Poiano Resort

The Poiano is a sprawling resort composed of several buildings that look lifted from the 1970s, spread over 60 hectares (or nearly 150 acres) of landscaped hillside. Like many hotels in the area, the resort is showing its age, but remains a popular and pleasant pick within an easy drive of Lake Garda's scenic shores. Guests must pass through a security gate to get onto the property, where they'll find ample free parking. The main entrance into the lobby is flanked by potted trees and a low stone in front of grass and hedges. The huge lobby is suitable for hosting the many groups who gather here, and there are white rattan seating clusters set throughout -- it's not the freshest look, though this quality is pretty common throughout this part of Italy. Potted plants add warmth to the cavernous space, while outdoors walkways through the grounds lead guests to other buildings. The setting is park-like, and the hotel draws a wide range of guests, from tour groups and families to couples. Travelers who appreciate a quiet and beautiful countryside setting with multiple activities will likely be comfortable here. 

The hotel is located on the east side of scenic Lake Garda, surrounded by open countryside with large olive groves and meadows descending to the valley floor. It's a scenically spectacular location on 60 hectares of landscaped grounds (150 acres), and among the hotel's main attractions are its beautiful views of the valley and the lake. The village of Garda is about a five-minute drive away, or a long walk. Shuttle service is available. Golfing at Golf Ca degli Uliv is about a 10-minute drive away. Gardaland amusement park, popular with families, is a 25-minute drive to the south. Verona and its train station and airport are about 30 minutes southeast of the hotel, while quaint little Malcesine is a 35-minute drive up the lakeshore. Venice is 90 minutes east by car, and day trips are available. 

Rooms come in four categories -- Classic, Costabella, Panorama, and Junior Suites -- and all come with a balcony or terrace furnished with plastic furniture and overlooking the lake or park views. Some views are quite beautiful. Decor includes nicely polished wood floors and mostly white walls hung with soft, Impressionistic reproductions. Unfortunately, floral drapes and bedspreads look old fashioned and faded, and twin beds are pushed together to make a double. The blond wood and rattan furniture also does little to bring the look into modern times, ditto the antiqued orange accent wall in rooms like the Junior Suite that we visited. All rooms also have air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, safes, and minibars, but Wi-Fi costs extra. Bathrooms are also a bit dated, but clean, and they come with hairdryers, bidets, towel warmers, and the hotel's brand of toiletries. Some rooms have tiny showers. Panorama Rooms and Junior Suites feature marble walls and floors in the bathroom. 

Most everything at Poiano Resort is situated to take advantage of its gorgeous hillside setting. The day starts with a breakfast buffet served in the breakfast room, and in warmer months meals can be taken on the terrace with outstanding countryside views. Ristorante Poiano serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine for all meals in a casual setting, also with magnificent views. Half-board rates include breakfast and dinner. The bar also takes in those views, and there's a piano for live entertainment. The huge, rectangular outdoor pool overlooking the surrounding countryside is suitable for swimming laps. Guests who prefer to lounge poolside will find rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas lined up on the expansive deck and up on the hillside. Kids get their own pool next to the main pool, and there's an outdoor playground. A poolside bar serves snacks and drinks. The spa in the central building is a lovely space with rustic details, and offers an indoor saltwater pool, Turkish bath, sauna and bio-sauna, and special showers. Massage, face, and body treatments are available. While there isn't a proper gym, the hotel does have tennis courts, a soccer pitch, volleyball, archery, and bike rentals available.The hotel's conference center is in its own three-story building and is well suited for hosting business meetings, exhibitions, and social events. Outdoor space is also available for events, and Wi-Fi is free in public spaces. Parking is also free at the hotel.