Brescia: Palazzo Arzaga Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

Palazzo Arzaga is situated in a pleasant, but not particularly beautiful semi-rural setting 2 or 3 miles from the southern end of Lake Garda.

Our "deluxe" room was pleasantly, but simply appointed - not luxurious, but in keeping with the 15th century building. The only wardrobe was small and dark, and one had almost to lie on the floor to use the safe. The bathroom was modern and well equipped. The "balcony", barely 5 ft square, with tiny table and 2 chairs, adjoined that of the next room and was too cramped to use.

The breakfast buffet was abysmal by 5 star standards, including milk in cartons, packets of Kelloggs cereals, plastic sachets of butter and individual pots of preserves, a modest selection of breads, cold meats and cheese, and covered dishes containing an unappealing choice of eggs, tomato, and (by the time we went down to breakfast at 9 a.m.) dried up bacon and sausage. Muesli was not available. The flowers were artificial and the napkins paper. We were astonished that a member of the Leading (Small) Hotels of the World group could get away with this.

On our first evening we had a drink in the bar. Unasked and without a word or smile, the barman presented us with the bill while our glasses were still partially full, not enquiring whether we might like a refill. He seemed to want us out of there.

The (American!) concierge cut an incongruous figure in his black jacket and striped pants (we thought initially that he was the manager), and his somewhat overbearing manner made us feel ill at ease.

There is an attractive outdoor swimming pool (if you ignore the empty plastic bottles not cleared away). Spa treatments are given in very small rooms, virtually in a windowless basement. Wi-Fi access is offered, but no guest computer was available when requested. Housekeeping left something to be desired. Used towels, face cloths and bathmats were removed, but often not replaced. The handle of a drawer came off, but no one seemed to notice. There were no tissues. We had no turndown service one night; our room was not checked or tidied after the morning. We sensed a shortage of staff throughout.

We agree with your earlier reviewer (Feb 24, 2006), that the atmosphere is corporate. Throughout our stay most of the rooms were occupied by UK salesmen and their wives on a corporate freebie. As a result, the breakfast conversations sounded like an episode of Eastenders (for non Brits this is a TV soap opera set in the east end of London). The spa could not offer us appointments until after the corporate guests had left.

At 342.90 EUROS per night bed and breakfast (internet rate), we felt this hotel to be grossly overpriced. It is a 4 star hotel masquerading as a 5 star and well below what one would expect from a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World group.

AVOID (unless someone else is paying, and perhaps even then).

This is a superb hotel for golf fans, and the spa is also wonderful (although most of the rooms are windowless and the prices are high even by European standards). The hotel feels stuck out a few miles from anywhere, and the atmosphere feels more corporate than intimate. We enjoyed our 3 days here, but felt that any more would be too much. We entirely agree with the earlier review that the staff at breakfast are wonderful; dinner (we ate on the terrace one evening, and inside during the rainstorm the next) was good but expensive (E60 a head) and lacking in atmosphere. If you are visiting this area and budget is no problem, consider a stay at the Villa Feltrinelli, about 1/2 hour away on Lake Garda - a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What more can we say this was our second time to visit this gem of a hoteland spa. from start to finish i cannot say enough. the staff was first class and then some.the amazing service from the time you eneter till time you go to sleep is a dream.the fabulous jay the concierge was again a gem as always. he knows about everything and if he doesnt he will find out fast and get back to you. doesnt miss a beat.the staff and the rooms and the foodwere outstanding.we stayed for 7 nights and i could have stayed for another with no problem@@@@@@. The buffet in the a.m was out of this world!!! THE waiter who has been there for 6 years in the a.m.which i cannot remember his name but he doesnt forget yours or what you drink or what you eat and is always smiling.he remembers it all and is always smiling he never misses a beat!!!!!!!the only thing i felt could have been better that one the days when the pool was busy there was only one young man who tended to the bar the pool lunch outside pol chairs and towels. on those days there should have been more help outside. too much for one person to do !!!!!The day we left they brought our car up to load our bags and they noticed bird poop on the car and took a spong and bucket and washed if off another bit of tlc!!!!!!!!!!!!!we were in shock amazing amazing amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!This property is nothing shy of 6 star plus!!!!!!!!!!we will return next summer again!!!!!!!!the manager is a hands on guy and dresses impeccable and is always around with a smile and helping anyone who may need assitantance.the entire front staff and back staff the bellman and housekeeeping well they are top knotch!!!!! amazing jay never let us down even when we needed a ton of directions and maps!!!!!!!. The crazy americans from weston florida marcia and barry grimson thanks you again for all the tlc and for the great 7 nights at a gem of a property!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!please dont change because you guys are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rooms overpriced for the standard offered. I have been to 'better' SPAs like TERME SATURNIA or ADLER in tuscany for a better price and quality.
AVOID