As a change from our usual 'Spanish beach' holidays we decided on Lake Garda, Limone and the San Pietro hotel with 'First Choice'
After a 2 hour coach trip from Verona airport along Lake Garda we arrived at the San Pietro (4*)and sister hotel Cristina (3*). An odd arrangement that had the reception (hardly impressive) for the two hotels combined. Excellent reception staff soon had us dealt with and our cases taken to our room. Wow, what a fantastic view. Top floor on the end. We had requested a top floor by email previously and they came up trumps.
Room of average size, clean and tidy, traditionally furnished. Provided were: robes and slippers, sparkling wine, water, bar of chocolate and towels for the pool, a nice touch and unexpected. Tea / coffee making facilities were provided as was a free safety deposit box. Mini bar (expensive).
All locks were by key rather than card entry /digital. Balcony quite good size with usual 2 chairs and table.
On to the dining room and food. The only access to the dining room is from the exterior so all have to venture outside ( mostly up steps) hence the aforementioned brolly if it's raining. Pasta dishes were excellent and the soup was OK, if not as hot as it may have been. A vast array of salad dishes which included cold sprouts, beans etc. The hot dishes comprised of roast pork or turkey most nights and the hot veg (1 only) and potato was really not up to the mark for a 4 star hotel. Sweets were limited and repetative but we did not go hungry. House wine (really quite drinkable!) and water were freely availble on a self service basis but there was a wine list if you choose to spend extra. Waiting staff were 'politley reserved'. Seating was plentiful both inside and out on the terrace and on our visit seemed only half full.
Breakfast was the same spread of cold meat and cheese with only scrambled eggs and a 'sort of bacon' available everyday. Fruit juice and a choice of coffee was only from a machine. Disappointing.
Hotel grounds had a good choice for sitting out with wonderful views over the lake and plenty of indoor space also. Choice of swimming pools for the San Pietro. We were given a key to the 'upper' and indoor pools. No rush for sunbeds etc. As it rained every day (first week of June) with the exception of 2 mornings this may have helped!! Free afternoon tea/coffee with biscuits and cake was a nice touch. Evening entertainment was mmmmm.... No rush to get in.
Limone is a beautiful flower bedecked lake side town, quite busy even in early season. Plenty of nice shops and cafes, a small beach and public toilets available.
A fifteen minute walk down to the town and the hotel mini bus at 80 cents return (taxi 8 euro's) we didn't attempt the climb back up. If you want views then this hotel provides the best, if you want to be in the town then choose from the many lakeside ones.
As in most Hotels the San Pietro had it's good and bad points. For us it was alright but a little disappointing in places.
Would we return? No, but then we do prefer a beach by the sea.
- San Pietro Hotel
- San Pietro Limone Sul Garda
