Hotel Smeraldo

The room was clean and okay for the price, the reception staff were friendly and professional, and we could put up with the messy balcony and spider webs over the table and stools. The people serving breakfast at the bistro were unfriendly, though, and quickly raised their voices if you did something they didn't like. The parking situation was the worst part. We paid a daily rate, but one day every space in front of the hotel was full. At check-in, we were told we could use the spaces in front of the neighboring Villa. That lot was almost full too, with just one space left. The spaces and the whole parking area were so tight that I spent ten minutes maneuvering my big car in and out, and damaged the front bumper in several places. About 15 minutes later, someone from the Villa, probably an employee, came out. They said they'd happened to see me on camera and suggested parking across the street at partner hotel La paul. Nobody had given us that information. We made a formal complaint at reception the next day and were told they'd look into it, but we heard nothing more. I also sent a written complaint in English and Italian through the booking app, asking at least for a refund of the parking fee and possibly a goodwill gesture for the car damage. No answer at all. At checkout, staff said they'd pass it to the people responsible, but there was still no reply. That's a no-go for me, and why I'm leaving this critical review. Reply to the owner: I know parking in Sirmione can be difficult, especially with a large car. That's not my complaint. I paid for parking, was directed to a clearly unsuitable spot, damaged my car while following the staff's guidance, and got no follow-up after reporting it several times in person and in writing. I never said another person damaged the car. I said the situation I was put in caused the damage. The lack of response or accountability was what really frustrated me. I didn't even get a simple acknowledgment, let alone understanding or an offer to refund the parking fee.

The room was spacious enough and clean, with a closet, good air conditioning, and reliable Wi-Fi. Some parts felt old. Our bed was two single beds pushed together, but it was comfortable and roomy, and we could choose between two pillow types. The European-style shower did the job, and there were basic toiletries, beach towels, a small fridge, and complimentary bottled water. You can also drink the tap water in Italy. We didn't use our balcony or enjoy its lake view much because we were out all day. Some rooms don't have a lake view. There were lots of insects, possibly midges, around Sirmione, so you don't want to leave the balcony door open. Doing so also stops the air conditioning. We saw ants in the room, but they seemed harmless and not a sign of poor cleanliness. It's an old building, so they may be hard to get rid of. Just don't leave food out. Guests were quite loud in the hallways, and we could hear them, though it was otherwise quiet at night. The toilet cistern malfunctioned once, but we fixed it by lifting the lid. For what we paid, the hotel felt just right. It's on the cheaper side for Sirmione, had what we needed, and is about a 15 minute walk to the old town and the departure point for sunset boat tours. Parking is available onsite, with two basically onsite or next-door alternatives if it's full. The reception desk was staffed most of the day, roughly 7:30am-10pm, so check-in and checkout were easy, and the staff were friendly. They place a 100 euro hold by cash or card pre-authorization, as the booking information explains. They also take quick passport photos, which is standard across European accommodation. There's a working elevator, so no need to carry luggage upstairs. Breakfast was basic but fair for the price: cereal, yogurt and milk, fruit cordial, a few pastries and muffins, some sliced cured meats and cheese, scrambled eggs, and bread or toast. The gelato shop next door wasn't the most authentic, but it was still tasty.

We paid each day for parking but couldn't always get a space. Only the next day did we hear there were other spots by the hotel, and nobody told us in time. When we complained, staff said they'd follow up, but we still haven't heard back. A couple of the breakfast department employees were very rude. The hotel itself wasn't bad, but the poor parking organization and lack of response felt really unprofessional.

This was the first of two places in Italy where appealing photos gave us the wrong impression. We'd booked expecting a room with a lake view, but got one upstairs in a far corner instead. The room itself was fine, particularly for the price. I'd strongly suggest checking exactly which room you're being offered before you pay.