Grand Hotel Gardone

The Gardone Riviera, situated on the west coast of Lake Garda consists of two separate resorts: Gardone and Salò. Surrounded by lakeside mountains, the Gardone Riviera has a fantastic subtropical microclimate that brings you warm balmy summer days. Gardone is situated around a pretty harbour, and Italian history and culture can be found in abundance in this area and there are plenty immaculately kept buildings and gardens.

When not distracted by the stunning mountain and lakeside views, Gardone Riviera is also home to the Heller Botanical Gardens, which houses over 2,000 different species of subtropical plants. Exploring the other lakeside towns has never been easier either, with plenty of ferries running back and forth across the lake.

Gardone Riviera restaurants and food

The number of delicious restaurants across Lake Garda and Gardone Riviera cannot be recalled- there are just simply too many! Classic Italian cooking and heritage is embodied in the food and you can expect to see delicious fresh ingredients that have been sourced locally, homemade pasta, homemade sauces and ragus, and plenty of fresh fish from the lake.

Emiliano’s Restaurant in Gardone has been tipped as being excellent and the ideal location on the lake makes it a truly special place to linger over lunch. The hotels along the lake front also serve some delicious food (Hotel du Lac, Grand Hotel Gardone and Al Valerio are tipped as being good) and you can enjoy the spectacular views from the terraces.

Gardone Riviera bars and wine

It’s no secret that this little corner if Italy is a haven for the wine lover. With the Bardolino bi-annual wine festival happening on the other side of the lake, and many of the delicious wines coming from the immediate area, it would be a mistake to leave the Gardone Riviera without sitting on the lakeside promenade with a drink and watching the sun slip below the mountains.

Aquolinae Bar has some absolutely excellent views and also serves as a café during the day if it’s too early for a tipple. Hotel Du Lac has a fantastic lake side bar and restaurant and set slightly back from the lake front (up in the hills) sits Dai di Moro bar (on Via Ceriolo) which has some absolutely spectacular views once you reach it.

Gardone Riviera shopping

In the immediate area of the Gardone Riviera you will find plenty of food shops, souvenir and gift stores and some crafts here and there.

If you are looking for some proper shopping, then why not make the most of our excursions to nearby Verona and Venice? When not touring the beautiful cities, you may find some time to explore the shops selling high-end Italian fashion and leather goods like shoes, handbags and accessories.

Lake Garda is also famous for its wonderful markets that are held throughout the summer in different locations. Antique and flea markets are held regularly during the months and can be a real treasure chest for those of us who like to trawl through the old trinkets and items looking for a gem. Fresh food markets are also held regularly and you can see the wonderful colours of the locally produced fruit and vegetables of Lake Garda.

Gardone Riviera spas and relaxation

Situated in Colà across the lake, near Peschiera is the wonderful Villa dei Cedri Spa, which attracts plenty of visitors every year. Large outdoor lakes overlooking the beautiful Lake Garda, are kept fresh by nearby springs and warmed to a toasty 33-34°c by thermal sources from deep underground.

When not enjoying the tranquil bathing lakes, there is plenty to do at Villa dei Cedri with a grand house/hotel, winter garden glass pavilion, sunbathing in the carefully manicured gardens, massages, beauty treatments, and a wellness complex including medical fitness/therapies, biosaunas, solarium, Turkish bath, and a relax zone.

Sirmione has one of the top natural spa complexes in Europe, Aquaria, with thermal baths made with the heat that comes from deep below the lake and mountains.

Garda Thermae sits near Riva del Garda and celebrates wellness and peace of mind, body and soul. Saunas, indoor-outdoor swimming pools as well as beauty and spa packages are on offer here.

Gardone Riviera arts, culture and events

Throughout the summer, there is an action-packed events calendar for the Gardone Riviera and the surrounding towns of Lake Garda. Including the bi-annual Bardolino Wine Festival, Musica Riva Festival in Riva del Garda, Garda Jazz Festival (also in Riva del Garda) and more. The nearby cities of Verona and Venice are accessible through excursions organised by Inghams, and you can even venture up into the nearby Dolomite Mountains to see the breathtaking natural beauty.

There are plenty more cultural activities available for guests who stay in the Gardone Riviera which can be read about under our ‘Activity Information’ section:

• Longitude: 10.560436
• Latitude: 45.61869

For more information on travel and transport visit our Gardone Riviera page

FREE EXCURSION | Pre-book 3 excursions per person and receive Verona* full day FREE.

Please note: Only one Verona opera booking per person can be counted towards your 3 excursions.

PRE-BOOKABLE EXCURSIONS 2019

Verona Opera - Jun to Sept - please visit our Opera information page for booking details and prices

Wine Tour from £48 Tuesdays only
12.05pm - 7.30pm
Spend the day sipping some of the finest wines of the Veneto and Trentino regions in the sunshine. Discover the secrets of wine making and enjoy a small snack with a selection of full bodied fresh, refreshing whites and vibrant rose.

Tour of Lake Garda from £48 Mondays and Fridays
7.30am - 6.00pm
Explore the resorts of Lake Garda with one of our fantastic tours. Take a coach down the famous Gardesana road and cruise the crystalline waters on a boat trip to resorts with time for shopping, sight seeing and lunch.

Dolomites from £53 Mondays only
7.10am - 7.30pm 
Drive through the scenic South Tyrol right through to Pass Pordoi and immerse yourself in the vibrant countryside of the Dolomites. Stop for a drink at one of the Refugio's or explore the flora and fauna on foot during this guided tour.

Venice Classic from £70 Tuesdays and Thursdays 
7.50am - 8.15pm
This spectacular guided tour offers you a full day in the rich and decadent city of Venice. Including coach and water taxi transfers, our tour leader will guide you through the sights and on a gondola (optional and payable locally) before you enjoy free time to explore this enchanting city at your own pace.

Verona Classic from £43 Tuesdays and Fridays
8.50am - 6.20pm 
Visit one of Italy's most popular citta d'Arte and traverse this spectacular medieval city which is home to the Roman Ampitheatre, Juliet's balcony and the stunning Via Mazzini.

Milan from £59 Thursdays only
Take the coach down to the cobbled streets of Milan and spend the day immersing yourself in the stunning architecture of this industrial city.

**Please note that we act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and subject to change. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. See terms & conditions.** 

Restaurants and Bars

The Grand Hotel Gardone is home to a superb a la carte restaurant Il Giardino dei Limoni or 'The Lemon Garden' where Inghams guests can dine with a 10% discount for lunch. The Grand dining room where breakfast and half board dinner is served is a true work of art with high domed ceilings, panoramic windows and even the opportunity to dine out on the terrace in the warmer summer months. New menus are created each day by the team of head chefs and feature at least three choices per course with a mix of traditional Italian and fusion dishes to ponder from rich game ragu to swordfish ceviche with fresh local lemon. Dessert is equally as decadent with a buffet of tiramisu, panna cotta, fresh fruits, home made gelato and sorbet and of course coffee with biscotti to end your evening. 

Winnie's Bar offers live music six evenings a week with a pianist never too far away from the Steinway in the main foyer. Overlooking the lakeside over towards Isola di Garda, Winnie's was affectionately named after Winston Churchill who frequented the Grand Hotel throughout his twilight years. The bar staff are trained in cocktail making to a silver standard and there is nothing quite like enjoying a Vesper Martini on the terrace as the sun sets over Lago di Garda's teal depths. 

Pools and Beaches

The large outdoor pool at the Grand Hotel is nestled in its manicured gardens and overlooks the lake beneath. Set away from the promenade, the pool area and its surrounding lemon trees encourage rest and relaxation at the waters edge with a bar service available as well as lunch at the Lemon Garden restaurant should you get peckish in the midday sun. Parasols and sun loungers are provided to guests free of charge. There is also a whirlpool within the swimming pool which is ideal for resting any weary limbs following a day exploring the resort. 

Should you want to explore the local flora and fauna, just south of Gardone is the Porto San Felice beach located in Felice Del Benaco. Nestled in a pine forest with a swimming and bathing platform reaching out into the lake, this is one of the best beaches in the area by far. Though most beaches are either shingle or stone, you can find grassy beaches down in Desenzano. 

Spa Facilities

As well as the aforementioned outdoor whirlpool, there is a Turkish bath located in the hotel for free of charge use. Massages and beauty treatments can also be booked and paid for locally through the hotel concierge. 

• Heated outdoor pool
• Bar
• Sauna
• Whirlpool
• Turkish bath
• Lounge area
• WiFi
• Garden
• Garden terrace
• Credit cards accepted

Local Fees and Taxes

Tourist tax payable locally directly to hotel

• Cots & Linen
• Highchairs in restaurant