Perhaps not the best setting next to a lumber yard, but generally not intrusive - more intrusive is the road that runs just in front of the hotel grounds (precludes leaving the windows open at night, so you need the airconditioning). Move the hotel, and it is an absolute winner - even with the issues, one of the nicest hotels in the area. The staff are very helpful - and multilingual, and the service is excellent. No dinner at the hotel, but excellent options within walking distance from 'Osteria la Pesce' - a classic Osteria, to Il Cavalino, about 400m away (hope I remembered that name right), which is classic - over the top , with charming host and hostess - the cook. Hotel staff only too willing to deliver a drink on the front patio, or organise a trip. Rooms are classically italian - high ceilinged, but not too much window or light.

A highly recommended hotel!

Situated in Sale Marasino, along the old trunk road circling the east coast of Lake Iseo, the location is quiet, and romantic, far enough from the normal tourist crowds, yet near enough to Iseo, Bergamo, Garda or Verona for day trips.

Our suite had fantastic views of the lake from both windows. My only complain would be that the bedroom was slighly small and cramped, to make space for the sitting room (which we never used). I believe the normal rooms would have provided more space, and at a lower price! However, at Euro 145 per night (plus 10% for >3 nights), we were very pleased with what we got!

There was only one receptionist who could speak decent English, and she did the morning shift. Hence, we had to 'save up' all our questions for her.

The hotel is beautifully decorated, with a good sized pool and plenty of lounge beds. There is also a private wooden pier for sunbathing or for swimming in the lake. Underground parking is available for guests if you wish. The grounds are beautifully cared for, and it's a pleasure just lounging around in the gardens.

There was some sort of timber factory next to the hotel, so we could definitely hear the heavy machinery at work in the days. There is also a train track behind the hotel, so the occassional rumble of the train, or the sound of the horns could be heard. However, in the peaceful and tranquil setting of the hotel grounds, the sounds can easily be blocked out.

Overall, we were very happy with the hotel, and would highly recommend it to anyone.

A modern 4-star hotel on the eastern shore (Brescia province) of Lake Iseo, on the coast road from Iseo to Pisogne at Sale Marasino. The road (not so busy now as there's a new road in the hills above) seperates the hotel from its own private shaky wooden pier; there's a public beach 2 minutes away and the lake boat pier 5 minutes away). Lakeside with its own pool, from 120 Euro a room p/n - hard to beat for value. We had the Garden Suite (one of two suites), the only room without at least a sideways view of the lake, but at 145 Euro for 3 people (less 10% discount for 3 nights) and a bit cooler (east side of hotel) it was fine for us. Close to the kitchen so not for late/light sleepers (but great for access to the breakfast room, with a big choice available).

There's a woodmill next door, but noises were muffled. In fact, lying by the pool, the most disturbance came from the bells for the railway level crossing up the hill behind, and even they sounded like cowbells on an alpine meadow.

Staff friendly and helpful. Hotel even lends bicycles which you can take over on the boat to Monte Isolo (the lake's large island) and cycle round.