Majestic Palace Hotel

It's hard to nail down the character of the Majestic Palace Hotel -- on one hand this large property is a popular choice with families and has a pleasant handful of features, but on the other there are some serious datedness issues in almost every corner of the hotel. It has the features of an upscale hotel, but the style of a budget property. From the outside, things look fine enough. The hotel is housed in a large, cream and beige four-story building with arched windows and balconies on a lovely hillside strewn with olive trees. Several country flags fly above the curved entrance, and a few stairs lead to the glass front doors with columns on each side. Inside, the lobby is expansive, with huge columns and a long wooden reception counter along one wall. The preponderance of shiny beige surfaces and the eye-catching bright-blue lounge chairs -- not to mention lots of wood paneling -- feel nostalgic for another time, and not one we're particularly fond to relive. It's all well-kept and Old World, but the end result isn't that appealing. Decor issues aside, there is a lively vibe here -- in fact, some guests may find the number of children running around a bit too lively -- and the hotel draws many tour groups and families.

The hotel is located outside the lovely town of Malcesine, on a hillside leading down to the lake. It's surrounded by olive groves and low residential homes, and the area is peaceful -- which is exactly why so many people come to Lake Garda. Guests can reach the town center in about 20 minutes on foot, or take the tourist bus that leaves every hour for a fee. The hotel has its own shuttle as well, though it's tiny and insufficient for the number of guests staying here. Once in town there are plenty of cafes and little stores, and the cobblestone streets make for a lovely picture or two. Castello Scaligero is also in town, and is one of its most popular sights. Towering behind the hotel is Mount Baldo, which is an excellent place for scenic day hikes; there's a cable car that runs to the top in the area. It will take about 15 minutes to reach any of the swimmable shores of Lake Garda, as well as the pedestrianized path along the lake, known as Via Retelino. Verona Villafranca Airport is just over an hour's drive away, and Brescia Airport is about an hour-and-a-half from the hotel. Venice is a little over two hours' drive east. 

There is a lot going on in almost all rooms at this hotel, and while it remains a popular choice with travelers, the style is definitely not our favorite. For starters, the look in rooms varies dramatically from one category to the next. Everything is well kept -- there is no visible wear and each room is cohesive for what it is. However, the vintage look is exuberant and comes across as dated in almost all cases, and even the more modern rooms don't exactly look fresh. 

The Deluxe Room we visited is the most in need of an overhaul. From the dark brown wallpaper to the heavy bedspreads, ornate carpeting, and mid-century linoleum furniture, it's like stepping back in time (without the charm). Updated rooms vary, and include the spartan Design Room, where polka-dot bedspreads make appearances next to pleather furniture and gray futuristic wood-veneer furniture. Junior Suites are the most attractive, and have a vintage-modern look, with an abundance of light wood-veneer accents and bright pops of green or orange -- the funky headboards and contemporary furniture are a welcome change from most of what's on offer here, though there's still cheap pleather seating in partially separate living areas. 

Amenities include seasonal air-conditioning, mini-fridges, flat-screen satellite TVs, and safes. Wi-Fi is not free, and the use of safes incurs a charge as well. All rooms have balconies, and some have excellent lake and mountain views. Not surprisingly, bathrooms are old as well, with the exception of Junior Suite bathrooms. They are clean and include walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, with tiled walls and floors. Junior Suite bathrooms have contemporary fixtures like square vessel sinks and are far more attractive. All include toiletries, hairdryers, and bidets.

A buffet breakfast and dinner are served in a casual space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool. Certain meals are included with various room packages -- some including drinks as well -- and lunch is offered on limited days of the week. Breakfast is included with all rates, but meals across the board receive mixed reviews. There’s also a bar with a pool table. Entertainment is offered and ranges from music to magic shows -- it also gets mixed reviews from previous guests. 

The rectangular main pool is surrounded by plastic lounge chairs with cushions and umbrellas. The two-tier Deluxe Pool with views of mountains in the background is surrounded by a grassy lawn, palm trees, and shrubs. There's also an indoor pool suitable for swimming laps. Keep in mind that use of pool towels require paying a fee. Children get their own little outdoor pool with a slide, and there are lounge chairs so parents can sit on the deck and watch their kids. The hotel also has a kids' club and activities ranging from mini-golf and trampolining to table tennis. A lawn in back of the hotel is lined with lounge chairs for relaxing under the trees, although active children at the nearby playground may disturb the peace. 

The hotel does have an irregular free shuttle, though the bus is too small for the size of the property. Parking is free and pets are allowed for a fee. Wi-Fi is not free anywhere in the hotel.