An October 2001 trip to Lake Garda by gosusan
Quote: With crystal clear waters surrounded by steep mountains, Lago di Garda would be worth a visit just for the scenery. But now add castles and charming towns and you feel like you stepped into a fairy tale. One of these towns, Malcesine, is called "The Pearl of Garda."
Overview
Hotel
The hotel is about 2km from the center of town. All that is visible from the street is the parking lot (on top of the hotel.) Hotel Piana is rated a 3-star, and the decor and the rooms are basic, not beautiful. But the real attraction is the lake view from the balcony rooms. Pay the $10-$20 extra to have this unabstructed view, only 50'' from the shore. With Lago di Garda in the background and the Castello di Malcesine to keep you company, who needs to spend the extra lira on a fancy place to sleep?
For more information, go to: http://www.hotelpaina.com/
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 14, 2001
Hotel Paina Via Paina Lake Garda, Italy 045-7400301
Restaurant
But is it worth it?
The hotel (and much of Garda) has many German guests. Therefore, the food is Italian food cooked by Italians for Germans. In my opinion, this is still better than Italian food cooked by Germans, or, heaven forbid, German food cooked by anyone. The limited menu focuses on meat, potatoes, and rich sauces. But the salad and antipasto buffet at the beginning is nice, and, after a long day of sightseeing, this food hits the spot. So it's worth eating here if you are staying at the Hotel Piena for a couple nights. You can then used the money saved for a splurge at a nice restaurant elsewhere.
And by the way, the breakfasts are in the German style, and so are quite acceptable and filling.
Member Rating 2 out of 5 on November 14, 2001
Dinner at Hotel Paina Via Paina Lake Garda, Italy (045) 740-0301
Attraction
The castle dominates the lakeshore and rises above the town. Visitors approach by foot through a labyrinth of twisting passageways and for a fee can enter during the day. Inside are several interesting exhibits, some with English translations. There's a primer on Garda geology, flora and fauna, as well as historical displays on the various local wars. But the real reason to go is to run around the battlements and climb to the top tower for a view above the town and the lake. All that's necessary to complete the picture is a fair princess and an evil sorceress.
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 14, 2001
Castello Scaligero di Malcesine Heart of the old town Lake Garda, Italy
Attraction | "The ferry from Macesine to Limone and Riva"
Be warned that even on a sunny and warm day lake crossings are windy and chilly, especially if you decide to sit in the open area up front for the best view. But what are a few goosebumps compared to the thrill of riding the waves back to Malcesine, under the shadow of the castle, like adventurers ready to seize the town?
For more information on Riva, Limone, and other attractions on Garda's west shore, see my journal on Riva di Garda.
Ferry from Macesine to Limone and Riva Dock at Malcesine Lake Garda, Italy
Attraction | "Watersports on Garda"
http://www.gardainforma.com/english/malcesine/malcesine.htm
- Watersports Lake Garda, Italy
gosusan San Francisco, California
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