Hotel Piccola Vela

The best part of my stay at Piccola Vela Hotel was how kind and professional every staff member was. They smiled genuinely, took time to chat, and made me feel looked after, almost like I was at home. I hope to bring my whole family for a longer visit someday. I arrived in October, much earlier than check-in, just to leave my bags, and they offered me the room early without my asking. Before I arrived, they emailed the latest ferry schedule and suggestions for renting an ebike to explore nearby towns. They also told me their bikes were free to rent. The hotel had travel books, art books, thoughtful decor, and artwork throughout. I regretted not buying a bathing suit earlier in my trip. There was a hot tub on the top floor and a tempting heated garden pool. It was warm enough that I would have used the unheated outdoor pool too. The town had plenty to do: I walked around and shopped, biked to Sirmione, and took the ferry across to several stops just for the ride. Breakfast was amazing, with fresh fruit and vegetables, loads of pastries, and lots of drinks. After trying it the first morning, I broke my rule about not eating at a hotel restaurant when a town has highly rated places. I stayed for dinner on my final night, and it was excellent. Since I was eating alone, they let me move to a more private table in the next room. The waitstaff kept an eye on the tables discreetly and efficiently, and were always around for questions. They started with an amuse bouche, then brought the best bread I had in Northern Italy. It was warm and melted in my mouth with the olive oil on the table. The bottle was brand new with its seal intact, unlike what I suspect many restaurants in the states might do and refill with the cheapest oil. By dessert I was full, but the hazelnut tarte with fresh raspberry cream was special and worth it, flavorful without being too sweet. They also brought dessert wine, which I usually don't like, but this one was delicious. I asked its name: Tre Filer by Cadei Frati.

The grounds are immaculate and the location is great. Inside, the hotel feels welcoming and cosy, with books to read if you like. My room was bright, clean, and tastefully furnished, and I was glad to have a balcony. The staff were friendly and helpful.

The hotel is very central, convenient for the town centre and the train station if you want to go farther afield. Standards are high, with rooms cleaned and fresh towels provided every day. The staff are so pleasant and do everything they can to make a stay enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable. We'll definitely return.

A lovely hidden garden with a heated pool and places to sit and relax, plus a heated whirlpool up on the roof. The restaurant is excellent. It's a beautiful little hotel in Desenzano, and a reason to come back. The room was small, and not convenient for New Year since you can't sit on the terrace, but otherwise that didn't matter.