My wife and I recently returned from a 2 week stay at the Splendid Palace, it is interesting to look back at some of the reviews to see how our experience compared.

First of all the negatives, and they are only minor points.
It is true that some of the features of the rooms are past their "sell by date", and in need of refurbishment.

With regard to the dining experience, yes there was a good choice of dishes but unfortunately (as in most Italian hotels) the hot food was never really hot, this was especially true at breakfast with lukewarm scrambled eggs and frankfurters and very greasy bacon.
We found also that by the time we went down for dinner, the selection of meat and fish on the salad buffet had been depleted so if you weren't in the dining room at 6.30 - 7.00pm you missed out.

Happily the positives outweighed the minus points, undoubtedly the staff are the hotels' best asset, they were all friendly, courteous and nothing was too much trouble.
The hotel itself was clean and in an excellent location, Limone is just a short 5 minute walk away and the ferry terminal is very near, and yet there was peace and quiet to ensure a very relaxing stay with no traffic noise.

We never had a problem with finding sunbeds in good locations near the pool, although in high season I imagine this could be difficult. We were certainly spoilt for choice with 2 outdoor pools and a superb indoor pool and jacuzzi, all very clean and well - maintained.

I noted some comments regarding the size of the shower cubicles, all I will say is that I am approx 18 stone and found the cubicles more than adequate. Yes, the beds are very firm so take note if you like a soft mattress as you may be in for a surprise.
Our room was large, with a balcony overlooking the lake and mountains and it would be hard to find a better view.
Sheets and towels were changed daily, and again everything was very clean with a good air conditioning unit.

The short walk into Limone is not very steep or strenuous, although guests with mobility or breathing problems may be better suited to another location. Anyone who has been to and enjoyed Sicily will certainly have no problems.

With hindsight, we enjoyed our stay but wish we had booked for one week in Limone and another week in Lake Como, for example. Limone is nice but you have pretty much exhausted all there is to see and do after the first 3 or 4 days.

The excursion into the Dolomites is excellent, we were tempted to visit Venice but decided that we didn't want to spend a total of 6 hours on a coach.
Cheap flights from most airports make a short break to really explore the city an attractive proposition.

In conclusion, we enjoyed our holiday but - unlike a lot of guests - we won't be returning. If you want a relaxing holiday and are not too fussy about your meals (roast lamb, spinach and chips??) then this is the hotel for you.

What a lovely hotel the Splendid Palace is and what is not to like?! I had visited this hotel to use its pool about 4 years ago whilst staying at the sister hotel, Le Palme. I decided that, because all rooms had a lake view and the single room supplement was not too expensive, I would give the Splended a try. I was quite surprised to read some of the not so complementary reviews about the hotel after I had booked it. I'm pleased to say that I was very happy at the Splended, despite having the smallest room ever, but wonderful views over the lake and Limone and a lovely balcony which got the sun all day. The downside, however, (there had to be one!) was that I was on floor 1 which is the floor below reception/bar area and of course on an evening it was noisy with the entertainment and the sound of people tapping their feet/moving chairs, etc above my head. Not a problem if you are out all night but if you wanted an early night, not so good. (Room 105). I did ask for a high floor and was greatful for this as the views are spectacular so all in all I was happy in my little room.

I see that some people have commented about certain nationalities putting the towels out early on the sunbeds. I agree that this is a problem but it wasn't the Germans, oh no, shame on you Irish and Brits. One Irish couple had their towels out before 8 am and didn't use the beds until 3 pm!!!! I never witnessed any Germans putting their towels out at all, so how times have changed!!!

The food in the hotel I would say was average to good, but nothing spectacular. Breakfast and evening meals are buffet style with the chefs dishing the evening meal out for you. Breakfast was very repetitive but okay. The bonus, though, is the free soft drinks/lager/wines on an evening - unlimited supply as long as you are in the restaurant. This is certainly a good saving.

The hotel was very clean and all the staff very friendly. I could've happily stayed another week - my one week not being long enough!!

I met some lovely people at the Splended - thanks to Sue and Stuart and especially Wendy and Alan for their company. What a great bunch of people and certainly helped make my holiday.

Would I go back to the Splended? Most definitely. The hotel is just a short walk away from town down a narrow lane which, coming back up can be a bit of a struggle if you're unfit like me (ha ha) but its position is just perfect.

Well, what more can I say. I've not been back 24 hours yet and missing it already!! Give it a try - you won't be disappointed.

PS: Who is Marcello?????

Long trip on the bus to this hotel was well worth the trouble. Geat food wonderfull views and all the staff were great. Trips around the lakes to the villages were avaiable from the jetty 75 mtrs from the hotel....unbeeeleeevable. The clean rooms were very big and airy...Helena the bar person will always be remembered for her kindness and smile every day. Kathleen and I will be back 2009 I think. Superb.......Craig barnett Newburgh Fife Room 220.

We stayed for a week in the Hotel Splendid Palace. We had a lovely view from our rooms of the lake and the old lemon groves. All of the staff from the reception, bar and dining room were all very friendly and helpful. The cleaning staff worked very hard and did a great job, even relocating our washing on the balcony so it would be in the maximum position for drying! The food was excellent with a wide variety of meals on offer and having free drinks with the evening meal was an added bonus and a nice touch.
The area of Limone is very beautiful and many towns around the lake are accessible from the ferry terminal located near the hotel.

I would reccommend this hotel to anybody.

P.S Give Marcella a break!!!