Hotel S. Maria

The Santa Maria and the Nike are under the same ownership and are either side of the road, but this review is for the Santa Maria only. To summarise, I would thoroughly recommend this well run and beautifully located hotel to any one. To celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, my wife and I booked a week on Lake Garda through Newmarket Holidays. After researching the hotels offered, we picked the Rely, also in Brenzone, but two days before we flew out, Newmarket changed our hotel to the Santa Maria. Some of the online reviews of the Santa Maria were not good, and we seriously thought about cancelling the holiday, but in the end we flew out with an open mind, determined to make the best of it. We are so glad we did as we have just returned from one of the best holidays we have ever had! The hotel is located literally on the shore of Lake Garda. Take seven steps from the main entrance across the terrace and you are standing on the shore. The tables and chairs on the terrace have the lake as their backdrop and the loungers and swing seats provided by the hotel let you gaze across the water and listen to the waves gently lapping at your feet. If you are taking a holiday to Lake Garda then the lake must surely be the most important element you are looking for, and I cannot envisage a better hotel location to achieve this. Within minutes of us arriving, we could feel the tranquillity and relaxation of this beautiful part of Italy start to wash over us. We were met by Michael who spoke very good English. His relaxed, humorous and informative approach immediately put us at ease and we were on holiday straight away. Our room (22) was on the top (2nd) floor and at the southern end of the hotel. The balcony had a commanding view over the 'topped' Plane trees and across the lake to the mountains on the far side, and the afternoon/evening sun bathed it in warmth. I should think that the 1st floor rooms had lesser views across the lake because of the trees. The double bed was comfortable and the ensuite bathroom perfectly adequate for our needs and the three star rating. The busy road was behind the hotel, but it could still be heard from time to time. The hotel and bed linen was clean. Some of the décor was almost ready for redecoration, but it was all perfectly serviceable, especially when considering that this is only a three star hotel. Our room had no air conditioning, and I don't think any of the others did either, but this was not a problem as the lakeside windows could be left open all night with minimal traffic noise. Breakfast and dinner were served in the light and airy restaurant with views over the lake. Tables could also be laid on the terrace if requested. Breakfast comprised a generous selection of fruit, yoghurt, cereals, cold meats and cheese, bread, cakes, fruit juices, boiled eggs, and a choice of tea or coffee, provided on a self service basis. Dinner comprised a self service salad bar, followed by a choice of three starters (typically pastas and soup), then a choice of three mains and finally a choice of three or four deserts, all provided by table service. All the food was tasty and well presented, service was excellent but still provided in a typically relaxed Italian manner with many smiles and laughs shared between the guests and the staff. Meal times were a pleasurable experience. Drinks were extra and provided from the bar to our table whenever requested. During our visit the hotel had a great Bardolino for only 5 euros that we recommend. On the evening of our wedding anniversary, I had ordered a bottle of Asti to celebrate. When we arrived at our table, the Asti was there in a bucket of ice, along with a lit candle and a vase of roses. It is this kind of service and care that elevates a good hotel to a great one. The bar opened onto the terrace and a television lounge. Table service was standard with drinks etc. going onto our room bill. Prices were quite reasonable, and again, the quality of service was very good. Cold bar snacks (ice cream, sandwiches, cake etc.) were available all day, and a small selection of hot pasta and toasted sandwiches were available between 1300 and 1330. The swimming pool was open in the afternoons but seemed hardly used (not surprising with the lake so close). The water was clean and cool, but this was good as the temperature did not drop below 30 degrees while we were there and a swim was very refreshing. To the south, a short lake side walk leads to Castelletto, and the bus stop outside the hotel allow you to catch the bus to Malcesine to the north (it's a bit far to walk). Remember, Italian buses are always late, but they will eventually turn up. Return tickets to Malcesine were available from the reception desk for only 2 euros, a real bargain, and great for visiting the Saturday market. The hotel seems to cater for a lot of German clients, but this was not a problem for us as they all seemed polite and friendly, as I hope we did to them. The hotel is ideally located for touring the lake and surrounding towns. The Dolomites and Verona are not far away, and Venice is also in reach, although this is a longer journey. All in all an excellent holiday in a beautiful location. Thoroughly recommended.