Hotel Centro Turistico Gardesano

This hotel offers a practical and budget-friendly stay, particularly appealing to school groups, large groups, and families seeking a convenient base for exploring the Lake Garda region and Verona. Its signature feature is a large swimming pool area, which, when operational, provides a pleasant outdoor space. Guests often find the hotel to be a good value, with many praising the comfortable beds and the generally friendly staff. The hotel's strategic location is also a significant draw for sightseers looking to visit nearby attractions like Gardaland. While it caters well to its primary clientele, prospective guests should be aware that the presence of numerous school groups can lead to considerable noise, especially during evenings and early mornings. It is advisable to inquire about the pool's operational status before booking, as it is not always available, and to consider bringing personal toiletries for added comfort.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a large swimming pool area, often highlighted for its size and potential, though many guests note it is frequently empty, closed, or not well-maintained, especially outside peak season. Wi-Fi connectivity is a consistent point of concern, with reviews indicating it is often weak, unreliable, or only accessible in common areas like the reception and bar, rather than in individual rooms. Ample parking is available on-site, which is convenient for guests traveling by car, although some areas may lack sufficient lighting at night. Many rooms are reported to lack essential amenities such as a mini-fridge and a kettle, which some guests find inconvenient. Feedback on air conditioning is mixed, with some finding it effective while others report it to be noisy, centrally controlled, or not functioning optimally. Similarly, televisions in rooms are often noted as non-functional or lacking proper remotes.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly varied. Most guests find the rooms to be adequately clean, particularly those traveling with school groups, though some report significant issues such as dust, hair (including pubic), stained sheets, and even insects like scorpions or bed bugs. The overall room condition is frequently described as dated and in need of renovation, with reports of damaged furniture, broken fixtures, and peeling paint. Despite this, many guests praise the comfortable beds and mattresses, ensuring a restful sleep, while others find the pillows thin and uncomfortable. Bathrooms receive mixed reviews; some are noted as spacious and spotless with good showers, but others are criticized for lacking hooks for towels, having broken toilets, or showing signs of mold and poor maintenance. Noise levels are a recurring concern, especially due to the presence of large student groups, with thin walls contributing to disturbances late into the night.

Dining & Food Quality
Guest experiences with dining are quite diverse. The breakfast buffet is generally described as abundant and varied, offering a range of options including fruit, yogurt, cereals, and hot items like scrambled eggs and sausages, along with good coffee. However, some guests find the selection basic, repetitive, or of lower quality, with complaints about watered-down drinks and stale bread. Dinner, typically served buffet-style, receives similar mixed feedback. Many appreciate the variety and taste of dishes, including salads, pasta, and meat options, finding it wholesome and plentiful. Conversely, some reviews mention the food being repetitive, cold, or occasionally undercooked, with specific concerns about the lack of suitable gluten-free options despite prior requests. The on-site bar and pizzeria are often highlighted positively, with guests enjoying the quality of the pizza and the general atmosphere. Lunch boxes provided by the hotel also receive varied comments, with some finding them good, while others note issues with cross-contamination for specific dietary needs.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a strategic location that is highly convenient for guests looking to explore the popular attractions of the region. It is situated within easy reach of Lake Garda towns such as Sirmione and Desenzano, as well as major entertainment hubs like Gardaland and the city of Verona. This makes it an ideal base for sightseers and families visiting the theme parks. However, in terms of transit, the hotel is often described as being somewhat isolated, making a personal vehicle almost essential for convenient travel. Public transportation options are limited, and some guests note the absence of footpaths in the immediate vicinity, complicating walks to nearby areas. The hotel provides ample parking facilities, which are generally free and spacious, accommodating a large number of vehicles. While convenient, some guests have pointed out that the parking areas can be poorly lit at night, which might be a minor concern for some.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many guests commend their attentiveness and willingness to assist with requests, contributing positively to the overall experience. The check-in process is often described as smooth and efficient, though a few guests reported minor issues with payment procedures or delays upon arrival. Housekeeping services are noted by many as consistent, with rooms being cleaned daily and towels replaced regularly. However, there are some contrasting reports of rooms not being adequately cleaned upon arrival or staff entering rooms without prior knocking. While the majority of interactions are positive, some guests have reported isolated instances of unhelpful reception staff, particularly regarding room issues or specific requests. There are also mentions of security personnel being disruptive, such as knocking on doors late at night, and some staff making comments about food waste, which can be perceived negatively by guests.

Additional Information
This hotel is a popular choice for school groups, which significantly influences the overall atmosphere and guest experience. A deposit of 10 euros per student is sometimes required upon check-in, reflecting the hotel's policy for managing large youth groups. Guests should be aware of potential security concerns as some reviews mention issues with broken room locks, accessible balconies, and even instances of unauthorized intrusions, though these are isolated reports. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, allowing dogs in certain areas like the restaurant, though not typically in the main dining hall. An unusual but recurring mention is the presence of scorpions in rooms, with staff reportedly advising guests to keep lights on as a deterrent. The hotel also has a noise curfew in place, usually around 11 PM, though its enforcement can be inconsistent, leading to disturbances from lively student groups.