Palace Hotel Desenzano

"Chose this as a trip from my Wife for my 60th Birthday and I can only say a fantastic place to be. The hotel is clean, comfy and stylish. The rooms are spotlessly clean, towels, bedding changed consistently. The room view was gorgeous, courtesy mini bar was very nice too. Small roof top pool was nice to cool off in end of day. Breakfast choice was very good indeed. Reception and staff very polite and helpful at all times. First time to Lake Garda and it will not be my last. Hotel is in the middle of both Desenzano & Sermione, 15 mins by cab or bus, would hire a car next time to explore. Overall I could not have had a nicer time and you will not be disappointed with this hotel choice. A big thank you to all."

"We were looking forward to our stay after being offered a complimentary ‘upgrade’ on our two rooms. Our room, the Panorama Suite was situated on the top floor (3) and had great views of the lake below some 500m away. The balcony whilst large with 4 sun loungers and plenty of chairs looked a little sparse and in need of some planters, redecoration and could be made so much better. Upon entering the suite there was hanging / storage space on either side, complete with safe. A large lounge area with two 2 seater sofas and coffee table, tea n coffee making facilities, TV and huge but very heavy / stiff sliding patio doors led to the balcony. Either side of the lounge were 2 bedrooms with en suite bathroom and each had TV’s with very limited sky coverage. Wifi coverage was good, breakfast was also very good, lots options yet our lunch experience was both poor and expensive, resulting in us not eating or drinking at all throughout our stay save for breakfast. Water pressure in bathrooms was very poor, especially at peak times. Overall I’d say the hotel was slighted dated, albeit clean and more than acceptable. Both the outside pool (not heated) and roof top pool (heated) were IMO small and I was disappointed to find that no gym was available. The spa facilities were good but only available at limited times from 3pm and needed booking in advance. Only one slight issue where we ordered a taxi via the hotel desk. Beware some of the taxis already have a significant charge on the meter before you start, resulting in you paying double! For example, a typical trip into Desenzano, some 10+ mins away was around €16 whereas on this occasion a similar length trip to Sirmione cost us €30! Basically the taxi driver telling us we had to pay for his journey from Desenzano to our hotel, which I’ve never heard of in my life. When I challenged the hotel we received mixed responses stating that the driver was a thief but also that taxi companies operating out of both Desenzano and Sirmione like to stay locally. The whole taxi situation was both confusing and expensive throughout our stay and leads me onto probably the most important part of my review. The location of the hotel was for me the main issue. Yes it was a short walk into Rivoltella where we did find some lovely eating places, but if we wanted to head into Desenzano, which is much bigger, has access to ferry and the train station it was circa €35 round trip every time and when doing twice a day becomes expensive. Sirmione, which is also close by is again a 10 min taxi ride to the ‘old town’. If I had my time again (weeks stay) I think I would be looking for a more central location either in Desenzano or Verona itself which offers so much more connectivity"

"Great hotel but location is not great without a car !!!! Hotel is clean and modern , and cannot fault the staff and service , but we were unfortunately let down by hire car service at the airport so this made sightseeing very difficult ! Believe it when you hear , taxi service in Desenzano cannot be relied upon , even with assistance from hotel staff at times !! The walk into Desenzano is pleasant along the lake side promenade but is at least 5kms each way , which is a bit of a trek after a day out or to get to the centre for excursions , train station etc . Taxi journeys , when you can get one , from hotel were about £20 euros one way . This is not a fault of the hotel obviously which was a very pleasant stay , but in hindsight , staying closer to the centre would have suited us much better , and is worth considering if you are relying on public transport ."