Bellariva

We booked a holiday through Last Minute and I chose this hotel as a happy medium between no pool but having great views. I was nervous as lots of the reviews and pictures I have seen relate to another hotel with an almost identical name. Travelling from Verona airport As we travelled in July we took the ATV direct from the airport to Garda. (482) it took about 1.5 hours. We then got the 484 to Riva. By this point we were quite tired and attempted a taxi but the driver said it’s the same road so it’s no quicker. That was another 1.5 hours but beautiful view of the lake and towns. A taxi direct from Verona airport to the hotel is €170 (about £150) so you’d need to decide what you can afford as it’s only an hour Arrival and room: When we arrived at 1.45pm our room was as ready. We booked a Superior room and I was expecting front facing lake view but we had side facing/partial view in room 105. To be honest it was fine as we only really used it on the evening. The beds were comfy, the set up was great for us. Lots of storage and big walk in shower which was powerful enough. Lovely air con. I like the way the room keys work. Roof terrace: We didn’t attempt it on our first day (Sunday) but it was great (see pictures) full panoramic view. There were quite a few sun beds so we never had a problem with getting them. There were only 2 umbrellas though. One day it was windy with storms coming in and we had to put them down. I didn’t use jacuzzis, they leaked a lot, but other guests enjoyed them. Drinks are delicious. Shame there are no snacks There was a party on our last night which was loud and I was grateful to be in the room we were. The door to the terrace is excellent though and we couldn’t hear any noise! Even in the mornings when the bin and street sweepers arrived…….or the spectacular storm. Room clean: Excellent. They were cleaned and tidied every day. Fresh sheets and towels, mini bar restocked and fresh water provided. There are as a heat wave and heat kept in by the incoming storm. I saw how hard the cleaners were finding it but the standard did not drop. They worked incredibly hard in very uncomfortable heat. Breakfast: Huge choice. Yes the sparrows kept trying it but guests and staff clapped them away. I personally chose covered food and found something to east every day. Coffee is good. Dinner: I found dining in Riva very reasonable. On the first night we dined at the hotel. 2 large pizzas, 2 sides and 2 Aperol was just €41. I like how the restaurants have similar set prices. We also dined at Villano Beach twice and walked into the old town and ate at another waterside location. General: Due to a huge storm the hotel lost power during the night (I woke up) and throughout the morning. But they quickly resolved it. We booked a return cab to the airport. I was very anxious it wasn’t enough time but an hour transfer in the morning is fine. Staff all seemed pleasant. The bar guy on the terrace was lovely but not intrusive. I personally found the laid back nature of Italians lovely. We didn’t book any dinners anywhere and each restaurant was always “no problem” Wednesday morning was torrential rain which suddenly came through the conservatory area so don’t sit there if it’s heavy rain! The beach is busy on the weekend but we didn’t find this a problem at all. We still found space. It’s much quieter in the week. If you sit on your balcony there’s lots of noise but I enjoyed watching family and friends enjoying the beach and little play areas. The hotel, I feel is in an exceptional location and I would go back. Negative: Dogs are allowed at the hotel, my friend is a dog owner and the strong smell in the corridor she was was dog urine. It wasn’t in the room but the corridors smelt unpleasant.