Parc Hotel Gritti

The only real letdown was the food, so next time we’d choose B and B instead of half board. The evening meals were awful: watery mashed potato, poor soups, and even when ribs and carvery looked promising, they were cold. The fried and boiled eggs at breakfast were cold too, though the Buck’s Fizz was a nice touch. Morning fruit was soggy and tasteless, perhaps because it had been soaked overnight. We ate out a couple of nights and found the restaurant meals amazing and affordable. Drinks with dinner are charged separately, just so people know. Apart from the meals, we had a good stay. The rooms were lovely and very clean, with a large balcony and a fridge. Staff were helpful and friendly, the pool area was nice, and the side gate by the pool gave quick access to the lake, which was amazing. Eurostar is at the bottom of the street. We stayed seven nights at the end of September and beginning of October. We had to ask for the safe key, but that was fine.

The food and drinks were fairly priced, and the cocktails were especially good. We were half board, with plenty of choice at both the buffet breakfast and dinner. The hotel is very clean, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Its location is great, though the building is looking tired and could do with refurbishment.

Bardolino itself is a gem on Lake Garda, with a relaxed feel, attractive walks along the water, and good places to eat. Parc Hotel Gritti is very close to both the town centre and beach, which is a prime location. The hotel has spacious, practical areas and seems better suited to older guests. Its style is quite basic, even a little clinical, and the cleanliness and general upkeep could be better. Parking arrangements weren’t especially efficient. We had a peaceful stay, but the price felt high for the quality and service.

The location is fantastic, close to the lake, and the grounds are lovely with more than enough sun loungers. Still, I wouldn’t recommend this hotel or return. It needs investment and refurbishment, and the staff came across as aloof and almost hostile. During our week there, they didn’t welcome or acknowledge guests in the restaurant, and seemed quick to close it, turning people away 30 minutes before closing and clearing the remaining food away fast. The worst part was dinner at the Cipriani buffet restaurant. The food was incredibly low quality and wasn’t replenished often, even at peak times. Hot dishes sat in enclosed warmers, and condensation ran off the lid into the food whenever someone opened it. The tables had wipeable cloths, and staff used the same dirty cloth on all of them without cleaning spray. Our room was only given a superficial clean, and most days it wasn’t serviced until late afternoon. Coffee and tea weren’t replenished regularly. The advertised facilities weren’t open: we didn’t see the lounge or tea rooms, and the American bar and Piano Bar never opened. During a thunderstorm one evening, there was nowhere to sit indoors except the Pool bar.