Astoria Park Hotel SPA Resort

Set amid the scenic surrounds of Lake Garda, the Astoria Park Hotel SPA Resort offers a dose of rest and relaxation to vacationing couples and families. Its lovely green grounds provide a nice setting for a relaxing weekend getaway or spa break, and the mountains looming in the distance are a particularly picturesque backdrop to the outdoor pool area. Sleek, contemporary interiors are dappled in sunshine thanks to large windows that offer views over the green grounds. Decor is fairly staid, though some cheeky touches like tubular red chairs paired with tree trunk tables in the lobby and colorful pieces of abstract save it from being boring. 

The hotel is a popular destination year round, especially on the weekends and during holidays. Summers draw guests wanting to hike, boat, and bike -- especially city dwellers seeking an escape -- while winters are popular with skiers. The majority of the clientele here are Italian.  

The hotel is situated on the northern side of Lake Garda, to the north of the charming town of Riva del Garda. The property neighbors a rugby camp and there are a couple of shops, banks, and a gas station in the area. The town center, with a high concentration of dining options and shops, can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. The lake shore is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Area attractions include the Rocca Fortress (15-minute walk) and Pini Beach (25-minute walk or eight-minute drive). There are lots of hiking and biking trails on the surrounding mountains, as well as skiing in the winter. The nearest bus stop is a two-minute walk away. The nearest train station is in Mori, which is about a 25-minute drive away. Verona Villafranca Airport is about an hour away.

Rooms are clean and contemporary with simple, yet pleasant decor. Wooden floors are a lovely touch and are paired with white walls and bedding for a clean and crisp effect. Sleek wood furniture includes desks and headboards with built-in nightstands. Suites add a bit more visual interest to the simple decor in the form of bright red accents like velvet stools, bedroom benches, chairs, and vivid abstract art on the walls, plus they have living areas. Some rooms also have balconies or terraces.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, telephones, minibars, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi; suites add Nespresso machines. Suites also get added services, including morning newspapers and a basket of fresh fruit upon arrival. Bathrooms are fairly simple and standard, with either shower/tub combos or step-in showers as well as heated towel racks, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers. Some of the suites have whirlpool tubs and separate showers.

Features here focus on relaxation and convenience. One of the highlights is the hotel's lovely outdoor pool that offers gorgeous views over the surrounding mountains. There's also an indoor pool in the hotel's spa area (kids under 16 not allowed), as well as other features like a sauna, steam room, ice fountain, ice cold showers, and a relaxation lounge. The spa offers a variety of treatments including couples' massages. Note that the spa facilities can get crowded when the hotel is full. Other wellness features include a fitness room, but it offers just a handful of dated machines.

The hotel has two restaurants with outdoor dining space, serving buffet fare and an a la carte menu. There's also a bar that serves alcoholic drinks and coffee. A breakfast buffet is included in all rates, and half-board plans are also available. Food here gets mixed reviews, however.

Other on-site facilities include a small but inviting kids' club as well as meeting/event space. Guests have free use of bikes and parking is free on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.