Grand Hotel Riva

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We have just returned from a trip to Lake Garda and stayed at the Grand Hotel in Riva. Riva is approximately 1 hour 30 mins from verona airport and the location is ideal for getting around the lakes and seeing the sights , situated to the far north of the Lake.
The Grand Hotel is in the centre within walking distance of restaurants, shops and bars/cafes. The Hotel is stated as 4* in the brochure but is not a 4* as we know it in the UK, it is a bit faded and in need of a good manager to give it some "life", I would recommend staying here for the fantastic location but the accomodation is fairly basic and not all rooms have a/c and or balconies, our room looked directly out onto the side of the hotel so the view was not good . The weather during the week was very humid and although cloudy with some rain the hotel felt very hot and claustrophobic in the main corridors and restaurant even with windows open.
We stayed on the 4th Floor and the accomodation consisted of 2 single beds which were very narrow, a tiny shower cubicle within the bathroom (no bath) - which would have made showering for anyone who was tall, wide or with a bad back/ difficulty in manouvering themselves a problem and no fan so the bathroom was constantly steamy.
We stayed on a half board basis, the breakfasts were basic continental. The first 2 nights we had dinner in the restaurant and the food was ok (pasta/goulash) the 3rd night the hotel had a party of German tourists decend on them (party of 30) and the chef was obviously not used to catering for more than 10 , we sent our meal back after waiting over 30 minutes , the second night the restaurant was full again and the staff were obviously thinking the English guests would not complain and could wait until all the Germas had been served but were proved wrong when the English got fed up with waiting and decided to eat elsewhere.
They did however, do a fantastic packed lunch for anyone who ordered the night before to take on a trip, more than enough for two people.
In conclusion I would recommend a stay at the Grand if you want a good base for travelling around the lakes and sight seeing but, do request a room with air conditioning and preferably a balcony and maybe stay for B & B rather than half board if you are a foodie, as there are many fabulous restaurants within walking distance ( be warned though Lake Garda is geared up to tourists and the prices reflect this, could be up to 4 euros for a cup of coffee). Two of the best restaurants in Riva( value for money and excellent food )are the TRIESTE (Pasta and pizza)where all Thomson guests receive 10% discount and the restaurant directly opposite, the name of which I cannot remember - but is located opposite TRIESTE and has tables inside and out (best to book in advance) this is run by an Italian lady of middle years who only speaks a smattering of English but makes sure her guests return again and again and we did.
The trips I would recommend are Dolomites which is a long trek by coach but worth it for the breath taking views (TAKE A PACKED LUNCH) a trip to the top of Mont Blanco(But get the first ferry of the day to Malcesine as the queues are long for the cable car unless you go on a Saturday) You can walk back from the top of Mont Blanco but you need WALKING BOOTS NOT TRAINERS , also try the ferry to all the towns around the lake which takes all day but is interesting and relaxing,again take a packed lunch unless you do not mind spending lots of money in the cafes and restaurants en route)