Forte Benedek Wine Relais & SPA - Adults Only

The pool and its surrounding area are great for relaxing. The rooms are spacious, the staff are very kind, and the included breakfast has plenty of choice. You get a list to select what you want for the next day, then have it either outside or in your room. The food was good too, especially the fresh fried calamari and tasty soup. It’s a closed resort, so it feels private. Weekdays were very calm, though weekends can get crowded when the K Club pool opens to non-guests.

OBS: BLACK MOLD! We left as soon as we arrived, but received no refund. My partner and I had contacted the property 15 minutes before booking and getting there to ask specifically about any signs of mold. The musty smell was immediate in the lobby, corridors, and every room they showed us. We were worried about the health risk from black mold and couldn’t recommend staying here under any circumstances. We spoke with the owner, Andrea, and the female receptionist, who were among the most unpleasant and unprofessional accommodation staff I’ve ever encountered. The male receptionist, by contrast, was extremely polite and professional. Andrea, the CEO and supposed face of the business, didn’t reply for several days. Since Andrea wouldn’t speak with us so we could explain what had happened, we had to go through the kind male receptionist as an intermediary. The money is secondary. For God’s sake, don’t stay at this black-mold hotel. There are much better hotels and more enjoyable ways to spend your money, and you won’t have to get sick.

The location is hard to beat, between Verona, Lake Garda, and the Valpolicella wine region. Forte Benedek has a gorgeous boutique feel, quiet and intimate, with thoughtful room design, high-end finishes, and comfort with understated luxury. Everyone on staff went out of their way for us. The reception team were especially helpful, and when they heard we had an early train, they offered to arrange breakfast to take along. We declined since we’re not big breakfast people, but that offer says a lot, and the breakfasts we did have were excellent. We loved dinner at the hotel, where Joseph from the F&B team made it feel warm and personal. The wine tasting inside the historic fort was another memorable touch that gave the stay a real sense of place. Breakfast could be served in the breakfast room or delivered to our room, which we appreciated. On sunny days, the pool can get a little busy and has a bit of an influencer vibe, though it still felt peaceful and relaxing. It’s adults only, which adds to the calm and privacy. We’ll absolutely be back. The place felt luxurious but welcoming, and I can’t recommend it enough for a romantic escape.

We only stayed one night while passing through, and the place surpassed all our expectations. It’s a little farther from Lake Garda, but the rooms, surroundings, and breakfast more than made up for that. Having a charger for our electric car was really practical too. I can only recommend it.