the Griffone - it's delightful!

Hi

Thanks for the replies - ok slight change of plan....Lakes are quite expensive and can't get good flights for when we want. Managed to get a good price for the Park Hotel Silemi in Letojanni, Sicily. Anyone been there?

Thanks

Martin