Hotel Gardenia & Villa Charme

The hotel doesn't have much curb appeal at first glance -- the beige stucco declares its name in large letters, and the small main pool is in the front of the building next to the parking. However, it's clear that the property works with what it has: Plenty of well-kept flowers and shrubs give the entrance what privacy it can, and the pool itself is extremely well-maintained, with cheerful yellow loungers and umbrellas providing a pop of color. Inside, the hotel is dated -- think peach and yellow wallpaper, orange patterned curtains, navy-blue carpets, high-gloss wood -- which won't please design junkies. But again, the hotel works with what it has, which is primarily an abundance of Italian hospitality. For example, guests receive a welcome glass of Prosecco upon arrival and a bottle of olive oil from the hotel's own trees at checkout. Most of the clientele here are couples, though families will find the Quadruple Rooms handy.

Located off of a main road in Bardolino on opposite sides of the street, the hotel has two buildings: A main one and the Villa Charme, both housing rooms. The main hotel is tucked as far back as seemingly possible, thanks to a narrow, deep parking lot that provides a buffer between the road and the property. Fortunately, other aspects of the property's location are more charming, namely, that it's a three-minute walk from the beach on Lake Garda and a few minutes' walk from the promenade that goes around the lake and takes guests into town (about a 15-minute walk). There's also a LiDL for snacks and drinks a three-minute walk away. The property is also well-situated to explore the lake's towns, especially given that travelers can purchase hop-on-hop-off-style passes for the area villages. Verona Airport, the most convenient, is a 25-minute drive away. 

The hotel's 32 rooms, split between buildings, follow the fashion of the rest of the hotel: Rather generic and dated, albeit comfortable. Mostly done in neutrals of creams and light yellows, rooms are grounded by navy-blue carpets (some have wood floors instead) and punctuated with a dark-peach headboard. Most rooms have a balcony or terrace, some of which overlook the lake. Terraces, however, offer a bit more space for guests and are worth the upgrade. For families, the Quadruple Room is excellent value and offers a seating area. Rooms, which are cleaned every day, have a minibar and flat-screen TV; there are no coffee- or tea-making facilities, but kettles are available on request. Bathrooms are adequately sized and are stocked with hotel-brand toiletries and a hairdryer, though showers are small, as is typical for the region. 

Breakfast in the hotel's sunny dining room is free and has a large selection to choose from: the usual meats, cheeses, muesli, fruit, and excellent coffee, as well as omelets cooked-to-order and Prosecco. On the downside, there's no full restaurant.Surprising for its size, the hotel boasts two outdoor pools: A main one out front, and a saltwater one across the street at the hotel's Villa Charme property. While they're on the small side, with only 32 rooms, bigger ones aren't really needed. A hot tub is also set outside. A basic spa area offers massages, a Turkish bath, solarium, and hammam. A negative for some is the lack of a gym.Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and parking is available on-site directly in front of the entrance.