Grand Hotel
, Gardone Riviera
194
Traveller
Reviews - Grand Hotel
Fantastic
Submitted by: A Travel-Library User in 10/07/07 - Age Group: 26 - 30
- From: United Kingdom
- Traveller type: Young Couple
We got married at the grande 4 years ago and we have been back 7 times since we love it there,the staff are lovely and cannot do enough for you,we love the rooms,food and everything about it. There are lots of places to visit on the boats,salo is great and for shopping.
Superb
Submitted by: John in 23/04/06 - Age Group: 51 - 60
- From: United Kingdom
- Traveller type: Mature Couple
One of the most beautiful locations on the lake, the service, the staff and the general feel of the hotel is unsurpassed. We have been 5 times in the last couple of years and never been disappointed.
Why the rating
Submitted by: Dalling in 30/12/05 - Age Group: 51 - 60
- From: United Kingdom
- Traveller type: Mature Couple
We have been three times, next year will hopefully be our fourth. It has an excellent position being directly on the lake and next to ferry terminus. Its ambience is difficult define, OK by normal definition it is a four star, but how do you define the view, the patina that comes with the age and history, just as importantly a young staff that wants to you to feel it is a pleasure serving you.
Read 191 additional reviews of Grand Hotel at TripAdvisor.
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Historical Traveller Reviews of Grand Hotel
Magnificent hotel
from A TripAdvisor Member
Our fifth time staying at the Grand Hotel. Always made welcome - will go back again and again
Make sure you check your bill
from A TripAdvisor Member
Absolutely disgusted with the way we were treated.
We paid for 2 adults to go half board for 2 weeks ( a tidy sum in itself) and took along our daughter (10 months old) for free, as with all hotels. At dinner on the first night we asked for a BABY portion of pasta, which consisted of about 10-15 pieces of penne and some tamato sauce. they also brought out 3 pieces of melon (of which she could only eat one). Although we were asked to sign for wine, water and any additional food from the A La Carte menu, we were never asked to sign for the baby food, or even given an indication that there was a cost. had there been so we would have fed her elsewhere, or fed her off our own plates (there was a free dessert buffet after all).
When we came to pay the bill (expecting to have the wine and water costs) we got a nasty suprise, 14 x €25. Apparently the manager had 'decided' that the baby portions should be charged at €25 a time. Now I've never met a baby yet that could eat €25 of food (unless they were eating caviar), but it is not so much the amount of the charge, but the fact we were never told about it that really annoyed me.
On making a complaint to the receptionistwe were told that the waiters had not informed us of the charge because 'it is not beautiful for the waiters to talk of money around the food!' - presumably charging €350 for a 10 month old baby is beautiful!.
I have written to the hotel requesting a full refund and will update this review if I get satisfaction, until then be warned!
We paid for 2 adults to go half board for 2 weeks ( a tidy sum in itself) and took along our daughter (10 months old) for free, as with all hotels. At dinner on the first night we asked for a BABY portion of pasta, which consisted of about 10-15 pieces of penne and some tamato sauce. they also brought out 3 pieces of melon (of which she could only eat one). Although we were asked to sign for wine, water and any additional food from the A La Carte menu, we were never asked to sign for the baby food, or even given an indication that there was a cost. had there been so we would have fed her elsewhere, or fed her off our own plates (there was a free dessert buffet after all).
When we came to pay the bill (expecting to have the wine and water costs) we got a nasty suprise, 14 x €25. Apparently the manager had 'decided' that the baby portions should be charged at €25 a time. Now I've never met a baby yet that could eat €25 of food (unless they were eating caviar), but it is not so much the amount of the charge, but the fact we were never told about it that really annoyed me.
On making a complaint to the receptionistwe were told that the waiters had not informed us of the charge because 'it is not beautiful for the waiters to talk of money around the food!' - presumably charging €350 for a 10 month old baby is beautiful!.
I have written to the hotel requesting a full refund and will update this review if I get satisfaction, until then be warned!
Lovely, friendly hotel
from A TripAdvisor Member
A very comfortable hotel with a slightly elderly clientele. All the staff were sunny and friendly. We had booked a superior room and were surprised to be given one in which we couldn't open the wardrobe door without moving the bed, it was so cramped. The next day we were given a larger room, no fuss made. Both rooms had wonderful views of the lake and we loved eating the delicious food just by the water.
Bella Fabuloso!
from nitzi1944
I was taken here as a post 60th Birthday trip by my cousins in Germany who always come here. What a gem! The room was giantic with the best ammenities and the most magnificant terrace overlooking the lake. This is worth it. The staff was wonderful. Americans have not discovered this place and I hope it stays that way. I met many interesting people from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This is where they get most of their guests. I can't wait to return. Maybe they will take credit cards the next time. Bring lots of cash but worth the price. We went on boat trips to the nearby towns. A great retreat and what a way to spend a birthday.
Wonderful position - but in quiet resort
from A TripAdvisor Member
We recently returned from Italy after staying 5 nights at the Grand Hotel. I fully agree with many reviews describing the magnificent position of this hotel overlooking the lake, and having an 'Old Colonial' feel to the place. It was quite 'Grand' as the name implies but needs a bit of refurbishing in places.
We had a Junior Suite on the 3rd floor which was large, had a huge bathroom and two small balconies. There was plenty of wardrobe and drawer space and a useful safe and mini-bar. One disadvantage was the distance from the dining area and reception, but the view over the lake was beautiful. The hotel staff both at reception and in the restaurant were mostly very helpful.
On the negative side some of the food was not, in my view up to the standard of a hotel of this quality. The vegetables were usually fried but there was green salad to compensate. We usually dined quite late and often missed out on some of the desserts. Coffee was not included.
The other downside for me was the guy in the lounge singing and playing keyboard/piano. His repetoire didn't change during our stay.
Finally a word of caution, this hotel is in a very small resort with only a few shops and restaurants. Unless you have a car, (we didn't), to travel anywhere larger means boat or public bus, and these finish operating quite early.
We had a Junior Suite on the 3rd floor which was large, had a huge bathroom and two small balconies. There was plenty of wardrobe and drawer space and a useful safe and mini-bar. One disadvantage was the distance from the dining area and reception, but the view over the lake was beautiful. The hotel staff both at reception and in the restaurant were mostly very helpful.
On the negative side some of the food was not, in my view up to the standard of a hotel of this quality. The vegetables were usually fried but there was green salad to compensate. We usually dined quite late and often missed out on some of the desserts. Coffee was not included.
The other downside for me was the guy in the lounge singing and playing keyboard/piano. His repetoire didn't change during our stay.
Finally a word of caution, this hotel is in a very small resort with only a few shops and restaurants. Unless you have a car, (we didn't), to travel anywhere larger means boat or public bus, and these finish operating quite early.
Five star service at beautiful hotel
from JessandDan
We stayed at the Grand Hotel Gardone for 11 nights in May 2005 and thought it was among the best we've stayed in. The service was second to none. The location is fabulous as previous reviewers have said - right next to the boat jetty. Gardone itself is fairly quiet but that is what we were expecting.
The only downside is that towards the end of our stay several children arrived at the hotel with their parents and monopolised the swimming pool and jacuzzi. They were only being playful but were too noisy for the older guests and spoilt their leisurely swimming sessions. We would advise that you avoid the school holidays. Although the hotel is completely unsuitable for children it is inevitable that some parents will still take them.
The food was very good, breakfast on the terrace was superb with glorious views over the tranquil lake. Dinner was waiter service for starters and main course with self service desserts to die for. Wine was a little too expensive in our opinion for house white or red and didn't think it was appropriate to have to pay for water either but all in all would not hesitate to recommend the Grand.
The only downside is that towards the end of our stay several children arrived at the hotel with their parents and monopolised the swimming pool and jacuzzi. They were only being playful but were too noisy for the older guests and spoilt their leisurely swimming sessions. We would advise that you avoid the school holidays. Although the hotel is completely unsuitable for children it is inevitable that some parents will still take them.
The food was very good, breakfast on the terrace was superb with glorious views over the tranquil lake. Dinner was waiter service for starters and main course with self service desserts to die for. Wine was a little too expensive in our opinion for house white or red and didn't think it was appropriate to have to pay for water either but all in all would not hesitate to recommend the Grand.
What an outstanding hotel
from A TripAdvisor Member
Italy, what a country, the food, the people, the country-side, the lakes.
5 star service, outstanding location, stunning lake views, quite area, great food, the ideal get away. We will return some day. The Grand Hotel is a must. All the reviews are "spot on".
5 star service, outstanding location, stunning lake views, quite area, great food, the ideal get away. We will return some day. The Grand Hotel is a must. All the reviews are "spot on".
Perfect bolthole from the Rat Race!
from A TripAdvisor Member
Just spent the last week of May with my sister at the Grand Hotel Gardone. Definitely worth the Lake view which was great to look out on every morning.
Ended up with a bedroom on the top floor (fourth) right at the end, so not a good idea to forget something in your room if you have reached the Reception desk (especially as we made a real effort not to use the lift)!
Found the Hotel was full of more senior couples who enjoyed dressing up for dinner. Quite glad that we were booked on bed and breakfast only, as my idea of a holiday is to unwind and chill without formality. The food from what we could see looked good but just preferred to eat out.
Our only regret was that there wasn't a bit more night life and choice of restaurants in walking distance. We spent a couple of night's driving to other locations to eat out in the evening but that stopped me having more than one drink!
Overall, it was nice to get back to a quiter area, chill out by the pool, read a book or heaven help you if you get hooked by Su Doku (wish I had never bought the book at the airport on the way out)!
We varied our days by having a quiet day mixed with a travelling day. So we went on a coach trip to Venice - approx. 2.5 hours, but definitely worth letting someone else take you there (especially after several experiences with Italian drivers who were very impatient)! Also went to Garda and Desenzano (both more lively areas with more shops and restaurants) to visit the markets held on certain days and bought several good value items - especially leather goods.
Overall, it was a lovely place to stay for the peace and quiet, with the ferry boat right beside the Hotel and the Coach pick up just opposite, but not if you are looking for something more lively, and again not a place I would have taken children to. Great for a week and at least got back home (after a flight cancellation and delay at Verona Airport for 11 hours plus a missed connection at Gatwick) still feeling like I had had a holiday and fairly rejuvinated!
Hope this is of some help to whoever reads it - from a young at heart 47 year old, and no I didn't use the 'gym' which consisted of two fairly old pieces of equipment in a small room - someone could possibly have used it, died in there, and not have been found for several days or possibly weeks!
Ended up with a bedroom on the top floor (fourth) right at the end, so not a good idea to forget something in your room if you have reached the Reception desk (especially as we made a real effort not to use the lift)!
Found the Hotel was full of more senior couples who enjoyed dressing up for dinner. Quite glad that we were booked on bed and breakfast only, as my idea of a holiday is to unwind and chill without formality. The food from what we could see looked good but just preferred to eat out.
Our only regret was that there wasn't a bit more night life and choice of restaurants in walking distance. We spent a couple of night's driving to other locations to eat out in the evening but that stopped me having more than one drink!
Overall, it was nice to get back to a quiter area, chill out by the pool, read a book or heaven help you if you get hooked by Su Doku (wish I had never bought the book at the airport on the way out)!
We varied our days by having a quiet day mixed with a travelling day. So we went on a coach trip to Venice - approx. 2.5 hours, but definitely worth letting someone else take you there (especially after several experiences with Italian drivers who were very impatient)! Also went to Garda and Desenzano (both more lively areas with more shops and restaurants) to visit the markets held on certain days and bought several good value items - especially leather goods.
Overall, it was a lovely place to stay for the peace and quiet, with the ferry boat right beside the Hotel and the Coach pick up just opposite, but not if you are looking for something more lively, and again not a place I would have taken children to. Great for a week and at least got back home (after a flight cancellation and delay at Verona Airport for 11 hours plus a missed connection at Gatwick) still feeling like I had had a holiday and fairly rejuvinated!
Hope this is of some help to whoever reads it - from a young at heart 47 year old, and no I didn't use the 'gym' which consisted of two fairly old pieces of equipment in a small room - someone could possibly have used it, died in there, and not have been found for several days or possibly weeks!
Beautiful hotel
from fureyi
We stayed here in August 2004 and had a large room overlooking the lake. As mentioned in previous reviews there is no point staying in this hotel unless you are overlooking the lake as the views are stunning.
The lakeside area is also excellent and private. The restaurant has an area to allow you to eat outside which is excellent of an evening. The food was of a high quality as well.
Staying at the Grand Hotel is like stepping back in time in all the best ways and the hotel staff offer a service to match - highly recommended.
The lakeside area is also excellent and private. The restaurant has an area to allow you to eat outside which is excellent of an evening. The food was of a high quality as well.
Staying at the Grand Hotel is like stepping back in time in all the best ways and the hotel staff offer a service to match - highly recommended.
Wonderful hotel in unbeatable position
from ReviewerII
This is a wonderful hotel, a lot of character and faded oppulence that is charming. It has a magnificent position on the banks of the lake, part of which is privately owned by the hotel. All the common area's are charming, papers provided in all languages. The staff are friendly and efficient and the food is good. The rooms are spacious and most have a balcony and lake view although do make sure you ask for a view as it'll make all the difference to your stay! Situated on the edge of the village centre so good for aperitivo in the evenings!
Top Local Tips for Gardone Riviera
Boats Don't buy a return ticket on boats as firstly no saving and also they have different catagories of boat tariffs, fast, slow etc and depending on the time you return means if you have paid for a fast return you may end up on a slow boat.
grande hotel gardone-winnies bar go for a drink in winnies bar. you may be put off by the prices but its worth the prce. after you order your drjnk you get-olives,sundried tomatoes,gherkins,plain crinkle crips and a specail everyday eg mini cheese and ham toastie.
Variety Plenty of small local cafes locally are cheaper for lunchtime meals
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Other names for Grand Hotel
- grand hotel gardone
- grand gardone riviera
- gardone riviera grand hotel
- Address: Via Zanardelli 72 - Gardone Riviera - 25083 - Italy
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