Hotel Palazzo del Garda — Hotel in Desenzano del Garda

We spent three nights at this hotel and on arrival our first thought was oh dear…. Based on the area around us and other buildings. Don’t judge a book by its cover. When entering the hotel we soon felt relief. It was absolutely spotless, staff were very welcoming and friendly. We had a basic economy room situated on the first floor facing the back. It was perfect for what we needed it for (to sleep). It was clean, the bed was comfortable, a smart tv, the bathroom was a good size with a rainforest shower, very modern. The bed was super comfortable and we rested well. |Breakfast was including and although we didn’t have great expectations with what we paid…. Much to our surprise…. It was fantastic. Lots of choice, cheese and ham selection, sausages, bacon and scrambled egg. Made to order omelette or fried eggs were also available. Selection of cereals, muffins, croissants, vegan selection, fruit and yogurt, toast, jam and marmalades, chocolate spread, waffles and pancakes. There’s also a juicer with fresh cucumber, ginger, apples etc. very impressive. ||On our second night, we left the window open in the bathroom and when we returned there was so many midgies, all over the curtains and ceilings. We couldn’t close the window, the handle was stuck. We called reception for the key to turn the handle for unlocking. The lady from reception was very helpful and I just said we’d keep the bathroom door closed because we didn’t want bitten. |We were more than happy with what she done for us as it was my fault for leaving the window open all day. |10 mins later she called and asked if we wanted to move rooms. We explained it was ok and we were quite happy to stay where we were but she insisted we had a look. We asked if it was a better room as we didn’t want to “downgrade”. She said yes. Without looking at the room we packed up and she met us on the 1st floor, she took us to the third floor. |And wow was that room a good move. We had a balcony with a lake side view, super king size bed, a coffee machine and larger bathroom. This was great customer service. Despite us not wanting to moan, they fixed our problem and went above and beyond. |Again breakfast the following day was great, plenty to choose from. Nothing was a problem. We asked reception to call a taxi and it was there within minutes. |Downstairs bar is clean and quite aesthetically pleasing with a piano. We weren’t there at night so unsure if there’s entertainment. |There’s a spa and sauna which are free to use, we didn’t use them as we simply didn’t spent a lot of time in hotel. It’s open till 11pm. Outside pool is cold but we were there in April and the weather was just picking up. Clean and maintained every morning though. ||1 negative thing…. We left a cup of coins in the room on the second day, which we intended to give the maid on our last day but she took them without a note. Just assuming they were for her. I found that a little rude. I didn’t make a complaint but there was around €7 in it. Just dross, 50’s, 20’s, 10’s. I just didn’t think she’d take it without a note to say they were for her. No complaint was made and it’s really no big deal as it was going to her anyway. But that wasn’t a nice thing to do. ||The hotel is 30 mins walk from Desenzano train station and main bus terminus. 120 mins walk from ferry port. Not many supermarkets around. Dry white and peaceful around you though. ||Overall a really great stay. Very impressed and would stay again....

Stayed with family, party of 16.|Very friendly and helpful staff here. Mislaid an item after moving rooms, both reception and housekeeping staff looked until they located it.|Excellent cocktails especially the Moscow Mule! Limited but tasty lunches available. It’s quite a small hotel really which suited us so it’s fairly quiet. No queues or noise. Some outdoor music would be nice. Every time you order a drink they give you crisps and peanuts! Everything is near hand. Really enjoyed the breakfast, you can make fresh juices daily and omelettes made fresh to order.|No rush for sunbeds any time of the day. Pool towels provided. |We had the 2 bed suite with rooftop terrace. Amazing 180 degree views of Lake Garda up here, a lovely place to relax in the evening when the sun goes down a little. Don’t leave your drinks glasses up there overnight though as windy weather will toss them over and cause breakages !|Spa was lovely and so easy to book. Has everything you would want. Very clean.|15 minute walk into town was easy thankfully as taxis are not available for short rides here, small hill on way back to hotel. |We got to/ from Verona airport in about 45 minutes. Reception will book transfers and help with other bookings if you need. |Desenzano is lovely, a busy town, great selection of good restaurants and bars for all ages and quite a few boutiques, it’s on the lakeside and really beautiful. |We will return...

Although the first impressions of this hotel may leave you wanting more, by the time we left we’d had a wonderful time after being well looked after by a small collection of lovely members of staff, ranging from the informative receptionists to the attentive ‘breakfast crew’, the barman and the maids. |Positioned about A 10 minute walk into town, it is away from the hustle and bustle and a lake view room is a must…3rd floor is ideal. |The breakfast options cater for all, including fresh omelettes and a smoothie maker if you’re brave enough to have a go, and the croissants are to die for! |Free use of the spa is a bonus ( book it to avoid disappointment). |The hotel is great value for money in a town where options are not cheap. |Nearest mini-mart is en route in to town on right hand side just before the pedalos! |We did a day trip to Verona, via the train ( station is a 25 minute walk away ) and also a coach trip to Venice (2.5 hours on the coach each way-but well worth it with a tour guide who looks after you). |A couple of boat trips to Sirmione ( €6 return) and Garda ( bit more expensive on the rapido service) but nice to break up the day. |Plenty of restaurants in town to eat at and we kept each visit below €50 with 2 main meals, a carafe of wine, a bottle of water and the cover charge. |If you do choose...