A very comfortable hotel with a slightly elderly clientele. All the staff were sunny and friendly. We had booked a superior room and were surprised to be given one in which we couldn't open the wardrobe door without moving the bed, it was so cramped. The next day we were given a larger room, no fuss made. Both rooms had wonderful views of the lake and we loved eating the delicious food just by the water.

I was taken here as a post 60th Birthday trip by my cousins in Germany who always come here. What a gem! The room was giantic with the best ammenities and the most magnificant terrace overlooking the lake. This is worth it. The staff was wonderful. Americans have not discovered this place and I hope it stays that way. I met many interesting people from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This is where they get most of their guests. I can't wait to return. Maybe they will take credit cards the next time. Bring lots of cash but worth the price. We went on boat trips to the nearby towns. A great retreat and what a way to spend a birthday.

We recently returned from Italy after staying 5 nights at the Grand Hotel. I fully agree with many reviews describing the magnificent position of this hotel overlooking the lake, and having an 'Old Colonial' feel to the place. It was quite 'Grand' as the name implies but needs a bit of refurbishing in places.
We had a Junior Suite on the 3rd floor which was large, had a huge bathroom and two small balconies. There was plenty of wardrobe and drawer space and a useful safe and mini-bar. One disadvantage was the distance from the dining area and reception, but the view over the lake was beautiful. The hotel staff both at reception and in the restaurant were mostly very helpful.
On the negative side some of the food was not, in my view up to the standard of a hotel of this quality. The vegetables were usually fried but there was green salad to compensate. We usually dined quite late and often missed out on some of the desserts. Coffee was not included.
The other downside for me was the guy in the lounge singing and playing keyboard/piano. His repetoire didn't change during our stay.
Finally a word of caution, this hotel is in a very small resort with only a few shops and restaurants. Unless you have a car, (we didn't), to travel anywhere larger means boat or public bus, and these finish operating quite early.

We stayed at the Grand Hotel Gardone for 11 nights in May 2005 and thought it was among the best we've stayed in. The service was second to none. The location is fabulous as previous reviewers have said - right next to the boat jetty. Gardone itself is fairly quiet but that is what we were expecting.

The only downside is that towards the end of our stay several children arrived at the hotel with their parents and monopolised the swimming pool and jacuzzi. They were only being playful but were too noisy for the older guests and spoilt their leisurely swimming sessions. We would advise that you avoid the school holidays. Although the hotel is completely unsuitable for children it is inevitable that some parents will still take them.

The food was very good, breakfast on the terrace was superb with glorious views over the tranquil lake. Dinner was waiter service for starters and main course with self service desserts to die for. Wine was a little too expensive in our opinion for house white or red and didn't think it was appropriate to have to pay for water either but all in all would not hesitate to recommend the Grand.