Possibly the best hotel in Malcesine
We enjoyed our stay at the three-star Hotel Erika
The personal touch makes this hotel. This is because the friendly owner, Erika, also runs the reception and bar. As such, she is able to: interact with her guests in an organic way and build relationships (however fleeting).
The antithesis to the usual travel experience.
A room with a view at Hotel Erika by Steve Cooke
We arrived at 10am and were able to check in straight-away. This obviously depends on whether the rooms are ready or not - but some hotels can be unnecessarily arsey about this.
Our friends also stayed at the hotel for their honeymoon evening. Erika intuitively arranged for rose-petals to be spread over their bed. Also, as a lovely gesture, on check-out - we were all given a paint-print of Malcesine castle.
The room was spotlessly clean and the bathroom immaculate and modern. Shower only - no bath. Most hotels in Malcesine are tired. Not the Erika. It was the most contemporary we saw.
In a perfect world the Erika would be by the lake or have lake views. However the location is still good. It is only a few minutes walk downhill through narrow cobbled streets to the harbour and water. A few minutes only if you are not distracted by the endless rows of handbags, man-bags, jewellery, knick-knacks and shoes. Then there are the intimate and lively piazzas full of restaurants and gelaterias to contend with.
Malcesine from Strada Panoramica by Steve Cooke
As a side note: restaurants in Malcesine are warm and personal. Unsurprisingly, there is only Italian food on the menu. If you are looking for a decent gelato (made in-store with fresh fruit, cream or chocolate) - go somewhere else. Preferably Verona.
The rooms are a decent size (at a guess 25 - 30 sq/m) and all have balconies. We had a room with a view. Ask for number 16. It looks-on-to the castle - a stone's throw away.
Internet access can be bought for 3.00€ for one-hour (or 7.00€ for three-hours) however access is restricted to the bar, dinning area and garden. No Internet in the bedrooms.
The breakfast was the normal by European standards. That is to say the standard fare: breads, spreads, muesli, cereal, coffee, tea. You can have your egg any style you like - so long as it is boiled.
The rooms cost about 120.00€ per-night in July (2009). An advance deposit was necessary via International Bank transfer. In addition the hotel doesn't take credit cards (cash only). Fiddly. In fairness, this is not unique to the Erika and is typical of small hotels in Italy.
However, when all said and done - were the question asked: would I stay there again? The answer would be: definitely.
Website: Hotel Erika
The personal touch makes this hotel. This is because the friendly owner, Erika, also runs the reception and bar. As such, she is able to: interact with her guests in an organic way and build relationships (however fleeting).
The antithesis to the usual travel experience.
A room with a view at Hotel Erika by Steve CookeWe arrived at 10am and were able to check in straight-away. This obviously depends on whether the rooms are ready or not - but some hotels can be unnecessarily arsey about this.
Our friends also stayed at the hotel for their honeymoon evening. Erika intuitively arranged for rose-petals to be spread over their bed. Also, as a lovely gesture, on check-out - we were all given a paint-print of Malcesine castle.
The room was spotlessly clean and the bathroom immaculate and modern. Shower only - no bath. Most hotels in Malcesine are tired. Not the Erika. It was the most contemporary we saw.
In a perfect world the Erika would be by the lake or have lake views. However the location is still good. It is only a few minutes walk downhill through narrow cobbled streets to the harbour and water. A few minutes only if you are not distracted by the endless rows of handbags, man-bags, jewellery, knick-knacks and shoes. Then there are the intimate and lively piazzas full of restaurants and gelaterias to contend with.
Malcesine from Strada Panoramica by Steve Cooke
As a side note: restaurants in Malcesine are warm and personal. Unsurprisingly, there is only Italian food on the menu. If you are looking for a decent gelato (made in-store with fresh fruit, cream or chocolate) - go somewhere else. Preferably Verona.
The rooms are a decent size (at a guess 25 - 30 sq/m) and all have balconies. We had a room with a view. Ask for number 16. It looks-on-to the castle - a stone's throw away.
Internet access can be bought for 3.00€ for one-hour (or 7.00€ for three-hours) however access is restricted to the bar, dinning area and garden. No Internet in the bedrooms.
The breakfast was the normal by European standards. That is to say the standard fare: breads, spreads, muesli, cereal, coffee, tea. You can have your egg any style you like - so long as it is boiled.
The rooms cost about 120.00€ per-night in July (2009). An advance deposit was necessary via International Bank transfer. In addition the hotel doesn't take credit cards (cash only). Fiddly. In fairness, this is not unique to the Erika and is typical of small hotels in Italy.
However, when all said and done - were the question asked: would I stay there again? The answer would be: definitely.
Website: Hotel Erika
posted by cookemedia at
15:02
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home