Poiano Resort Apartments

"Had a week here and wish we hadn't. But let's start with the good. The food is pretty good though limited in choice and the view down to the lake from the dining room and the apartments is spectacular. The sports facilities are excellent - Olympic sized swimming pool, two good quality padel courts and four red shale tennis courts plus a golf course and driving range. The apartments are clean but, like me, beginning to show their age. The whole layout is hilly but we were aware of that before we booked. So why the two stars? First of all to arrive at 11 a:m after nine hours travelling and be told to sit by the pool for another five hours because your room won't be available until 4 p:m is totally unacceptable. And when you point out that other guests who arrived from the same flight have been given their rooms you are told "They were the lucky ones." Shades of Fawlty Towers already. Secondly the location. We were well aware that the apartments were several miles out of Garda but the hotel says it has a shuttle service into town. However the service is limited. It doesn't start till nine and then there is a gap from 12:30 till 4:00 in the afternoon and the last shuttle from Garda is at 7:45 in the evening so no chance of a night out in Garda unless you're willing to pay 15 euros for a taxi back. And getting a taxi in Garda is by no means easy. The mini-bus also only seats eight so there is quite often a queue. Third is the mini-market. It isn't a mini-market. As the sign outside says it's a shop and it's apparently run by the same people as Monty Python's cheese shop. It sells coffee, tea, sugar, milk and wine and that's about it. And it's also only open between 8 and 10 a:m and only accepts cash. Didn't particularly bother us as we were staying half board but could be inconvenient for anyone self-catering. Fourth the superb swimming pool doesn't open till ten and shuts at six so no chance of an early morning dip. Finally we checked out in the evening before we left as we were being transferred to the airport at six the following morning. When I tried afterwards to buy a drink at the bar I was unable to as paying by cash or card was a problem. Apparently from what I've read and from hearing our tour rep speak to other guests these are regular complaints. The staff were all friendly and helpful but as a resort this could be so much better. Oh and Lake Garda is beautiful."

"Beautiful resort that I would highly recommend. It is a huge resort with excellent sporting facilities and well cared for grounds. The staff were all helpful and friendly. The pool is huge with fantastic views in every direction. There are plenty of sun beds, pool towels are provided and there are parasols too. There is a pool bar which is very handy serving sandwiches, coffees and ice creams. We were there in August so it was too hot to test out all the sporting facilities but my husband and son enjoyed the driving range and they took part in water polo most days. We loved our apartment, up high on the hill but totally worth the 5 minute walk uphill for the uninterrupted, panoramic views down to the lake from our terrace - it was incredible! The apartment was spacious, clean and well equipped. The air conditioning and comfy beds were great too. We tried the hotel meal one evening and although it was good for one night we were pleased to be self catering and try various different places. There are 3 restaurants in walking distance of the resort and many others in Garda. The only things that could improve this place would be running mini buses instead of the 7 seaters. One morning we counted 40 people waiting! We walked but it was not an easy walk in the heat. Also a well stocked mini market instead of the tiny shop which is only open 2 hours a day. I think the resort have a captive audience so why not? Overall I highly recommend this resort especially for families with older kids and teens - there is a huge amount to entertain them. There are also endless things to do and see around the lake."

"Last year we stayed at La Perla which we really loved but we wanted an apartment this time. On the first day it felt as if this place was far from the centre in comparison and we had read about the shuttles being busy! We stayed in a two bed apartment with breakfast and just booked three dinners so we could eat out the other four days which worked really well. By the second day we absolutely loved this place and knew it was the right decision. The shuttle bus drivers work so hard all day and although it said the shuttle was every half an hour in reality they were just constantly driving back and forth with two or even three buses at busy times. The drivers were so kind and cheerful. We had some of the best chats with people in the shuttle and the queue so it wasn't a great hardship. The facilities are incredible as is the view! There's so much to do and additional activities are cheap. We did a family spa hour which was lovely! Bike hire, archery, gym, etc all convenient. The restaurant is really efficient and well stocked with lots of choice and pretty views of the lake. We had to leave very early on the last morning so if you book in advance they can make you up a picnic breakfast. People have said the apartments are dated and actually we loved that! Very traditional, lots of wood, window shutters, comfy beds, lots of space, a great shower and balconies. Very well maintained and clean. We were so sad to leave. The staff are really helpful and efficient. We would really recommend it!"