Parc Hotel Germano Suites & Apartments

When compared to the many simple, dated hotels that line the shores of Lake Garda, the Parc Hotel Germano makes a fine, modern impression. The construction throughout the hotel is unlike most others, as the majority of the buildings are constructed so that they look like they emerge from the hillside, with grass covering the roofs. The whole place feels like a lovely, green garden or park, with nothing obtrusive around to wreck the tranquil ambience (except the occasional active kids). Families are drawn to the wide-open spaces where children can run and play, though plenty of couples stay here as well. A brick and stone walkway with potted plants on each side leads to the covered glass entrance of the hotel. Guests enter through glass doors into the expansive, sun-filled lobby decorated with huge orb chandeliers overhead. The reception desk is placed off to one side, and the other side of the lobby has brown leather sofas and chairs where guests can hang out. Guests who arrive with a car park at the main building then are shuttled to their accommodation via golf cart. Walkways throughout the property allow guests to stroll through the park-like setting, and the hotel takes its commitment to unwinding seriously -- there's also a spa and plenty of pools. Keep in mind that there are stairs throughout the resort, which can be a challenge for some. 

The hotel is located on a gentle slope that leads to the shores of Lake Garda, just outside the center of Bardolino. The promenade along the lake will only take three minutes to reach on foot, and it's only a 10-minute walk to the middle of town for bars, restaurants, and shops. The closest railway station is Bardolino Peschiera on the Milan-Venice line, a 30-minute bus ride from Bardolino. The bus stops right outside the hotel, which is ultra convenient. It will take between 30 and 40 minutes to reach the scenic town of Malcesine, which sits next to stunning Mounta Baldo and is up the shore from Bardolino. Verona and the Verona Villafranca Airport are about 30 minutes away by car, and Orio al Serio International Airport is about an hour and 15 minutes away. Venice and its airports will take around 90 minutes to reach by road. 

Accommodations at Parc Hotel are either suites or apartments. Decor in all is tasteful, with a subdued neutral color scheme, white furniture, cream-colored walls, and brown upholstery and drapes. While all beds have patterned bedspreads -- which we normally dislike -- these somehow look sharp. Some suites have private pools with a furnished pool deck, though some pools are more private than others. Amenities include air-conditioning, electric kettles, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. It's worth knowing that air-conditioning is only available in the summer and even then is at the discretion of management. Bathrooms come with bidets, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and simple toiletries. The look is somewhat generic, with tan marble tiling and older marble vanities, though they do have a nice amount of counter space and are relatively spacious.Standard Suites feature a full bedroom and living area with a sofa bed, allowing for four guests. There's also a small dining area. Apartments add fully equipped kitchens with stoves and small refrigerators, and come with one or two bedrooms. Three-room apartments are spread across two levels and have two bathrooms, one with a tub and one with a shower. Note that none of the units have Wi-Fi, which is somewhat surprising for a hotel of this caliber. 

This hotel has plenty of features that are in keeping with the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the hotel and guest rooms. Breakfast and dinner are served in Bardolino Restaurant, an elegant contemporary space decorated with velvet chairs, Murano glass chandeliers, and fresh flowers on the tables. There's also a terrace with great views of the lake. A piano bar on the top floor is a trendy place and provides a fireplace, cozy seating, and a terrace with gorgeous lake views. The hotel has two outdoor pools, one for families and a relaxation pool for adults only. The large family pool has a whirlpool and a bridge crossing over it and is surrounded by an expansive pool deck with multiple lounge chairs and umbrellas. Large potted plants and flowers add color, and there's an indoor/outdoor pool bar adjacent. A third pool is indoors in the wellness center, along with a whirlpool, sauna, and solarium. The wellness center also offers a variety of treatments -- including massage, salon services, and facials -- in an elegant, if small, space. The simple gym has cardio and weight-training equipment, as well as free weights. It's fine for a basic workout, and there's a decent amount of space, just not much machinery. Guests can also borrow bikes for exploring the area.Indoor and outdoor events space can accommodate groups of up to 120 people for business and social gatherings. A business desk in the lobby has a computer for guests to use and Wi-Fi is free in the public areas. Parking is also free on-site, and the hotel has a pet-friendly policy.