Astoria Park Hotel

We stayed here for 7 nights as part of our honeymoon, the hotel was on the whole very nice but there are some issues people should bare in mind. The loction of this hotel for us was both good and bad, we travelled independently and had already been in the county a week so we arrived using the APTV regional bus, the station right opposite the hotel and a couple for minutes walk with the bas so that was great. The main center of Riva is around 15/20 minutes stroll down the road though and we would have like to have been a little closer as we were on b&b so would be eating out every night. Reception staff were friendy and offered their assitance throughout the stay if we needed it, there was no porter though which i dont mind carrying my bags but in a 4 star we felt there should be a porter on duty. The room was spacious and comfortable and had a modern feel, we had a nice balcony to sit out on. The maid service was daily and fresh towels brought every day but nobody turns down the bed which we found to be common practice in 4 star places in Italy. Breakfast was a very good selection, fresh and tasty foods, hot and cold drinks are from machines as commented on in earlier reveiws but there is nothing wrong with the quality of them. The pool area and gardens are lovely and the indoor pool/sauna area looked nice too although we didnt use them. Beware the outdoor pool, it looks inviting on a hot day but is the coldest pool in the world. Swimming in the lake istelf was warmer. The bar is a nice area, the staff are friendly and it is good value. Overall we had an enjoyable stay here but would have preferred to be nearer the center with hindsight. We will be going back to riva but not this hotel. The price you pay is for a 4 star hotel but sometimes you feel likes its only 3 when compared to other Italian 4 stars.

Having purchased a half board holiday from eBay for this hotel, I was pleased that we had not paid the full price. The room was tiny, in the roof space, and you had to kneel to look out! We asked to move, but were told that the hotel was fully booked; we don't think this was the case. The electronic key system was eccentric to say the least. If you put your key in, in the inside, this automatically turned on the light and switched off the air conditioning! The air conditioning was loud but efficient. Food at breakfast was always the same; I didn't mind the vending machine for coffee - it was good quality and it certainly beats drinking some obnoxious liquid brewed up at 6.00am and left to sit as we've experienced elsewhere. It would have been nice to have had something other than scrambled eggs and bacon with bones in it on offer on the hot food counter. There was a large choice of continental breakfast, but always the same again. The "fruit juice" was also from a vending machine, obviously made from powder and revolting. We normally go all inclusive and it was not as pleasant an experience at dinner as we were rushed through our meals. While you are eating your salad (from the bar), you have to order your second and third course. As soon as you have finished one course it is whipped away and the other put in front of you. Not the leisurely meal we would have liked. The quailty of the food was very variable, no sign of the seabass other reviewers mentioned. Snacks were put out in the bar in the evening, before dinner, which was a nice touch. However, some of these were a little strange, i.e. very lightly toasted processed bread arranged around a bowl of prawn cocktail sauce! Speaking of the bar, we ordered two glasses of prosecco and were charged 6 euros for two drinks that were both barely halfway up a very small flute. When we queried this, there was no satisfactory response and a very reluctant, very small topping up. We later purchased a whole bottle from the bar for 10 euros. The staff are very keen for you to sign for your drinks rather than pay as you go along. As we saw several people have very nasty shocks at the end of their holiday, we decided to pay as we went along. All drinks and snacks were pricy. The small pool area is nicely set out in very pretty gardens; I was unlucky that the only day we spent by the pool, I was bitten by some unknown insect. The bites then got very painfully infected.The pharmacia in Riva supplied me with antibiotic cream which eventually did the trick. There was evening entertainment on two evenings, which was a much higher quality than we have seen in other hotels. Riva is a lovely resort, but rather far away from the hotel, which as others have said is on a very busy road. It's not the nicest of walks to go back and forth. The ferry goes from Riva to other resorts around the lake, and it is well worth visiting some of these. The whole area around Garda is beautiful, a trip to the Dolomites a must, and the cable car ride in Malcesine well worth it. We are very happy to have visited Riva; we wouldn't choose the Astoria again.

Our first impressions were negative. This hotel is located on a very busy urban road. We arrived on a very hot afternoon in mid-May, and found that the air conditioning was not working. We reported this but were told it would not be switched on until the end of May ! Initially we were allocated a room on the side of the hotel near the main road. Because of the heat we had to leave the balcony door open and the road noise was unacceptable. However, we requested a switch to a room on the side of the hotel overlooking the garden, and this was granted without question. In fact, the replacement room was larger than the original, very comfortable, and much quieter. Furthermore, the air conditioning was switched on a couple of days later. We stayed on a bed and breakfast basis, but ate at the hotel on the first night. The food was very good, and if staying again we would choose half board. The hotel is about 15 minutes walk from the lakeside and the centre of Riva del Garda. The route is mainly along back streets, so it's possible to avoid most of the traffic. One other comment about the hotel. Don't be tempted to use the underground car park. It has a VERY steep curved ramp. I didn't see anyone else attempt to use it. The ground level parking is fairly limited but we did manage to find a space each day. There is also an open air public car park on the opposite side of the main road.

astoria park is easily the best hotel and in the best location in riva, a 20 min walk down to the lake front quite flat busy roads to cross, if you are not good on your feet, taxi to centre 7 euro. Rooms as in brochure our room faced the front of hotelso had balcony view of road which is not a problem as when door shut you could hear no noise, but could still a view of italians maddly riding scooters piping horns waving flags when italy won at the football! To the food-for a 4star hotel the food was terrible breakfast the same everyday coffee machines broke down, constantly ran out of bread/eggs bacon/butter. Evening meal food was either very good ie-seabass/turbot or very bad, probably worst i have had in a 4 star hotel, this seems to be the norm in other hotels in italy. Iwould stay at this hotel for the views and pool area alone without a doubt it is stunning but would try to book room only!

My Fiance and I have just returned from a lovely holiday in Riva,Lake Garda. So much to do and so much time to relax made it one of the best holidays weve had. The hotel itself is impeccably clean and tidy,the staff are lovely and so talented in their knowledge of many languages. The rooms are as they look in the brochure,cleaned and changed everyday and theres lovely thick bath sheets,that makes a change! The mini bar is not bad price wise,the breakfasts for me could have been better but then I dont go in for breakfasts that often. The menu for the evening meal was never the same and some meals were just ok but others such as the seabass was to die for. I didnt rate our Holiday rep much though,she didnt inform you of any hotel info such as the fact that you pay your drinks bill at the end of the holiday rather than as you go,she was more interested in changing the subject to excursions and her personal info rather that making sure we were all ok,we had an issue with luggage and she was not at all interested in that,however thats the fault of First choice and NOT the Hotel. The brochures state that the Hotel is a short walk from the centre of Riva and the Lake,its actually about 20 minutes away,it ddint bother us at all but that may not be the case for others staying there. We didnt go in the outdoor pool as we were far to busy,and the indoor thermal pool wasnt so thermal but that wasnt too bad. The setting of the hotel is on the backdrop of the mountains and its so nice,our room had a slight veiw of the bus station but i got over that as i wasnt staring out of the window all day! I would stay at the hotel again without a doubt,I would say though if you dont want a modern Hotel or if you want a more traditional Italian Hotel then this may not be the place for you,We loved it and im sure anyone that stays there would do too. Everyone should visit Lake Garda....it should be law!! amazingly beautiful.

My husband and I stayed at the Astoria Park for a week during our honeymoon last July. For the most part, we had a lovely time. The weather was lovely and Riva was a very safe and relaxing destination. The hotel was very clean and well run. As we travelled with First Choice, we were shunted into a room overlooking the car park which we were not entirely pleased about - especially as it had twin beds! (We had stated it was our honeymoon when booking!) Nonetheless, it was a very clean and modern room with an excellent maid service so what can I say!? The pool was lovely and relaxing and didn't seem crowded at all in mid July. We also tried the indoor pool which was lovely to have a quick dip in after any treatments in the beauty centre. My husband is a very 'picky' eater and we were slightly worried about the food. It was mainly fine - I enjoyed the options most nights. The deserts weren't up to much and were mainly 'trolley style'. The walk to the town was about 20 minutes and I think that a courtesy bus is something the hotel should look into. All in all - a lovely relaxing destination and a very nice hotel - if a bit 'businessy'.

We spent a 5 day break at the Astoria Park over the New Year (2005/06) and can't praise the hotel and its attentive staff enough. The setting is stunning - at the base of a snow topped mountain and 5 minutes walk from Lake Garda. From check in to departure nothing was too much trouble but the highlight was the New Years Eve dinner. We were treated to a 10-course gourmet experience featuring the best of Italian cuisine, served by staff who worked for over 4 hours like a well trained army. There were also some nice touches like the complementary pack of mens cosmetics which appeared in the bathroom one day and a parting gift of a promotional CD. From the cleaners to bar staff and waiters the standard of service was extremely high - whoever is in charge here obviously knows their stuff. Highly recommended.

My wife and I enjoyed a 2 week break at the Astoria for our honeymoon. We had never been to Italy before and what a delightful suprise it was to visit a tourist resort that was so clean, well kept, friendly and beautiful. Riva Del Garda is wonderfully decorated, boasts wonderful views and has excellent restaurants. The Astoria hotel was equally as tastful with its manicured gardens, clean rooms and lovely food. The evening meal was different every single night and it was really tasty. Breakfast had something for everyone and does it really matter if coffee is from a machine? We certainly didn't mind. The staff were friendly no matter who you spoke to be it the cleaners, receptionists, waiters or bar staff. The pianist/singer and his assistant were good fun (they entertained us on a Thursday night) and sang a comical song called 'Georgy Porgy Pudding and Pie'! In terms of local attractions, no-one seems to have mentioned the local waterfall so go take a look - it's well the 4 euro entry fee. We truely felt spoilt and will definitely return within a couple of years. Go on book it up, you'll love it!

We have visited the Astoria Park three times in recent years, the last one in August 2005 with our baby. Every time we have been impressed with the standard of this hotel. Whilst it could be described as minimalistic modern business hotel, the gorgeous gardens and pool area soften the image. The quality of the food is first rate, supported by excellent waiters, and is a principal reason for our return trips. Sure, drinks at breakfast are served from a machine but to emphasise that is nit picking. The walk into Riva is 10-15 minutes and is very pleasant. We did the walk at least once every day and even with a baby we found it no problem. It is actually a pleasure to visit Riva rather than be based right in the centre. Some of the other good hotels are in some very ugly areas compared to the Astoria. Riva itself is a beautiful place that we have fallen in love with. Plenty of good shops, cafes and ice cream parlours plus lovely walks along the lakeshore. This is a resort for all ages. Furthermore, there are masses of places that you can visit using Riva as a base. Overall, the Astoria Park is a top class hotel in a top class resort. Knowing Riva as well as we now do I would not even consider any hotel within the resort.

Having research the hotels in Riva, we finally decided to stay at The Astoria in Riva del Garda. The Astoria is situated on via Trento, right next door to the coach / bus station for Riva. This is useful if you have arrived by public transport, or you wish to take day trips to Verona, Arco (10 minutes and the castle ruins are a must see), and most other destinations such as Malcesine (for the Monte Baldi cablecar ride). Otherwise, the centre of town is about 10 minutes, and it would take you about 15minutes (walking fast and thankfully it's downhill) to get to the boat terminal. By boat, we went to Limone (very beautiful town situated practically on the mountain edge, with a medieval lemon growing history), and Malcescine. The Astoria is a very pleasant relaxing modern hotel. There is a nice outdoor pool which is beautifully positioned in the garden and surrounded by the mountains. The pool never felt too busy or hectic (this was July) (or thankfully full of manic children which you sometimes have in resort hotels). Finding a lounger was no problem, and the stewards provide towels from their 'drinks and ice-creams hut'. The hotel is used by tour operators, but there was a mixture of nationalities (Riva is very popular with German speaking tourists, as well as Italians) The rooms are very well maintained. We paid the extra for a junior suite which had a free bar, dressing gowns and slippers. The balcony overlooked the gardens and the back of the hotel, though there could be massive variations on balcony views. You could be unlucky and have a view of the car park at the front. All ages and types use the hotel, from families with small children, honeymooners, couples, and groups. It caters for all looking for a relaxing hotel. However, I would air on the side of caution if you had small children, or found the 15mins walk (slightly uphill on the way back!) a physical challenge. With very sore feet, too much pasta and wine, this can be a challenge. Though don't let this put you off, as it pleasant evenings walk, in what seemed a very safe environment. The Astoria also provided an indoor pool and beauty treatments, though there is so much to do, I didn't use them. There is an internet connected computer near the reception which we used to research the next day trip. The staff were efficient and friendly, with enough English if you need to communicate with them. The bar area was very pleasant, with additional (and very comfy) couches if you just wanted a tea and a read of your book. The food was a good standard. The evening meal was very generous, and the breakfast was buffet style. Occasional live music was provided in the outside bar area, which added to a very pleasant 'drink on the balcony' moment. Overall, it is the only hotel and destination I have stayed in, that I would want to stay in again. Riva del Garda is the perfect destination, and I defy anyone not to fall in love with it.