I just spent 9 wonderful days in Riva del Garda. My stay at the Hotel Villa Miravalle was delightful. The staff were very pleasant, the food was first rate and the cost was very reasonable. My room was clean and quite and the service excellant. This is my second stay at the Miravalle and I definately plan on going back. The Hotel is close( 5 minute walk) to the lake, shopping and, restaurants.

The hotel markets itself as 'home away from home,' which it certainly was. Although the reception staff were quietly discreet, they were still helfpul and welcoming when around. We found our bedroom to be immaculately clean, very comfortable beds and clean linen. The bathroom was simple, but very clean with a good shower.

Located in a very convenient area - just two minutes walk from the historic centre of town and the Lake, the hotel is situated in a very peaceful setting. The peal of church bells from various church towers was the only sound, which was comforting, rather than disturbing. The hotel breakfast was very impressive - a good selection of cereal and muesli, yoghur and fruit, but also egg and bacon, cheese and ham and pastries if that was your preferance.

We ate in the hotel restaurant on our last evening, which was thorougly enjoyable. A very good wine list, exceptional service and absolutely top rate food. We were very surprised by the value for money at the hotel, not only for the meal in the restaurant, but the general stay. There was free internet and a lovely bar for an evening prosecco. Although the weather wasn't warm enough to use the pool, it appeared to be well maintained and not overlooked. A pretty outside area to have breakfast in the mornings, as well as sofas inside to have a drink, or read a book added to the relaxed and homely feel of the hotel.

Positives:
Very good breakfast.
Helpful when we wanted to leave 2 days early.
Evening receptionist very kind and helpful.

Negatives:
Small and very noisy room (number 102).
Noise from street, leaving people at night and other rooms.
Very small and outdated shower and broken.
Receptionis in morning was not helpful and not motivated.

Didn't have trouble finding hotels for Sirmione (simply picked the best there - Palace Hotel Villa Cortine), but for Riva, most hotels would require a minimum 3 nights stay. But not for Sig Michele, who was kind enough to accept our 2 nights reservation without adding the extra 10% surcharge - well appreciated, Grazie mille!

And they had kept our requested room, a Superior room (OK in size, not large) that comes with a bigger than the room itself, outdoor terrace! In the terrace, we have partial views of the Lake, the mountains, a 12th century wall, a non-working jacuzzi (discount given), two lounge chairs and dinning table and chairs. At 160 euros for June, and the Hotel comes with a pool, we thought this was fairly good value!

Bathroom was an OK size, not large by any means but seems newly renovated with green tiles, shower cubicle etc. Our room, number 108, was on the 2nd floor of the Hotel annex and it was the furthest away from the Hotel's main road, thus very quiet at night. However, I didn't sleep well as the air-con kept turning on and off - on energy savings mode, perhaps?

In the room, a small digital TV even has BBC channel and Wifi was free here, better than some 4 or 5 stars hotel! Breakfasts was also quite good quality with huge pots of coffee or tea, and while we sat outdoors, we enjoyed some nice views. Their croissants were also among the best that I have had in Italy!

Location wise, this is one Hotel that really stands out - 5 minutes from the main door to the ferry terminal and also 5 minutes from the side door to the Old town of Riva, wonderful! I am sure you wouldn't want to stay at those hotels on the main Piazza facing the harbour, should be quite noisy there ...I guess.

Great meals was to be had at a German restaurant at the Hotel Vittoria. The Michelin starred Al Voltre's Degustation Menu at merely 45 euros per person was real good value but its food was only average at best. We didn't try the Hotel's nightly grill dinner, which looked yummy and smelled great from our terrace.

To be fair to everyone, there are small glitches of staying here, too - No slippers were provided even though the Hotel has an outdoor pool (actually, we don't mind paying for it so we won't have to wear our walking shoes to the pool, seems weird, agree?); no glass cups in the room, only plastic ones so our travel kettle cannot be put to use; no minibar so you cannot keep your drinks cold and fruits fresh; no bath lotion provided, only soaps here; air-con is irritating, keep auto on and off by itself and lastly, jacuzzi not working (well, no big deal, actually).

Overall, we think we have had a memorable stay at the Hotel Miravalle, with nice people working there, good value, great location and whats more, comes with a good sized outdoor swimming pool. On departure, the Hotel had booked us a car to the Rovereto train station, 30-40 minutes at 50 euros. Enjoy ...