Grand Hotel Terme

Tucked behind clusters of pine and palm trees is the understated, low-rise facade of the Grand Hotel Terme. White-and-gold signage, however, sets an upmarket tone for this classic, old-school Italian hotel, most of which dates back to the early 20th century. Stepping inside, the lobby combines typical '70s-style polished stone floors, brass accents, and a walnut reception desk (complete with traditional pigeon-hole key rack) with dated but homey striped seating and potted plants. Despite some old-fashioned  decor, an elegant and traditional ambience continues through much of the property. The hotel's three spa areas were updated as recently as 2013 and feel fresh and contemporary. Built on natural springs -- that form part of the spa experience -- guests can expect the occasional whiff of sulfur. Not really a family-friendly hotel, clientele leans toward couples -- particularly honeymooners -- looking for a few days of pampering amid lovely lake surrounds.

The hotel features a particularly enviable location set on a thin finger of land -- the Sirmione peninsula -- that protudes from the south end of Lake Garda. As well as beautiful views over Italy's largest lake, the property also overlooks the medieval walls and turrets of the neighboring Castello Scaligero. Entrance to the castle and Sirmione's charming old town -- with its quaint narrow lanes and scenic piazza's lined with gelaterias and pizzerias -- is also just a couple of minutes away on foot. A magnet for day-trippers and tourists generally, Sirmione old town can get very busy during peak season. Thanks to its own pier, guests can arrive by boat and water taxis are also available nearby. Verona's Villafranca Airport is around 30 minutes' drive, while the nearest train station is in Peschiera Del Garda at 20 minutes away.

The hotel has 54 guest rooms, encompassing a rather confusing range of room categories and types of suites (totaling eight in all). Decor is either a traditional and slightly old-fashioned combination of plaid fabrics, antique-style furnishings, and herringbone parquet flooring, or updated interiors with a fresher, more contemporary feel characterized by white paneling and modern dark-wood furniture. Most rooms open to small balconies, with the better rooms providing lovely lake views (cheaper road-facing rooms can also be a little noisy in the morning). Balconies near the hotel's natural pool are prone to the odd sulfurous whiff. 

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars (with free soft drinks), and electronic safes; Wi-Fi is free of charge but can be slow. Full suites come with living areas alongside free Prosecco, fruit, and flowers on arrival, though there's no coffee- or tea-making facilities. Bathrooms vary from older mosaic tiling to a more crisp finish, most with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and quality toiletries. Wellness Junior Suite bath facilities are particularly impressive, featuring massage showers, jetted tubs, and infrared saunas.

Being fed with thermal mineral waters from local springs, spa facilities at the Grand Hotel Terme are particularly impressive. There are three areas, added or updated in 2013, totaling almost 6,500 square feet (600 square meters) and including the Private Spa, Relax Room, and main Castello spa. Facilities range from the usual whirlpool tubs, saunas, and steam rooms, to a dizzying array of cosmetic and health treatments. The outdoor thermal pool also features aqua-jets, whirlpool section, and heated underwater beds; although not suitable for swimming, guests are just steps from the lake. All but the Private Spa are free of charge to guests. 

Breakfast is also extensive, consisting of a varied hot and cold buffet, plus cooked-to-order eggs and chilled Prosecco, accompanied by views over Lake Garda and a waterside terrace. The L'Orangerie restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and there's a special nutritionally balanced "Wellness Menu". While food quality is very good, and there's an excellent selection of wines, prices are unsurprisingly much higher than you'll find in the nearby restaurants. On the downside, there's little in the way of kid-friendly activities, and the tiny fitness room has just a few pieces of equipment.