Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
Historic splendor and modern amenities combine at Grand Hotel Fasano to make this member of the Leading Hotels of the World a fabulous place to stay on Lake Garda.
What to expect
If you’re dreaming of a lakeside retreat, this elegant property offers a taste of the luxe lifestyle without the exorbitant cost of vacationing on Lake Como. Grand Hotel Fasano is not a budget hotel by any means, but you’ll get the service and amenities of a five-star hotel at an excellent value.
Background
This hunting lodge was built in 1888 for the Austrian imperial family and was declared a National Heritage site by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage in 1989. The look is still a cross between Alpine and Mediterranean style. Today it’s managed by the Mayr family and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Location, location, location
The property has the major advantage of being one of just a handful of hotels with direct lake access. It’s located in Gardone Riviera, on the Lombardy side of the lake. From here, you can take a boat to explore towns like Sirmione and Limone Sul Garda, go hiking or biking, or tour a winery in nearby Franciacorta.
Where you’ll sleep
The renovated rooms and suites have a bit of a Neoclassical vibe (think: a modern interpretation of Empress Sisi’s style). My room had a comfortable bed, a desk, black-and-white photos, and a balcony with wonderful Garda views. The bathroom was equipped with Acqua di Parma products. Some of the other rooms I saw were more contemporary, with sleek bathrooms and deep soaking tubs.
Dining & drinks
Three restaurants and a beach club offer a variety of dining options. My husband and I had a fantastic dinner at Il Fagiano, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant set in an intimate room with coffered ceilings. I’m still thinking about the delicious risotto with lemon, licorice, and burrata, which was part of the five-course tasting menu. We didn’t try the seafood-focused Il Pescatore or the Ristorante Magnolia in the garden, which serves Italian dishes and light meals like club sandwiches and salads. The breakfast buffet has ample choices with eggs made to order.
Service notes
The staff are generally good, but the standouts here are Nicola Filippello, the restaurant manager and sommelier at Il Fagiano, who suggested a great bottle of Chardonnay and took the time to chat with us, and Rama Redzepi, the bar manager, who prepared a fantastic nightcap for us after dinner.
Spa time
We didn’t use the spa, but it’s spread out over 3,500 meters squared and is well equipped with an indoor pool, outdoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpool tubs, saunas, steam rooms, Kneipp therapy pool, chromotherapy showers, and Ayurvedic Aveda treatments.
Family perks
There are plenty of family-friendly activities, from letting kids splash around in the pool to taking a kayak out on the lake. The restaurants have kids menus and babysitting services are available.
You should know ...
Watersports and other outdoor activities are popular on Lake Garda and the Grand Hotel Fasano rents e-bikes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.
Accessibility
- Elevator
- ADA friendly rooms/bathrooms
Features & amenities
- Waterfront
- Semi-rural
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Spa
- Garden
- Fitness room
- Pets allowed
- Family friendly
Contacts
Gardone Riviera
Via Zanardelli 190, Gardone Riviera
Tel. +39 0365290220
Website
