Grand Hotel Fasano

This is a special place. Stunning property, meticulously maintained and managed, with genuinely warm service (not universally the case with 5* in Italy). Expensive but you get what you pay for. It’s superb. Only downside is that it’s a historic property and you need to accept - ideally, welcome - its quirks. But the things that matter - plumbing, electrics and HVAC - all work faultlessly.

Stayed for a wedding and had an unbelievable experience here. Lots of attention to detail from all the staff and the restaurants are great (lunch was slightly pricey for what it was in the garden restaurant - good food but slightly small portions). The Michelin restaurant well worth the visit. Fantastic experience. You definitely get what you pay for here. Great hotel. Great experience.

Pros Spectacular view of the Lake, truly breathtaking. Wonderful lounge area around pool and lake, plenty of loungers, fresh towels etc. Pool staff are wonderful, very friendly and they provide guests with complimentary ice-cream, fruit, nuts etc, a lovely touch. Amazing to take a swim in the lake with plenty of easy access. The spa is fantastic, I had 2 massages and both were divine, absolutely heaven. Thank-you to Susi. Breakfast was pretty good, a wide and varied selection but the off menu selection was very poor. Eggs Benedict was one egg on an extremely stale muffin, inedible. Waffles with Nutella was one tiny waffle, and I wasn’t a fan of the French toast which was like cake. The omelette was ok though but I would just stick to the buffet. The croissants and pastries were fantastic. Room cleanliness really great, no complaints. Staff in terrace bar were really professional, courteous and offered prompt service always with a smile. We didn’t eat in the 2 main restaurants just the Magnolia and terrace bar and after a week were bored with the options as we had 2 teenagers with us they weren’t keen on trying the Michelin star restaurant so we went out for evening meals. The terrace bar is fabulous what a view, lovely and quiet with background piano playing. Cons Oh how we wish we had hired a car, you can’t just pop to a shop or a restaurant, you need to walk 15-20 minutes and in searing heat this is not pleasant. Impossible to get a taxi, we tried! The hotel can provide a courtesy car but a 4minute drive to Il Vittoriale will cost you 25 euros ( one way) and a 6min trip to Salò a cool 35 euro ( one way) All in all we enjoyed our first trip to Italy very much. The people are so so lovely and friendly. We’ll be back but will try somewhere closer to a town next time within walking distance.