Du Parc Hotel

We have just returned from a week in Lake Garda staying at the Hotel Du Parc in Columbare close to the ancient town of Sirmione. The hotel was excellent - it was clean, the staff were helpful and friendly. The food was of a very high standard with the bonus, thanks to the package we booked, of having a free bottle of wine and water each night. The package also included a free day trip to Verona and, for us, was another outstanding last minute bargain courtesy of the teletext website. The Hotel Du Parc is a short stroll away from Columbare. The walk to Sirmione is about 30 minutes but a delightful route. The hotel also operates a free mini-bus shuttle to the town which has attractions including a clifftop Roman villa and a spa. We also made very good use of the hotel's bikes to tour the area. Sirmione is a great base for exploring Garda with good boat connections to all the main towns.

We booked fairly last minute and got a good deal to the Hotel du Parc in Sirmione. After reading the reviews we were looking forward to the Hotel however we found that the reality - although we had an enjoyable holiday - unfortunately did not entirely match our expectations. The hotel is very clean and well maintained with overall friendly and helpful staff - arriving late on our first day we had a cold buffet ready for us in our room and requesting an extra pillow at the late hour was no problem. The exterior was very well looked after and the reception/bar area was also welcoming albeit slightly dated but it had a quality feel. Our room was satisfactory - slightly cramped - with a plus point of a very large and comfortable bed which was very nice. The bathroom was clean however was particularly dated. Our balcony overlooked the lake (we paid extra for this) however the lake was some distance away (see pictures). The room was regularly cleaned and tidied to a high standard. We were on a half board basis. Breakfast was OK with a buffet selection which unfortunately did not vary much but it was always possible to find something to please. Regarding the evening meal - as far as evening meals go in hotels it was good in that the four course waiter served menu changed daily and included a free bottle of wine and mineral water and there was always a choice of courses. However it still felt like a canteen experience and although the food was acceptable by the end of the week we were choosing to eat out (we are not fussy eaters by any means). We didn't like having to order our evening meal at breakfast. We found the waiting staff very good, attentive and friendly however the restaurant manager had particularly bad body odour which was really off-putting. Pool area was nice - quite small - but there were always enough sun loungers to go round. It was nice in the evening to sit out for a drink round the pool. For us the location of the hotel was a bit of a drawback - it was about 40 minutes walk into Sirmione and around 10 minutes into local Columbare. There wasn't a great deal to do in Columbare however. The hotel did provide a free courtesy bus which ran four times a day which was very useful. If the courtesy bus times didnt suit there was regular buses at the end of the road which were inexpensive (it was fun however trying to pre-empt the Italian version of a timetable which could be more luck than judgement but we got quite good at it by the end of the week). We knew that the hotel was out of the centre so it wasn't a surprise but it was a bit tiring by the end of the week having to get in and out of Sirmione and now with experience if we went back we would not stay so far out. Sirmione itself was nice however was very touristy (I visited approx 13 years ago and it was not at all then). We found unfortunately that it was very touristy wherever we went on the lake and could get very busy especially at the weekend. Overall we had a nice enjoyable holiday but the hotel food did not live up to our exectations - I think perhaps that is down to us not being half board people rather than the hotel particularly. We chatted to another couple who regularly holidayed half board and they were very impressed by the food, waiter service, free wine etc -they commented that often evening meal is a predictable buffet in some hotels. The location was also a drawback. However that said I would not have a problem recommending the hotel - as I say the problems were perhaps down to our preferences rather than the hotel itself. In terms of Sirmione itself - a beautiful old town but overrun with tourists which spoils its charm but still worth a visit.

We booked pretty last minute and although the weather wasnt great (3 days rain etc) the sunshine and being on holiday combined with the hotel staff (hello Paulo & Maria) and the great position in the area, made it worthwhile. Its true that maybe some of the decor is dated, but it is spotless and maybe things will be changed if work is being done to the new wing. The food was pretty consistant, with some lovely meals that really stood out. I think the only down side was the repetitive breakfasts but nothing to really complain about. The hotel itself, as is pointed out, is about 10 minutes easy walk to Colombare center for bars, supplies and super market and is about 1 minutes walk to the Verona bus stop. Sirmione itself is very pretty, but at the same time very touristy. This isnt too bad when not busy and i guess even then isnt too bad, especially with the ice cream shops that compete for your attention with mountains of fresh ice creams! The shopping is a bit repetative but there are a couple of nice places, in particular the little boutique Elle where my wives Prada birthday heels came from. Food in Sirmione is generally excellent as well but a special mention has to go to Antica Trattoria La Speranzinaon Via Dante, behind the castle. We are both in full agreement that we have never had such good food and fantastic service, how this place is not award winning I do not know as it is out of this world. We will return!

Fairly good hotel situated in a nice quite area.About 2 miles from Sirmione town. We had a room in the new / refurbished wing with Lake view and it was very good. Some had rooms in the older part and were not too happy with their view and quality of rooms etc. Whilst we were there some work was still being undertaken on the new wing,guests were unable to sit on their balconies because of this work.And it was noisy at times for others. I suppose the major disapointment for us was the fact that we went to dinner one night and the salad buffet had run out of boiled eggs and no more were available.Then also had to keep asking for more tomatoes. Seeing that an hour was still left for dinner this could provide a picture of the attitude of the hotel management. What a simple basic staple to run out of in a 4 star hotel This sort of simple service aspect does sour your overall opinion of any hotel. And if it wasn't for this we'd say it was 3 star +. But now we'd say 3 star and no more. Still a nice area to stay and the hotel is convenient,but consider bed and breakfast as there is a large restaurant on the doorstep.

recently returned from Lake Garda with a stay at the Hotel du Parc in Sirmione. Although the hotel is some distance from the old town of Sirmione, the town of Columbare is literally round the corner where there are numerous restaurants, bars, banks and a supermarket (walking distance 10-15mins to supermarket). The hotel operates a free shuttle bus to the old town and the public bus stop is a short walk away. The hotel certainly lives up to its 4 star rating. When we checked in and was given a room which we felt was quite dark (there was a very large tree outside), we were moved the next morning with no problems. The breakfast is a feast with both continental and hot food, and the evening meal is equally wonderful. 4 courses with complimentary wine and water. The staff are very attentive and nothing is too much trouble. Would certainly recommend the hotel and the resort is usually the first drop off and last pick up for tour operators, something to bear in mind when booking coach trips!

We found our stay at this 4 star Hotel, absolutely fantastic. For a start the weather was a bonus for this time of year, 27 September 2006, thought it would be colder. Situated about a 40 minute pleasant walk from Sirmione, the hotel was excellent, very clean well kept rooms, good size bathroom, not such a good view but then it is the luck of the draw, we didn't spend too much time on the balcony. The staff were extremely helpful, nothing too much trouble and a wide variety of food, very well presented. There is a very reliable courtesy mini bus to take you to Sirmione if you can't manage the walk.

We booked our holiday to Lake Garda only 4 days before departure and therefore the available hotels were limited. However the Du Parc is a great hotel. The location of the hotel is not great around a 20-30 min walk to the old town centre of Sirmione but the walk is very pleasant and a bus does run from the hotel if required. While the rooms are a little dated with red 70's decor in the bathrooms for example they are of a good size and cleaned daily. The hotel's pool area is nice and not too busy and there is also a good sized pool. The jewel in the crown of this hotel is however the food. We were on half board which consisted of a buffet style continental breakfast and a 4 course evening meal. The salad and desserts were buffet style but the pasta and meat dishes were plated in the kitchen and of the highest quailty. Booking through Crystal also allowed us to enjoy a free bottle of wine each night. Changing to lunch if required was also no problem and wine was even provided in our packed lunch! The waiter staff were excellent and while the head waiter looks like Basil Fawlty this is definitely not Fawlty Towers!

Peaceful and relaxing setting for this comfortable 4star Hotel. Situated at south end of Sirmione peninsular. 5 minute walk to Columbare bars restaurants etc., and conveniently for local buses into Sirmione and out to nearby Desenzano and Perschiera. Hotel is very clean and well maintained with friendly staff and good waiter service evening meals. Breakfasts were buffet style and could have had a little more English food but everything was OK, lovely fresh bread. Only slight drawback was location, 40 minute walk into Sirmione to reach ferry stop.(hotel operates free shuttle bus in to town several times a day) Very pleasant pool area and reasonable bar prices. Don't miss Lake Garda, it's beautiful and has so many different resorts/towns to visit, all around its shores, all with their own different characteristics. Bella Italia. Forgot to mention we visited hotel June 2006. A few Italian families, otherwise mainly adullt English and German guests.

We have read the above comments about this hotel and entirely agree with them as we also had a lovely time when we stayed there in September. We are the Oldies of 70 years + ! The staff were very pleasant especially on Reception and most helpful for any queries. The food was great and for us being in another country it was nice to come down to the Dining Room looking forward to the evening meal. Not always the case when abroad. We are hoping to return again for another very enjoyable and relaxing holiday maybe who knows next year.

We have just returned from Sirmione & the Du Parc Hotel. It was our 1st trip to Italy & definitely not the last. The hotel was lovely - with our room facing the marina & lake. Food was fine, breakfast substantial, while there was plenty of choice for dinner. We were also able to swap dinner for lunch when we went on late afternoon trips, which was great. The walk to Sirmione town took 40 minutes but the hotel provided a courtesy bus several times daily for those who couldn't or didn't want to walk. The other guests were mainly in their late 60 & 70's which was a bit offputting at the beginning of our stay, but as we were not intending late nights we soon got used to it. The hotel put on entertainment 2 evenings, which was reasonable, again more suited to the older guests, but Columbare is only a 10 minute walk away if you wanted something different. We had a fantastic meal in La Grifon in Sirmione which was recommended by our rep for a special anniversary. It didn't disappoint!! All in all a great break & we would definitely recommend both the hotel & Sirmione.