we are planning on staying in Sirmione for 3 nights as a base in Lake Garda. Is this a good idea? What is the town like? IS there a hotel ou would recommend?

I really like Sirmione. I've stayed there twice and while the town is touristy it doesn't lack charm. There are many shops and lakeside restaurants. It's easy to take boat trips from there to other towns on the lake, making it easy to travel without a car.

We stayed at the Villa Cortine, a pricey alternative but with beautiful grounds. The view of the lake from our room and the poolside decks was gorgeous. Be sure to venture down the road to the ruins of the Baths of Catullus.

We stayed at the Hotel Sirmione and had a nice room with a view of the lake. I assume you know that you can drive your car into the town to drop off luggage, but you must park your car just outside the town gate. Hotel Sirmione is convenient to the town gate, so the walk to and from the car isn't bad. Good luck.

i cant comment on suitability as a base as i only visited there but the town of sirmione is very picturesque . the fort has the lake flowing around its moat.the roman ruins at the end are huge. one of my favorite places in italy.

sirmione itself is neat but if you don't like tourist hoardes it may not be for you. I was there in october on a weekend and it was one of the biggest tourist mob scenes i've ever seen - almost rivaling Portofino! I love these type places as it makes great people watching. When the crowds thin out the town is very charming, being located on a peninsula jutting out into the lake. The Roman baths are spectacular as is Lake Garda.

Cute town but VERY touristy. The south end of Garda is flat and not that impressive---the north end is spectacular. I suggest Malcesine or Riva as good options.

When are you going to Sirmione? Summer tourists but by mid Ocober shops close earlier and not as many restaurants open. I have only stayed at Hotel Marconi because I really like the family that runs the hotel and it is in historical center of town and easy access to boats on the lake and of course their huge breakfast buffet. They do not have a restaurant here. I don't know what your price range for hotel is. We have a room this year for 95 euro double with view of lake. If you have a car they have free parking. If not there is bus to Verona or taxi to train in Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda. Sirmione has castle and roman ruins at end of town that have beautiful views of lake. Boat to Salo, Riva and other towns possible. I have stayed as long as a 5 days and have found things to do. To enter historical center you have to cross the moat. Since we stay in center we usually go about Sirmione in morning before it gets busy then take boat to another town or bus to Verona and enjoy Sirmione again in evening.

Here's a couple Sirmione sites. Hopefully they will give you an idea if it is for you.
http://www.lagodigardamagazine.com/i...=2&Menu=72

http://www.comune.sirmione.bs.it/Ind...Ricettive.html

http://www.sirmionehotel.com/strada.asp?lang=2
http://www.gardaweb.com/homeuk.htm

hotel marconi:
http://www.lagodigardamagazine.com/i...72&art=524
http://www.gardalake.it/hotelmarconi/

Njf - I second Bob's comment. The southern end is scenically drab and boring. Sirmione would be well down my list of places to stay for that reason ...

For setting I'd choose Riva or Limone in preference. Riva makes a great base IMO ...

Steve