I stay at this hotel on a regular basis due to its location being close to my offices in Brescia, though if there was a choice, I think I would take my business elsewhere.

When you enter the hotel, ones initial thoughts are positive, the public area has good space, the furniture is a little eclectic, unless you are into white leather sofas, mixed in with baroque.

The breakfast area is attached to the reception, the tables are cramped together and the seats most uncomfortable. Breakfast is good and included in the room charge, with fresh fruit, meats, cheese and a variety of breads etc, though the juices are a little chemical tasting, but for an additional €5 you can order fresh orange juice.

The bar, also part of the reception area is the highlight of this establishment. The barman, the same for the past 5 years is David, he is delightful and seems to work all hours of the day and night, nothing is too much and when you return from a frustrating Italian office day, its always a pleasure to be welcomed and your tipple of choice brought to you without asking.

The downside, well…. It’s the rooms, I can only assume from judging from there look, that that no refurbishment has taken place since 1968. The beds are concrete like and the bathroom one couldn’t swing a mouse, let alone a cat in. The shower is a joke and if you haven’t had a serious injury stepping in and out of it, it’s a miracle.

The gym, if you look at the website and brochure, it talks about its well equipped gym, however sadly it doesn’t exist. The lift and signs throughout the hotel direct you to the gym in the basement, but all you will find is a locked door. I have spoken with the manager/owner about this matter and have only received a shrug of the shoulders and comment that it’s under refurbishment; this has so far taken 5 years!!!!

Finally the hotel does have an unheated pool, that’s only seems to be open in July/August, but even though this is predominantly a business hotel, the pool opening hours are 11am until 6pm only.

In summary, because there is a lack of competition, the owners do not invest much back into the hotel and pay lip service to its customers, what could be an excellent hotel, is let down by poor owners.

On the plus side, located at the rear of the car park is a restaurant (not part of the hotel) that is excellent and services fantastic risotto. Also just across the road from the hotel is a garden bar and underground restaurant that has a wonderful Campari drink and serves excellent meats and cheeses, a lovely place to spend a barmy summer evening