Admiral Hotel Villa Erme - Desenzano del Garda, Italy 

We stayed here in March and although it is a walk from Desenzo it is well situated for good restuarants and the local buses both into Sirmione and Desenzano-it is an easy walk to the lake.This was one of the best hotels we have stayed in in Italy and the service was superb.It had a very pleasnt pool area which was covered in and had heating so it is possible to sit there at any time of year-we didn't use the pool but I'm sure it would have been possible as it felt warm enough even though it was very cold outdoors.I think they pull the plastic windows back in the summer.The nearby village(5 minutes walk) was very attractive although quiet in March -the advantage in that was within a day we were being greeted in a friendly manner when we walked there. We had one quite good evening meal in the hotel although the nearby restuarants were better.

We cannot recommend this hotel highly enough. The whole place is immaculate - well looked after as previously stated. There are several excellent restaurants within easy walking distance as well as a bar and restaurant in the hotel (3 courses for 18 euros). The walk to Desenzano is approx 20-30 mins at a leisurely pace and Lake Garda is a 100 yard walk across the road. Superb would go back in a minute.