THE place to stay in style on Lake Garda’s shore:

Lake Garda in the Italian Lakes region in north Italy has been on my bucket list for a long time. And as it makes a good combination with the South Tyrol, where my husband and I had planned to go in late summer, we decided to finally realize a stay here. When it came to where to go exactly, I came across Gardone Riviera on its southwestern shore by chance. I had heard about a Michelin starred restaurant here that seems to be a must-be for fine dining lovers, Lido 84. And so I had checked out the nearby luxury hotels, and liked what I found, especially so Grand Hotel Fasano. Plus, the town is considered as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. After all this positive information, I knew that Gardone Riviera was our destination for staying and dining in style on Lake Garda!

I already gave a hint, we did not only go to the Lake Garda area on this journey, but visited several places in north Italy and one in west Switzerland. Find out all about our 14-day road trip in the next section, before I go into Gardone Riviera. And this to let you know about its finest high-end hotel.

14-day itinerary through north Italy & west Switzerland

As indicated, we paired the South Tyrol (our first destination), where we made two stops, with Lake Garda. Afterwards, we returned to Switzerland. But instead of heading home, we made one more stay on Lake Geneva. Check out my overview post if you want to know the details of our 14-day journey through northeast Italy and west Switzerland. In case you rather want information of combining Italy’s northwest with France’s south, have a look at my 11-day itinerary that we did in 2021.

As to our way of traveling, we stay at high-end hotels and dine at Michelin (star) restaurants as long as we consider their pricing as somewhat reasonable. We do not pay prohibitive rates!

This is the moment to continue with Gardone Riviera on Lake Garda, precisely with the luxury hotel of our choice at this spot. If you want to know what activities to undertake here, I mentioned some in my itinerary post.

Staying in style at Grand Hotel Fasano in Gardone Riviera

Grand Hotel Fasano is one of several old word accommodations in Gardone Riviera, mostly built in the late 19th century. In my view, out of them, Grand Hotel Gardone

is the most impressive. And this mainly because of its size, the main building is incredibly long! At the time, there were 300 guest rooms, all facing south (now you find 167 on site). From what I read, this hotel will undergo a 45 million euro renovation as of 2024. Once done, it will be managed by Apex Alliance Hotel Management (Hilton, Marriott, Radisson).

But back to Grand Hotel Fasano, our choice in Gardone Riviera. For me, it is the most beautiful grand hotel in town. More to its other features in the sections to follow. I begin with its back story before going into location, ambiance/staff, rooms/pricing, restaurants and other facilities.

Grand Hotel Fasano’s back story

Grand Hotel Fasano was built in neo-Classical style in 1888. While it originally was a hunting lodge for the Austrian imperial family, it was converted into a luxury hotel later on. The property got its name (Fasano) from the word fasaneria (pheasantry). In the years to follow, the hotel saw many prominent guests. While there were mostly aristocrats in the beginning, later on show-biz celebrities took over. Shirley Temple, Federico Fellini or Marcello Mastroianni stayed here, to name a few.

During the Second World War Grand Hotel Fasano was turned into a military hospital. After the war, the property was in a pitiful state. For example, the wooden floors were torn up as they had been used as firewood. Nevertheless, the hotel opened quite soon again for the summer season of 1948. This time, the clientele mostly was middle class. In 1962, the hotel undertook an expansion (the third) and a thorough renovation, which made it possible for the Fasano to become a high-end establishment again. Finally, in 1989, it was declared a National Heritage by the Italian government.

Grand Hotel Fasano is family owned by the Mayrs – stemming from the South Tyrol – in the third generation. Nowadays, it is run this by the brother duo of Olliver and Patrick Mayr. Over the years, the hotel has constantly been refurbished and modernized. In 2007, a spa was added. The more recent renovations transported the property into the five-star superior category. In 2022, the Fasano became member of the exclusive hotel group of The Leading Hotels of the World. And the latest highlight is the large-scale makeover of the spa, realized for the hotel’s 135th birthday in 2023.

Location

You know by now that we are here on Lake Garda in north Italy, and this on its southwestern shore. The stretch of coast where it lies is called Lemon Riviera. And this thanks to its mild microclimate which lets Mediterranean plants grow.

As to Grand Hotel Fasano’s location, you have to be aware that the small town of Gardone Riviera is quite an elongated one. There are two districts by the lake, Gardone and Fasano. And to make it even more complicated, there are two more on the hillside. Yet this is of no importance in this context. Anyway, the district of Fasano, where the hotel is situated – hence the name – , is not where the center is. To get to it – to Gardone’s lungolago (lakeside promenade) and the jetty – , you have to walk for about 15 minutes. But it is no big deal, and there is even an elevated sidewalk for most of the way. Otherwise, Grand Hotel Fasano’s situation is exceptionally beautiful. It is in set in a majestic building on the lakeshore, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The next bigger town in the area is Salò (10,000 inhabitants), about five minutes by car away. Yet you can easily get there by foot too (1 h), my husband and I did it once.

Getting to Gardone Riviera from Brescia, the provincial capital, is only possible by car (35 minutes) or bus (1 h 30 minutes). You find in this city also an airport, another one is in Verona (1 h by car to Gardone Riviera).

Ambiance/Staff at Grand Hotel Fasano

Staying at a grand hotel is always a special experience, and doing so at such a splendid one as the Fasano even more so. The owner family went to great lengths to maintain an old world feel without closing themselves off to modernism. I could imagine that the room and the terrace where breakfast is served have not much changed over the years. The same is true for the service here. When you show up for breakfast, you are accompanied by the maître d’ to your table, and this without exception. That has style, and this without being stiff or overly formal.

While the reception area makes the impression of having been unchanged since the beginning, other public spaces just as the lobby/library area got a fresh new look.

As to the guest rooms, I understand that some of them are fully and other partially renovated. From the pictures on the website, I gathered that there are accommodations both in a classic style and in a contemporary one. More about the room my husband and I had you find in the respective section to follow.

As to the staff’s attitude, it was spotless throughout our stay. I found that the one at the reception desk did a particularly good job. They were hospitable, efficient and professional whenever we got in touch with them. Yet also the staff at breakfast was able to convince. As to the service at Grand Hotel Fasano’s restaurants, our one and only dinner here (Il Fagiano) was a success, service and food wise (details to the latter follow).

Rooms/Pricing

There are 79 rooms in total, available in many categories, different styles (classic or modern) and renovated to various degrees (partly or completely). Rates start at 260 € for the Standard Room (20 – 25 sqm, no lake view) in low season. The next higher category is the Superior Room (from 364 €, 20 to 25 sqm, partial or full sea view), followed by the Deluxe Room Lake View (from 462 €, 30 to 35 sqm, with balcony). The best room category (without suites) is the Executive Room Lake View (from 554 €, 40 to 50 sqm, with balcony).

I found it not easy to orientate within the website when it came to choose the right room for our needs. We usually go for a spacious enough accommodation with a view, and as many people we prefer it to be recently renovated. In terms of style, we rather go for a modern one, yet we are not averse to classics ones as long as they are well kept. Anyway, we finally opted for the Executive Room Lake View. Find in the next section more details to this room category.

Executive Room Lake View: our choice of room at Grand Hotel Fasano

We got a completely renovated, modern styled room on the third floor (British: second floor). And that was actually what we had been hoping for (there are also classically styled rooms). If you prefer a certain style, I advise on being specific about your wishes. The same is true for the floor. The one we had was perfect. One higher up is probably even better, however one lower is not so good (view is a bit marred by the roof of the restaurant terrace below).

As to the room features, I was astonished to see that once entering the accommodation you are in the middle of the bathroom. It is not separated from the bedroom, yet at least there is a wardrobe (and a seating area) between bath tub and bed.

In this context, I noticed that the bath tub at the Deluxe Room Lake View category is only separated by a curtain! This has to suit you …

Apart from the open bath room – from which I am not a fan – , I was very much in favor of our room! It appeared exceptionally spacious to me. There are two seating areas, one was just behind the wardrobe I mentioned, which we rarely made use of. The other is right by the window, and it is about two swivel upholstered armchairs. The latter feature is really a fun element in here, I liked them a lot! They are great in case the weather does not allow to sit on the balcony. In the end, we did not use them as often as we had thought initially as the weather was warm and sunny all the time.

As to the balcony, the views from here are gorgeous. I sat here many times, taken from all this beauty around me.

Overall Deluxe Room Lake View

The room very much appealed to me – including the color scheme. However, some elements are not on the practical side. This is about the open bathroom and the somewhat small wardrobe. Yet also the baggage area is located at a spot where you usually do not need it. Precisely, it is opposite the bed, quite a distance from the wardrobe.

Restaurants at Grand Hotel Fasano

When staying at the Fasano, you have four restaurants at your disposal. Three of them are on site, one (La Darsena Ristorante & Pizzeria) is in Barbarano, half an hour by foot or five minutes by car away. As to the ones at the hotel, the Magnolia is only open for lunch, the two others only for dinner.

In terms of the latter, Il Fagiano is the flagship dining spot, with creative, contemporary Italian cuisine (one Michelin star).

The other one, Il Pescatore, is a trattoria, which is a bit less formal than the former. The specialty here is fish in particular, as the name suggests. My husband and I had dined at Il Fagiano on one evening. Learn about how it was in my next blogpost where I go into dining in style in Gardone Riviera. We were at all the four Michelin (starred) dining spots in town, so I can provide a good overview.

Furthermore, Grand Hotel Fasano has three spots for having drinks and snacks. These are the lobby, the Gin Lounge or La Terrazza (outdoor area).

Other facilities

Park & outdoor pools

In case you are a sunbather, Grand Hotel Fasano is ideal for this kind of activity (or rather inactivity). You find here a stunning 12,000 sqm park, filled with magnolias, palm and banana trees.

If you want to swim, you can do this in the lake or the two (not so big) pools. One is heated, the other not. As to the indoor pools, I go briefly into them in the next section.

Spa

I mentioned it above, the spa experienced a total overhaul and first opened its doors in March 2023 after these works. So, it is brand-new! I have to admit, I  did not use it, so I can neither comment nor provide pictures. But here are a few facts about it.

The AQVA SPA 2.0 covers over 3,500 sqm and consists of five different areas. First, there are an indoor pool and a panoramic whirlpool. You can also swim from the indoor pool area to the outdoor one through a so-called adventure tunnel. Second, if you have kids, you can use the family steam bath. Third, you find on site a large sauna area complete with Finnish sauna, Roman steam bath, Vitarium (herbal steam bath) and Tepidarium (hot relaxation room). Forth, for relaxation you can decide between the winter garden or the relaxation room. And fifth, AVEDA’s Ayurvedic treatments and SOTHYS’ massages are available.

In addition, they offer classes (pilates and yoga), a fitness center with Technogym equipment, a hairdresser corner (external service) and a wellness buffet with refreshments.

Overall Grand Hotel Fasano

Grand Hotel Fasano is for sure one of the top addresses for discerning guests looking for an enjoyable stay on Lake Garda. You are here at a stately late 19th century castle surrounded by lush grounds and located directly on the lake. The premises are perfectly kept with lots of renovation works done in recent years (guest rooms and spa). Dining options are varied and also include a Michelin listed restaurant. Service is impeccable, and the clientele is (pleasantly) diverse, I think, thanks to being a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Location wise, you are here in one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. There are two major sights in town and many more in the surroundings. Furthermore, Gardone Riviera lies on the Lemon Riviera. This stretch of coast boasts a Mediterranean-like microclimate, which lets citrus fruits grow – hence the name.

Looking back and forward

As announced, there will be more info on dining in style in Gardone Riviera in a blogpost to come. I will cover all the Michelin (starred) restaurants in town.

The post after next goes in the same direction. However, we are talking about the Montreux area on Lake Geneva in west Switzerland. This was the last stop of a 14-day road trip through northern Italy & western Switzerland in style of my husband and me. And as far as this destination is concerned, I will go into the only two one-star Michelin restaurants in the town of Montreux. When it comes to staying in style here, a former blogpost of mine was about that.

All that is left for me to do is letting you know which destinations we went before Gardone Riviera on Lake Garda. This is about two spots in the South Tyrol, the village of Tirolo above Merano and the Sarentino valley above Bolzano.

Date of stay: September 2023

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