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Here's a little Italian lesson that will come in very handy when you're choosing places to stay: "Castello" means "castle. "Belvedere" means "beautiful view." See how easy? With only a two-word vocabulary, you know this is a place you'd like to call home for a few days. Set high above the southern shores of Lake Garda, a mere hour from Venice and much closer to Verona, it was the genteel home of an old aristocratic family whose last member lived here until her death twenty years ago. After the mandatory period of neglect, the entire estate, which includes acres and acres of prized olive trees, was purchased and beautifully restored. Today it comprises twenty-seven spacious apartments laid out around a central garden facing the vast silvery lake, the promontory of ancient Sirmione, and the snowy Alps to the north.
Although it is cloaked in soothing silence provided by the 50,000 square-yard natural park of which it is a part, the 18th-century castle is a mere twenty-minute walk from Desenzano, a lively lakeside resort town which has plenty of elegant boutiques, fine restaurants and trendy pizzerias. In warmer months, water sports such as windsurfing, swimming and sailing abound, and the nights (which can be deadly dull in some bucolic rural retreats) are enlivened by friendly dance clubs and bars. If you want to indulge in the laziest of excursions, you can take a ferry around the lake stopping in the tiny villages whose makeup differs considerably if they are on the Veneto or Lombardy shore. Equally carefree is the brief train or bus ride to Venice, Verona or Bergamo. Drivers are advised to spend a day visiting the local Soave and Valpolicella wineries, and the many picture-perfect hilltowns where their makers have their homes. Or do a bit of shopping at some of the nearby designer outlets. And on the day that none of this appeals, grab a good novel and lounge by the spectacular swimming pool, which seems to be suspended above the lake itself. Treat yourself to a nap, then stroll to the friendly farm only 50 yards away and end a perfect day with a delicious home-cooked dinner.
You'll find the accommodations offer everything you require at Castello Belvedere, thanks to the ever-watchful care of manager Mauro Bernardi. It was he who brought the buildings back to life, so it's no wonder he is fanatically devoted to their constant improvement. The large sunny living rooms offer a double sleep sofa, dining table and chairs, arm chairs, direct-dial telephone and satellite TV. One- and two-bedroom apartments have a kitchenette or separate kitchen with fridge, cooktop, microwave oven and both American and Italian coffeemakers.
Bedrooms have two twin beds or one king-sized bed with excellent mattresses, plenty of closet space and double-glazed picture windows. Big tiled bathrooms feature modern tubs or walk-in showers, good lighting, magnifying mirrors and toiletry sets (some of the two-bedroom apartments have two bathrooms). All the rooms are airconditioned, and many of the apartments have large furnished balconies overlooking the lake. If you need a hair dryer or iron and board, don't hesitate to ask the housekeeping staff. And even workaholics can rejoice: there's a modem hook-up in the living room and another in the bedroom.
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| Nightly Rates for 2008 (per apartment) Three-Night Minimum Except Saturday-to-Saturday in High Season |
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| Low Season: Jan. 8-March 18 April 7-30 Sept. 29-Dec. 21 |
Mid Season: May 24-June 22 Sept. 7-28 |
High Season: March 19-April 6 May 1-23 June 23-Sept. 6 Dec. 22-Jan. 8, 2008 |
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| Studio | 68.00 EURO | 115.00 EURO | 130.00 EURO |
| One-Bedroom with Balcony |
105.00 EURO | 170.00 EURO | 200.00 EURO |
| One-Bedroom without Balcony |
85.00 EURO | 130.00 EURO | 180.00 EURO |
| Two-Bedroom with Balcony |
125.00 EURO | 205.00 EURO | 245.00 EURO |
| Two-Bedroom without Balcony |
105.00 EURO | 170.00 EURO | 220.00 EURO |
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Prices include: taxes, services, electricity, water, gas, heating and air conditioning. Bed and bath linens are extra after the first seven days and cost 13 Euro/person, paid to the castle. Cleaning is also available for 80 Euro (one-bedroom apartment) or 110 Euro (two-bedroom apartment). There are no elevators in the castle so kindly tell us if you need to be on the ground floor. All bathrooms have showers except a few in the old villa, in apartments without balconies. Please specify if you want a tub. Front desk service is available 9 a.m.-noon and during the hours listed below. We regret it is not possible to arrive outside of check-in times. Check-in April 1-October 31: 3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Check-in November 1- March 31: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. |
 Mauro |
It is possible to stay here without a car, if you don't mind walking about 25 minutes from the station or taking a 5-minute cab ride. A bus now goes several times daily to Desenzano from Bergamo (Orio al Serio) Airport.
Click here for information about private transfers to the property.
