Hotel Grifone

Fantastic 2 star family owned and run hotel. Very clean, kind staff and the location is unbeatable. Not that cheap but you're in a wonderful location. Great moments (photos) to be had on every side of the hotel. Probably the closest hotel to a public beach (small one) and it is right next to the castle. Our adjoining family rooms has unbeatable views of the lake. It is dated in terms of decor and room facilities but everything was right about this place. You get what you pay for and some more. There are a few quirks around breakfast but overall it was a great selection especially the cheeses and the cakes. We totally recommend it.

Perhaps there could be a more curated approach to decor but we actually like it.

The location and the view were amazing! We couldn't stop admiring the lake, the nearby castle, the little beach below, the boats on the water, the ducks, and the swans swimming by. Breakfast was fresh and delicious, with a great variety of fruit. We especially enjoyed the beautiful view and the soothing sound of the waves. The birds were picking up the crumbs from our plates while we enjoyed the calmness and tranquility of our morning in Sirmione.

The lobby and the hall were not air-conditioned, which made them quite uncomfortable on a hot summer day. The shower door was cracked, which made us a bit concerned about safety. The staff were friendly, but when we asked for help with a restaurant reservation, they simply directed us to the restaurant instead of offering to call and make the reservation on our behalf, even though they were familiar with the place. Finally, we had originally booked a two-night stay, but because our flight was delayed and we encountered problems with our rental car, we were unable to arrive before check-in closed. The hotel informed us that no one would be available to let us in until the following morning. While we understand that this was beyond the hotel's control, we were disappointed that no goodwill gesture, such as a partial refund or a credit for the missed breakfast, was offered.

To be in the town at night and right next to the castle was wonderful.

Basic rooms but authentic

Amazing location and an abundant breakfast! It was really great having all those cakes and cheeses by the morning.

There were multiple things that went wrong, but the most important one: the receptionist's attitude. It simply was off. I understand perhaps she was doing her best and tried to make sure the hotel was under her "control", but sometimes it was too much... If you want to "control" your guests, do it on a way they won't feel it. If you want your guests to feel happy and comfortable, you need to communicate clearly whichever the rules are and know when to "ease" things up when things go wrong, otherwise it will happen what it happened to us: stress and distrust - the last thing someone wants during a trip.