Just returned from a week in Sirmione & already we have planned to return to this charming town next year. We stayed in the Baia Blu hotel and would not recommend this hotel it should be rated 3*- it is drab with no atmosphere, the pool area could do with a good power wash and the rest of the hotel needs to be decorated. We were also disappointed with the breakfast tinned fruit served in a country where fresh fruit is in abundance
Hotel Baia Blu is not a 4* hotel.

Just returned from 4 nights in Lake Garda. The area was absolutley wonderful with some stunningly beautiful places to visit of which Sirmione ranked for us in the top 3. Plenty for children with swimming in the lake, Garda Land and the Acqua Park.

The Baia Blu was a little dissapointing and we felt that it should be rated more a good 3 star than a 4 star. Our room was quite a good size and looked out over the lake - albeit through a slightly derelict old rotunda restaurant on the lake and over a coach park.

The corridors leading to the room were all a bit scuffed and needed a coat of paint. The room could also do with some decoration and a very good clean. the first night we found ants in the bathroom and the main light was full of dead mosquitoes. We asked for these to be removed and the next day they were taken out.

The room was decorated in shades of blue but very poorly lit and the balcony was unwelcoming.

The airconditioning in the room was adequte but never quite cold enough.

Breakfast was standard continental, rolls croisants, hot chocolate etc.

Parking was an extra 10 euros a day although free parking in front of the hotel for 6 cars. The staff were very friendly but there knowledge of the local area and things to do was not easily given and really they could do with a little more local knowledge.

The reception area was also a little dissapointing and could do with a general tidy up with old brown leather chairs with greasy patches on them.

The pool was on the roof and overal very clean but a little small.

Generally I could only recommend staying here if it was cheap (it was not for us). The hotel really is looking a little worn and could do with an update. However it is only a five minute walk to Sirmione castle and old town with lots of very nice restaurants and shops. Worth also taking a look at the Roman villa, but do take the little train as the walk in the heat is very deceptive.

The Baia Blu Hotel is quite nice. The name rings true in that the whole hotel is done in shades of blue. It is very pretty and relaxing.

The bed was very comfortable and I was impressed that they set up a real twin sized bed for my little one. Other hotels had given her a cot. The rooms are large and clean. The bathrooms are the same and include shampoo, soap & shower caps along with ample towels that were large and soft. The AC worked.

The view was ok but not great since it was blocked by trees and other buildings. My in-laws had a room on the opposite side and the view was better but again partially blocked by some sort of building right on the lakefront.

The breakfast was wonderful. A large selection of cereal, yogurt, rolls, fresh fruits, meats and cheeses was available. You also had a choice of hot tea, coffee and juice.

The staff was helpful but did not go out of their way to help. No offer was even made to carry our luggage up to the rooms. We were told where to park and left on our own. Parking cost 10.00 euros. The maids were quiet and did not disturb you with talking or loud noises. A double room cost 120 euros a night.

The biggest problem was the patio area not being fully equipped with tables and chairs. The front patio had tables and chairs that needed a good cleaning. They were covered with dirt and spiderwebs. The back patio had a swing but no tables or chairs. The fountain was not working and it just looked sad. The stairway up to the pool, which is on the roof, was also dirty.

We were in Sirmione in July and the hotel seemed like it was shutting down for the season.

I would love to see the hotel like it is shown on the brochures instead of the slightly neglected sight we found.

This hotel is rated 4 stars but the small problems we found with no or dirty patio furniture and employee staff made this an ok hotel but not a great hotel.

The best of the hotel is its location, only a few meters of the old town of Sirmione. You can see the lake from your balcony, but you no are "exactly" in front of the lake. Rooms are wide, clean and comfortable. A quadruple room was offered to us, a family group with two kids. Parking is available at 10 e/night. A small swimming pool is available at the upper floor, with a solarium area In my opinion, breakfast does not reach the standart of quality for a 4-stars hotel. It should be improved.