Hotel Mayer & Splendid has a fantastic location. It’s right on the lake in front of the ferry stop, so you couldn’t be more central. Desenzano’s bars, shops and restaurants are all an easy walk away. It’s easy to explore further afield too, just hop on a ferry or walk 15 minutes to the train station. Trains run regularly to Venice, Verona and smaller cities like Padua, which are well worth exploring.
This is a historic hotel that’s been open since 1824 and the Mayer family have been running it for seven generations. There’s history everywhere you look, from the postcards that show an old-world Desenzano to the antiques that can be seen in the public areas. We love heading to the hotel’s bar every time we come here. It faces the lake and a has a gorgeous terrace where you can pull up a chair and enjoy the views. Make sure you try the food here too. They prepare local ingredients and make dishes like pasta with rocket and almond pesto and gourmet pizzas.
A recently renovated spa area is available to hire on a private basis (payable locally). This is great if you’re after a relaxing day or want to pamper yourself a bit. It has a sauna, Turkish bath, plunge pool and relaxation area. The rooms here are traditional, in keeping with the rest of the hotel. They feel really spacious and they all have private balconies. Some have side views of the lake while superior rooms have front lake views.
Transfer time: approx. 45 mins by coach from Verona airport.
