Hotel Piroscafo

Very nice hotel for the right price, in centre of Desenzano!

About 15mins downhill walk from desenzano station which was manageable but definitely not to do it when going back which you need to walk uphill this time round. taxi cost around 10euros, not too expensive for a 5mins ride I guess? it is also near the ferry port to other parts of lake grada which is the sold point for us. 

The hotel’s location is SUPERB! It’s in the centre of Desenzano del Garda right on the stunning old harbour close to lots of bars, restaurants - the hotel has neither - and shopping. Steps away from the lake, ferries and pier. Bus stops are in short walking distance but don’t recommend them as very unreliable, slow and dearer than the train. However, the train station is 15 -20 minutes away and it is mostly a very steep uphill walk. Everything is spotlessly clean. We got room 25 at the back on first floor which was big and modern but looks onto a small courtyard so not much natural light at all which was depressing as it was so dark. Luckily we were out most of the day/evening. Room was warm as AC was set at 23!!! and the unit is outside the bathroom, away from main bedroom area where you sit/sleep. Hotel would only agree to lower it to 21. Still too warm and would have been very uncomfortable in the really hot weather (we had lots of rain and temps in low/mid 20s). It’s also on a timer, so the room is warm when you go back. Rooms cleaned daily with regular change of high quality towels and sheets. Waitress service at breakfast is very good, quick and friendly. They bring your tea/coffee. The rest is self service. They didn’t replace the fresh bread when it finished and were very strict about the closing time. Great shower but terrible hairdryer. I don’t have long hair but it took me ages to dry it. As our room was sooooo dark, we loved going to the communal outside terrace but they close it at 8pm on the dot! When I asked the man why so early, he said it was so no one disturbed the (lucky) guests out on their balconies. Erm, we’re a couple in our early 60s and hardly likely to be rowdy. In fact, the lady on her balcony above us disturbed US by talking very loudly on her phone! The Inside Terrace closes at 10pm on the dot and is very warm. The AC unit was switched off and no sign of the remote control. Other reviews say the lift doesn’t go higher than floor 1 but that’s not true! We recommend this hotel but ask/pay for a harbour view with a balcony.