Having been married in the Scaligeri castle last summer, Malcesine is a very special place for us, and the PrimaLuna ensured that it remained that way.
The hotel is very quirky, and I have to admit we were slightly concerned at staying in the 'Red Room', as my wife is 6 months pregnant and we thought the Japanese-style bed might have been a challenge. It was fine, and very comfortable, with a fabulous view out across the lake to the dramatic cliffs on the opposite side. The decor in the room was great, with the shower being a real joy...although the bathroom could do with a door of SOME description at least!
Buffet breakfast overlooking the lake was fantastic, and it pays to get up early for the best window seats. The hotel provided pool towels and even flip-flops, and the pool area is simply excellent. Malcesine doesn't have too many hotels with pools, and certainly none with an outlook like this one, perched just above the shoreline. Fantastic. The sunbeds are comfortable, but the giant bean bags are definitely the way forward in sunbathing comfort - I absolutely loved sitting in there with a book. A bit of advice if, like me, you like to have a swim in the lake more than the pool - take some reef shoes, as the walk across the stones into the lake is very painful with bare feet. Lesson learned!
The Beach Bar is really handy for snacks, drinks and a spot of lunch at reasonable prices, and it means you don't have to walk back into town. We didn't have dinner in the hotel, but can recommend the Lido Paina (looks nothing from the outside, but inside the views are probably the best you'll see in Malcesine - and the food is good too!), The Garden, La Pace and Al Marinaio to name but a few. Sensational food is the norm rather than the exception in magnificent Malcesine.
Overall, we would definitely stay at the PrimaLuna again, next time with our little one in tow. I was also able to practice my Italian with the wonderful lady on reception, who only spoke to me in English if it was on something complicated!
- Ambienthotel Primaluna Malcesine
- Ambienthotel Primaluna Hotel Malcesine
