Roughly halfway between Milan and Venice, Grand Hotel Fasano originally was built as a hunting lodge in 1888 for the Austrian imperial family. It maintains the same elegance and grandeur as it did in those days, but now anyone can book one of the fine rooms and enjoy the beauty of Italy's largest freestanding body of water, Lake Garda.
Though the hotel projects quality and refinement within its walls through the antique vaulted ceilings, simple but stylish décor, and natural light-filled spa, you may want to stray outside the doors as well. Take one of the hotel's boats around the stunning lake or ride a bike on trails lacing the coastline. Or, simply indulge in the view from this Italian hotel's terrace with a glass of Tuscan red.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Grand Hotel Fasano’s three acres feature lemon trees, palms, cypress and plenty of open space to take a run, play with the kids or wander aimlessly about the property.
- This secluded, lake-side property in Italy's Gardone Riviera proves the perfect spot to try out one of the Frauscher motorboats the hotel rents out. Don’t worry — you get a skipper, too.
- Housed in an old, restored cottage, La Darsena is the more laidback of Grand Hotel Fasano's four eateries. Thanks to its proximity to the lake and the live tunes at night, this chestnut tree-shaded bar and restaurant gives off a welcomed beach-club vibe.
- Rama Redzepi leads the bar program, and gin is one of his specialties. Dive into this sprit (and sample Redzepi's talent) in the Gin Room, which has more than 70 gins and 30 tonics to play with.
- Borrow a vintage sports car from the hotel to drive to the nearby wineries, the renowned Gardagolf Country Club or the historic Castello di Soiano.
Things to Know
- Grand Hotel Fasano is a seasonal hotel that's essentially open from April through the end of October. The exact dates change so check prior to reserving a room.
- Make sure to book a lake-view room, something that's automatically done if the reservation is for a suite or deluxe room.
- Visit Aveda Destination Spa for a day of pampering. Soak in the Grecian-style hot tub, swim in silence and try one of the company's signature treatments like a rosemary-mint awakening wrap or chakra-balancing massage.
- Candles and light music at La Terrazza only enhance the mood for summer sipping and lounging under the moon.
- Try one of two large outdoor pools after a vigorous session in the property’s gym.
The Rooms
- The 77 rooms vary in hues of milk chocolate, cream, honey and beige, all of which complement the property’s overall color palette.
- Rooms with a lake view are also equipped with a balcony overlooking Lake Garda.
- Book the Family Suite if you have a larger party and want to stretch out a bit more.
- In most of the rooms the large soaking tubs are situated between the bed and a bathroom with a movable barrier in between for privacy.
The Restaurants
- Chef Matteo Felter oversees Grand Hotel Fasano’s four restaurants: Il Fagiano, Magnolia, Trattoria il Pescatore and La Darsena.
- Il Fagiano is the chef's modern take on classic regional dishes such as fusilli seafood pasta, roasted sweet breads and cuttlefish on stracciatella.
- From May until September lunch can be had al fresco at Magnolia, an eatery specializing in hand-crafted pastas and salads.
- Take in the view of the lake while dining on fresh salmon and mackerel at Trattoria il Pescatore, which is open from May through September.
Amenities
Bar
Beach
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
190 Corso Zanardelli, Gardone Riviera, 25083 Italy
TEL39-0365-290220
