My Wife and I spent a week in Sirmione at the end of July '07 and found the Hotel a very pleasant place to base ourselves, the hotel staff were very friendly (without exception), the room was not luxurious, but had all we needed for a pleasant stay (coffee and Tea Making facilities, TV, Efficient AC, Balcony with Lake View etc... ) We were on the second floor (Rm210) which had a superb lake view - it appears that the rooms below have a large private terrace with Sun Loungers. The pool was very pleasant and well maintained, The Location is great, about a 10 minute stroll into the Town Centre. The only thing that could be mildly criticised is the bathroom which was very dark, and could've done with a few more lights, the shower felt like it fired needles at you, which some people love but not so good if you're sunburnt!! - all in all, a very nice Hotel which I'd certainly recommend

We have just returned from a week in Sirmione and stayed at the Hotel La Paul. After reading some negative reviews on this hotel we were a little anxious at what we were going to find. What we got was what you would expect from an average Italian 3 star hotel.
The room was clean and serviced daily, the balcony was as we had requested, overlooking the lake, the staff were helpful and pleasant and the breakfast was more than adequate. Hot food was also served which is not always the case. The location is good too.

Hotel Smeraldo is located within walking distance (10+ minute walk) from the castle and the old town. The room was large but somehow not very cozy, with a balcony. Designer bathroom. Everything very clean.

There is no one at the reception in Smeraldo - for check-in/check-out/anything you have to walk across the street to the sister hotel La Paul. Very good buffet breakfast (at the La Paul), even with some hot food, unusual for Italy. There's a free parking but no elevator.

Hotel La Paul is possibly the worst hotel i have ever stayed in in my life. It is that bad we checked out after 1 night and lost £200 for the other 2 nights we had booked. We arrived and were shown to our room (cupboard) which believe it or not had no window at all. The bathroom was about a million years old and had dead bugs everywhere. When we told reception we were not happy and would like to move rooms they argued that there was nothing wrong with the room they had put us in!! We checked out after on eextremely uncomfortable night and had to pay for a room in a different hotel also. Lake garda in general hotels are really old fashioned but not in a good way. It is like stepping back in time!! Cleanliness isnt a priority either in most hotels!! Avoid this hotel at all costs it really will spoil your trip!!