Grand Hotel Gardone

The Grand Hotel Gardone was the first Lake Garda hotel to open its doors, and dates back to 1884. The property retains its rich history and some historical touches. The charming yellow, white, and salmon colored building has arched windows, columns, and balconies. A private walkway winds alongside the lake, in front of the hotel. The common areas celebrate a bygone era. The red-carpeted lobby features a sleek white front desk, trimmed in lacquered wood and stamped with a gold monogram of the hotel's initials. Carpeted hallways are lined with arched windows that let in plenty of natural light. The hotel also has elegant sitting areas and rooms with intricate moldings, arched doorways and windows, and comfy furniture. Former guests of note include King George of Saxony, Prince Gabriele D'Annunzio, Winston Churchill, Vladimir Nabokov, and W. Somerset Maugham.

The hotel is perched on the edge of Lake Garda and at the center of the Gardone Riviera. There are a few other hotels in the immediate area surrounding the property; restaurants within close driving distance include Antico Brolo (two minutes away), Agli Angeli (three minutes) and Ristorante Pizzeria Nablus (six minutes). The closest bus stop is across the street and the Desenzano Railway Station is a half-hour drive. Getting to Verona takes an hour by car and Venice takes around two hours via toll roads. The Brescia airport is a half-hour drive away.

Rooms have classic style and antique-inspired furniture, in the Standard Rooms, some pieces look a bit outdated, wall decor is sparse, and there is wall-to-wall carpeting. Suites typically have arched entryways and hardwood floors, and some have separate living rooms. The busy patterned fabrics found in many rooms may strike some as old-fashioned rather than charming.

All rooms have balconies or terraces, and some have stunning lake views. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, writing desks, and safes. Bathrooms are modern, with bidets, bathtubs, and showers. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms for an additional charge.

The numerous dining options at the Grand Hotel Gardone include the Lemon Garden, with white and yellow flowing fabric draped from the ceiling and splendid lake views, a main restaurant, and a couple of bars. The Grand Hotel is the main restaurant and offers fine dining with beautiful old wood floors, gold window coverings, arched doorways, and lake-facing terrace seating. Winnie's Piano Bar has a marble dance floor, a black grand piano, and a brass bar counter with tufted black leather and matching stools. Winston Churchill is rumored to have sipped champagne here. Winnie's Pool Bar offers snacks and drinks under tropical trees. The hotel also has a small spa with a Turkish bath and sauna as well as massages, waxing, and mani-pedis on offer.