Hotel Savoy Palace - Gardone Riviera, Italy 

Savoy Hotel is definitely aimed more at an elderly clientele than a younger crowd, as can be seen in the large amount of senior boarders. The rooms were very clean, a good shower, a television with English channels and a mini fridge. The food was good, but one would have expected fresh fruit instead of canned. Breakfasts were self-service and one could get a fry, cereal, fruit, coffee or pretty much anything you would want. There was a lovely lunch at 4pm with fruit, coffee and pastries which was a welcome break from the very, very hot sun! Dinners were chosen in the morning and you tick a box for each course, with 3 options in each. Pork, ham, fish and (naturally!) pasta were extremely common in these lists and dinners were of good quality. I advise people to bring two formal outfits as there are two galas a week and it is important to look the part. There was entertainment from Roberto who played the keyboard at dinner and well into the night which was really lovely and it was really nice to see some of the professional dancers staying at the hotel (although you're more likely to see old people shuffling about!) The staff were brilliant, very funny and charming- however, if you have a young daughter I would STRONGLY advise watching her LIKE A HAWK- there are all too many male waiters only too willing to whisk her off into a nearby side street and take advantage of your little darlings so beware!! You are able to rent bikes from the hotel and they are usually pretty easy to obtain as most people in the hotel aren't exactly in their bike riding hay-day! The hotel is situated within good walking distance of Riva (20mins) where you can get a boat tour to anywhere in the lake for a very cheap price. Personally I found that Malcesine was very over-rated and that the best places to go were Salo' and Limone. I wouldn't advise going on the bus tours because you are very confined timewise on how long you can stay in each town and really, there's nothing you can see in a bus that can't be seen on a lake tour which is a lot less hot and uncomfortable and more scenic. The pool is pleasant and there are fantasticly comforatable loungers with canopies, with plenty to go around so you shouldn't have to get up early to throw down towels for that day! Be prepared to be one of the few English speakers among a LOT of Germans- especially if you go down by the lake (2 minute walk from the hotel) which is like a mini- Germany! There is a fantastic ice cream parlour called Floras nearby which is a great hang out spot, especially for the younger crowd. There are also lots of scenic cycling tracks on fairly flat landscape, although it can be a bit of a challenge trying not to bang into oncoming pedestrians and little kids who like nothing more than to hop in the way of speeding bikes last minute- so be very careful! All in all, a very lovely hotel although I think a week is long enough to spend here and longer may be a bit tiring!

We have greatly enjoyed our second visit to the Savoy Palace in 8 months and continue to heartily recommend it. The food is of the highest order created by a Chef who excels in the presentation and the Hotel's staff are welcoming and eager to please with efficient service. The location in Gardone Riviera is ideal being central for visiting the towns on Lake Garda by the regular public boats. The Hotel is not overly formal and it does provide an excellent relaxing atmosphere. One point to consider - if your budget allows opt for a private limo transfer from Verona Airport to Gardone Riviera because this will take a little over a hour as opposed to the Coach transfer witch will take approx 2+ hours.