Trying to decide between Villa Feltrinelli and Grand Hotel Villa Cortine at Lake Garda. Has anyone stayed at either of these?
Thanks,
Sandy in Dallas

These are the two most expensive and exclusive resort hotels on Lake Garda, geared for the seriously wealthy. Without a doubt, Villa Feltrinelli in Gargnano is the more exclusive of the two. Historically, it is also the more significant. It served as Mussolini's headquarters during his last 18 months when, under Nazi protection, he served as the President of the Republic of Salo', a puppet regime. You need a car to really enjoy Villa Feltrinelli, but not Villa Cortine, which is within Sirmione's walls.

GAC: Thanks for your reply. I knew that these places were expensive. We will have a car. Would you choose one over the other? I suppose if we wish to see Verona on this trip, it would make more sense to stay at Villa Cortine, but Villa Feltrinelli looks irresistible.

Hi -

I know your looking into the two hotels you mentioned but, if they don't work out here is another:

Punta San Vigilio is located halway up on the east side of the lake. I stayed there in 2002, it is rustic, beautiful and directly on the water with a cafe on the jetty, great breakfast and resturant too.

Look at their site:
www.punta-sanvigilio.it

Enjoy your trip.
John

http://www.grandhotelgardone.it/

We enjoyed our stay at this beautiful hotel on Lake Garda in Gardone Riviera. The cost was more reasonable than the two villa hotels you mentioned. I believe that each room has a lake view as did our bathroom.

Sandy: If I had money to spend (waste?), I would choose Villa Feltrinelli. If you go there, please do give us a report.

Thanks for all the replies. Villa Feltrinelli looks phenomenal. When I compare the website with that of any other hotel at Lake Garda . . . there is no comparison. I'm not paying for this trip, so I hope my host will go for it. I promise to let you know!
Thanks,
Sandy in Dallas

Virgo:-
I can confirm that Villa Feltrinelli is indeed fantastic beyond belief. The superlatives do not exist (at least in my vocabulary!) to do justice to the place.
The attention to detail has been extrtaordinary in all ways - service, decor, comfort, food, ambience etc etc.

The experience of the Villa and grounds will be, I am quite sure, an overload of sybaritic rapture.

Just recalling my (too brief) stay has brought me over all misty and dewy eyed.

I have never been to the Cortine and will probably never be able to return to the Feltrinelli (I was a guest of a major league Italian company)but would happily live vicariously on the reports of other's experiences. So.... when you return please tell all!

Dr D.