Lake Garda Places to see and stay

We have always loved Sirmione. It's at the bottom of Lake Garda and sits on a small finger out into the lake. It has a charming old town section with restricted driving. there is a castle with a moat and bridge to enter the main part. You don't say what month you'll be there. If it's in the summer the place can be very crowded with folks enjoying the lake. Gardaland is also on the east side, but we have never had an interest in going. We like the drive up the western side on the lake to Riva del Garda. Much more scenic, I feel

I'm with Ron - Sirmione. Take a ferry to no-where in particular for lunch, and enjoy the trip. I did have some trouble buying a ticket though, as the chap in the office had no English and I have very ordinary Italian. And he closed the booth for lunch!!! So buy early and then wander around until the ferry is due.

It looks like the hotel you mentioned is actually in Desenzano del Garda. I'd still suggest Sirmione. there are several places in the old town. I just can't think of any of the ones we have stayed at right now.

Yes, it is in Desenzano del Garda, but is that not only a KM or so from Sirmione ? I thought we could drive or walk to Sirmione. I wanted to stay closer, but the costs escalated very rapidly above 150 euros. What do you think?

We stayed at Hotel Grifone in Sirmione and it was 60 euro/nite. Great restaurant in the hotel. Hotel is right next to a castle on the water. We had to go across a draw bridge to get over the moat to get to the hotel. We had a partial view of the lake from our room. The pedestrian area of the town has lots of shops, restaurants and gelaterias. We rented lounge chairs and umbrellas at the beach not far from the hotel. We really liked Sirmione.

Cynthia,

I cannot pull up a website or email for Grifone. Do you have one? Did you book direct or use some service like Booking.com ???
Thanks, Nick Natunic