The Hotel Astor was such a disappointment that despite booking for 4 days, we checked out after 1. The extra night penalty charge was a bargain - to have stayed here longer would have ruined our otherwise excellent trip to northern Italy.

So what's wrong with the place? Firstly we had no idea how this could have been given a 4* rating. The last time I looked, hotel ratings were not awarded for the view alone.

The bedrooms are extremely pokey, and can only have been designed as a tribute to Mussolini's prison architect. They are tiny, have miniscule beds (I am 6 foot and my feet hung off the end of the bed), with dirty linen. The furniture would have embarassed the marketing manager of Ikea - dreadful. But the worst element was the noise - you could here people in rooms all around just talking - worse, you had a full earful of ablutions and other unseemly activities!

The dining room is also very "package holiday". Poor lighting, tables crammed in with no privacy. Dinner is served between 7 and 7.30 - too early for us, but the food was OK (note though that the catering is intended for german package holidaymakers - but its not bad).

The receptionist was rude. The pool was tiny - the pictures on the website are a little misleading. And there are countless rules and regulations - no hotel towels in the pool, and no pool towels provided, so bring your own. Also you have to "inform the management immediately on arrival if you intend to pay by credit card". Hardly 4* treatment.

If you want a great view of Lake Gara, and like to stay in noisy dirty bedrooms, go for it. But be warned, this is really a 2* hotel with a 4* view. Discerning travellers should avoid!

We had been to Limone before but we stayed in the Hotel Astor for the first time in September 2004. Hotel was very clean, staff very friendly and helpful. They also have a great beach bar and restaurant which was great for lunch. In fact we couldn't fault it and intend to return next year.

Our first visit definitely going back, the hotel staff were very friendly.the hotel facilities & cleanliness four star.
The only snag was that we had to eat at 7pm but food always satisfactory and plentiful.
We did visit Venice and went all around the lake its very scenic, interesting with plenty to do.
Hope anyone else going finds it as wonderful as we did