T+L’s Hotel Review of Grand Hotel Fasano Lake Garda Italy

On a recent journey through northern Italy, I found myself fielding a recurring question: “Are you going to the lake?” Most assumed I meant Lake Como when I said yes, and every single person told me I made the better choice when I revealed I was headed to Lake Garda.

Italy’s largest lake, Garda, is often overshadowed by its glitzier cousin, Lake Como, but it offers equally beautiful emerald waters and charming lakeside towns. On its western shore in the town of Gardone Riviera, Grand Hotel Fasano is a living piece of history. Originally built in 1888 as a hunting lodge for the Austrian imperial family, Grand Hotel Fasano has evolved over the decades from a regal retreat into a gathering place for Europe’s creative elite. (The guestbook includes names like Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, and German writer Paul Heyse—all luminaries who reportedly found inspiration here.) In 1989, it was designated a National Heritage Site by the Italian Ministry of Culture, and today, the hotel remains one of the region’s most glamorous addresses.

When I arrived at the hotel, I wandered toward the lakefront promenade where I discovered the true magic of Grand Hotel Fasano: the view. Vast and shimmering under the sun, it has a way of pausing everything else, in my case, even the necessary act of actually checking into the hotel. What struck me the most was how effortlessly the hotel manages to be both elevated and comfortable.

When Grand Hotel Fasano recently reopened for the 2025 season, it introduced a newly built wing with four new suites and a major spa refresh. Below, my full review of Grand Hotel Fasano along Italy’s Lake Garda.

The Rooms

With 86 rooms and suites spread across nine categories, Grand Hotel Fasano’s accommodations range in size from 215 square feet for a standard room to 968 square feet for its suites. Most rooms boast either full or partial views of Lake Garda, framing the serene waters through elegant windows or sun-drenched balconies.

The newest addition to the lineup are the 970-square-foot lake view suites, located in the hotel’s recently unveiled Spa Wing, a dedicated space directly connected to the Aqva Spa by elevator.

“The four new suites offer a fresh and contemporary decor with warm tones and custom-made furniture,” Alice Lancini, the director of sales and marketing of Grand Hotel Fasano, tells Travel + Leisure. She explained that two of the suites can be connected to executive rooms, making them an excellent choice for families. Additional suite amenities include sofa beds, lake-view balconies, separate living areas, and bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and double vanities.

I checked into one of the new light-filled suites. Its crown jewel was the balcony, which opened up to uninterrupted views of the lake and the hotel’s waterfront promenade. The suite’s comfort turned each day into a dilemma: should I step outside and explore or stay in and peruse the view from my room?

Food and Drink

Each of Grand Hotel Fasano’s four restaurants and bars—Magnolia, Il Pescatore, Il Fagiano, and Rama’s Lounge Bar—offers its own lens into the region’s culinary scene.

My first meal here was a late lunch at Magnolia, a relaxed daytime eatery. What began as a quick bite to hold me over until dinner turned into a fully fledged feast of lemon tagliolini with swordfish ragu, maccheroncini cacio e pepe with citrus, and paccheri pasta with tomatoes, burrata, and basil. I ended the meal with a classic tiramisu, which confirmed what I already suspected: I was in for some gastronomic treats during my stay.

At Il Pescatore, the focus shifts to local seafood. I sampled a trio of seafood dishes, including a delicately stuffed squid, a creative fisherman’s lasagna, and a beautifully cooked sea bass. Each dish was unique to the restaurant and not repetitive of what I had already tasted in the hotel.

As for breakfast, there’s a robust offering of everything, from a DIY mimosa bar to sweet and savory dishes like quiche, pizzettes, and even the viral flat croissant with chocolate and pistachio.

And, there’s Il Fagiano, which earned its first Michelin star in 2024 under chef Maurizio Bufi. The restaurant has two tasting menus (including a vegetarian option with gluten-free accommodations) and an à la carte selection. “The tasting menu is a sensory journey that blends tradition and innovation, with dishes that tell stories of flavors and creative fusion,” Bufi tells T+L. “The restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in respect for nature and the celebration of local products, ensuring an authentic and innovative gastronomic experience.”

Bufi’s devotion to seasonality and sourcing is evident in every course. “We carefully select raw materials, combining local flavors with international influences,” he says. Some of the chef’s notable dishes include risotto with lemon, burrata, and licorice, and spaghetti with oysters and raspberries.

Lastly, Rama’s Lounge Bar is set on an idyllic terrace, where I found myself returning daily—for an afternoon cocktail, a casual bite, or a quiet moment to take in the views. It’s the kind of place that invites lingering, whether you’re watching the sun set over the lake or simply pausing between excursions.

Activities and Experiences

Guests of Grand Hotel Fasano enjoy access to the lakeside pool, the Aqva Spa, and complimentary paddle boards and kayaks. During my late April stay, the water was still and inviting—ideal for a morning kayaking session, gliding quietly across the lake’s surface.

“Grand Hotel Fasano boasts its own private dock, ready to transport guests onto the sparkling waters of Lake Garda. The concierge can arrange unforgettable experiences, from sailing aboard a historic ship to cruising in timeless style on a Riva Aquariva,” Lancini says. “Water skiing, windsurfing, and paddle-boarding are also available.”

For those eager to explore beyond the lake, the hotel offers a variety of curated excursions. Options range from wine and olive tastings at local estates to helicopter tours over the Dolomites. Cultural outings to nearby attractions—like the lush Sigurtà Park, the Gardaland amusement park, or the ancient Verona Arena—are also easily arranged.

However, there’s one experience that Lancini emphasizes not to overlook: “Gardone Riviera is well known for its rosé and olive oil,” she says, encouraging future guests to take advantage of the local wine and oil tastings.

During my visit, I made time to visit Salò, the nearest town and home to the lake’s longest promenade, before embarking on a day trip with local travel company Airone Transfer. I wandered the charming streets of Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda, and Malcesine, wrapping up the day with a ferry ride that offered breathtaking views of the lake.

The Spa

When the hotel reopened, it welcomed guests with an elevated wellness experience at its Aqva Spa, which now extends over an additional 5,381 square feet.

The latest enhancements include a serene winter garden with a relaxation space, a 12-seat Jacuzzi, and a fully renovated sauna and steam bath area, complete with an ice pool. The new additions build on the spa’s existing offerings: the indoor-outdoor swimming pool (connected through a covered tunnel), Turkish baths, and a spa garden that opens directly onto the lake.

Family-friendly Offerings

Grand Hotel Fasano takes pride in its family-friendly spirit. “We warmly welcome families and furry friends, setting us apart from other hotels in Gardone Riviera,” Lancini says. “A favorite among children is the outdoor pool, complete with a fun waterslide that promises hours of enjoyment under the sun.” Families can also book connecting suites and rooms.

What’s more, just off the hotel’s elegant lobby sits a charming surprise: a table generously stocked with a flavorful assortment of candies. While clearly intended for younger guests, I admittedly found myself making more than a few visits for a sweet pick-me-up.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Grand Hotel Fasano is wheelchair-accessible and offers rooms for mobility-impaired guests.

Recent renovations have prioritized natural materials, while cutting-edge heat pump systems now provide emission-free heating and cooling throughout the hotel.

Location

Grand Hotel Fasano sits on the shores of Lake Garda, set within a lush 130,000-square-foot park teeming with palm and banana trees. Nestled at the foothills of the Dolomites, the hotel lies equidistant (about 90 miles) from Milan and Venice, making it an ideal midpoint for those exploring northern Italy.

The nearest train station, in Brescia, is approximately a 45-minute drive away, while the charming town of Salò, home to the lake’s longest promenade, is just 15 minutes by car. (Though, don’t be duped by the distance—you’ll still need a car to visit this town.)

For those eager to venture farther, the picturesque village of Limone sul Garda is an easy 30-minute drive along scenic lakeside roads.

Book Now

Grand Hotel Fasano is part of Leading Hotels of the World, so guests can earn points through the Leaders Club loyalty program. Perks include redeeming points for free nights, daily breakfast, and pre-arrival upgrades. Guests can also save up to 35 percent off on rates and special arrangements by booking directly with the hotel.

Nightly rates at Grand Hotel Fasano start from $750.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.