Hotel Alexander

Hotel Alexander has a pretty look from the street, with greenery sprouting from every balcony and majestic peaks rising behind the building. It is walled in with a concrete barrier lining the sweeping mountain road on three sides, which detracts somewhat from the scenery on the grounds. Inside, the lobby is an airy spot with a relaxed feel. Sheer blue curtains and wicker furniture lend a breezy air to the space, while marble floors, an inlaid ceiling, and an oversize crystal chandelier add elegance. Mostly grey floors pair nicely with light-blue columns and ceiling panels, and purple lighting adds lovely accents. The design is contemporary and comfortable. 

Couples are drawn to the convenient, central location, modern design, and beautiful views. A lack of control over air-conditioning in the room and seating options in the restaurant are a turn off for some guests, however. The hotel is popular with German travelers, and therefore caters to German tastes in many cases.

This hotel is in Limone Sul Garda, a lakefront town far north on the western shore of Lake Guarda. Hotel Alexander is central to the town, inside a turn of the road as it climbs the mountainside. The location is very convenient to popular tourist spots in town, but offers less in the way of panoramic views than other hotels nearby. There’s a small market across the street. It’s a four-minute walk down the hill to a rocky beach on the lake and a ferry landing with service across the water to Malcesine. Limonaia del Castel features lemon trees and a history of the area, a five-minute walk from the hotel. It is a seven-minute walk to the edge of the charming, lakefront town where tourists enjoy shopping, delicious meals, and beautiful scenery. The Tourist Museum, with exhibits detailing the history of tourism in the area, is also a seven-minute walk from the hotel. It is a six-minute walk to the nearest bus stop. The town of Milan is just over a two-hour drive from the hotel. Verona Villafranca Airport is an 80-minute drive from the hotel, and the larger Malpensa Airport in Milan is a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. 

The rooms here have a modern design with a simple, fresh look. Light wood in floors, trim, and some furnishings help to create a warm feeling, while bold blue accents in the beds and headboards, stools, and chairs punctuate the spaces. Beds have simple white linens and blankets; often two twin mattresses are combined to make a double. Upgraded rooms add more space and more beds, plus suites have extra sitting areas. First-floor rooms open directly onto the pool terrace, and upper floors have shared balconies along the length of the hotel, with tables and loungers for each room. The lake view -- at least partially visible from every balcony -- is stunning. 

All rooms have flat-screen TVs (sometimes quite small), sparsely stocked minibars, and safes. Kettles and coffeemakers are not provided. Air-conditioning is only available two months of the year, and it's controlled at the reception desk. Bathrooms are dated with jarring lime-green tile floors and floral prints on tiled walls, with one of the two tiling the shower stalls. They're open to the rest of the rooms, but there are sliding doors for those seeking privacy. Separate areas with doors house the toilets and bidets. Hairdryer and free toiletries are provided.

The Hotel Alexander has a good list of features for the price. The pizza and international restaurant, Pizzeria Al Pirata Restaurant, has an indoor section for guests and a nice sun terrace with outdoor seating for the public. The indoor areas have rustic appeal, and the lovely sunroom includes an ornately carved wood ceiling and fold-away walls with floor-to-ceiling windows. The free breakfast is a continental buffet with a sufficient variety that leans toward German tastes. A half-board option is available for dinner, though most prefer to sample local flavors at the many good restaurants in the area. Some guests, however, find assigned seating and preordering dinner restrictive.

An infinity-edge pool sits on a small terrace surrounded by hotel buildings and trees. The pool is on the small side and not very deep, but still a refreshing place for a dip when it is open in warmer months. There’s also a nearby sun terrace with loungers and a few umbrellas. Unfortunately, the area is a bit worn and has a dated feel. Still, the surrounding foliage and mountains peeking over rooftops help create a relaxing atmosphere for those less concerned with style. Below the pool deck, in a small atrium, is an outdoor whirlpool. 

Also available for those seeking relaxation is the spa, on the basement level of the hotel. Wood floors, wicker furniture, and colored lighting create a pleasant, inviting atmosphere despite the lack of natural light. Facilities include a saltwater whirlpool, sauna, and massage room. An attached fitness room is well-lit and spacious for the few machines supplied. Both cardio and weight-training equipment are on offer, but a lack of air-conditioning makes it uncomfortable in warm weather. Parking in the garage under the hotel is free for guests -- a nice extra in an area with little outdoor parking nearby. Wi-Fi is free in common spaces, but the connection can be weak in rooms.