Via Privata San Marco 1, Cima, Italy | (618) 248-8274
Full roster of activities that will keep kids and grown-ups happy
Scenic location along the lake with lush park grounds
Rooms are modern, bright, and generously sized
All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and hairdryers
Five eateries include one adult-only; all draw from local produce
Relax-minded pool and another pool with a hot tub and slide
Conveniently positioned for excursions to Lake Como and charming Swiss towns
Multiple kids clubs, plus sports facilities and games
Lots of wellness options, including a gym and meditation pavilion
Dogs allowed (and catered to) for a per-day charge
Free Wi-Fi not available in rooms
Charge for in-room baby cribs
Not a ton in the immediate area
Beach is really a paved boat launch, though still suitable for swimming
Sometimes when a hotel tries to be everything to everyone, the results aren't so good, however, the summer-camp-like Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort succeeds brilliantly. From its lake-view pools and lush gardens that feature annually rotating Italian sculptures, to cooking classes and a host of wellness options, there are ample features for romancing couples and families on vacation. Multiple restaurants and bars offer a range of dining settings and menus, including fine-dining Italian. The 111 rooms are bright, modern, and comfortable -- many with excellent views of the lake and some with kitchenettes. For couples who are set on a romantic retreat rather than navigating crowds of kids, child-free areas are set aside across the resort, including separate sections at meals. For a more intimate property, consider the 22-room Borgo Le Terrazze.
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Scene
Lovely, feature-packed resort along the lake
The exterior of the hotel and the vast expanse of its grounds calls to mind a high-end summer camp: The property is spread out across multiple buildings and a hefty section of acreage, including some covered in gardens and forest. There's really a campus of activities and dining spots at guests' feet here, making this hotel suitable for all ages. Given the offerings (more on those below), this is definitely a leisure destination -- great all-in-one for families, groups of friends, and couples wanting a luxe vacation where all they have to do is show up and enjoy. Most guests tend to come from Switzerland, Italy, or Germany. Kids definitely make up a solid percentage of the guests here, especially in the summer, but couples and groups who aren't keen on navigating crowds of children can take advantage of the hotel's child-free seating areas at meals and other zones set up throughout the resort.
Location
Surrounded by gorgeous scenery on the border of Italy and Switzerland
Right on Lake Lugano, close to the border of Switzerland, and surrounded by forest and a seven-acre subtropical garden, Parco San Marco is nestled in some of the Lombardy region's prettiest scenery. It's a 10-minute walk or four-minute drive into the neighboring town of Cima, though there's not a ton to do there. The hotel's positioning also makes it a great base to explore the surrounding region: Lake Como, home of the jet set, is 15 minutes away by car, Lugano proper (in Switzerland) is a 25-minute drive away, and Tremezzo is a 30-minute drive away. There's no train station in Cima for guests to come in on, but the hotel is extremely close to the nearest airport, Verona Villafranca, at a 20-minute drive away.
Rooms
Bright, modern rooms with lovely lake views from balconies and terraces
All of the 111 rooms and suites of the Parco San Marco feature gorgeous views of the lake. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with a beige and white decor theme accented by pops of orange and blue. Some have kitchenettes with hobs, dishwashers, and kettles, as well as mini-fridges, while flat-screen TVs in the living areas are standard. Balconies are furnished, but guests who plan on spending a bit of time on them should consider an upgrade: Deluxe Suites have large terraces and sun loungers, as well as a table and chairs. A lake view, however, is a must when booking in here. There is a separate charge for baby cribs in the room, which is surprising, given the hotel's emphasis on being family friendly. The all-white bathrooms are generously sized, though showers are small (as is typical in Italy). Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Free in-room Wi-Fi is not available.
Features
Five eateries and a full list of activities for kids and adults keep everyone happy.
A ton of features are on-site to keep all guests occupied. Four a la carte restaurants (one of which is adult-only) source local, organic products whenever possible, and there's also a beachside pizzeria for more casual dining. At most restaurants, adults with children are seated away from those without. There are also two bars, and the Dolce Vita, a pop-up-style, slow street food restaurant that's open daily from mid-June to late August. For those with kids, Parco San Marco offers a lot of family-friendly options: There's a "Fun Pool" for families and kids with waterslides, dedicated children's menus, childcare in clubs for three age groups, kiddie yoga classes, and several playgrounds. For sporty kids, there's archery, an inline skating park, plus a soccer and basketball court, and beach volleyball. The resort also has a decently sized beach on the lake's shore, though it's more of a paved boat launch than a beach). There are numerous dedicated spaces and activities just for adults as well: Relax Pool is just for couples, and the SPA San Marco offers an indoor swimming pool, gym, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, massage showers, and fantastic spa treatments. There's also a meditation pavilion with a gorgeous view over the lake. Foodies can take an on-site Italian cooking class, and wine tastings are also offered in the hotel's 200-year-old cellar cave. The hotel is also pet-friendly, with rooms that have direct garden access and even dog-sitting; however, there's an extra per-day charge for the pet's stay. Wi-Fi is available for free in the lobby, the pool areas, and the beach.
