Lido Palace
Elegance without bombast
08/01/2024 Reading time: 2 Minutes
Lamborghini, Porsche, Tesla: the fleet of cars in front of the historic hotel from the Habsburg era promised class and cosmopolitan elegance.
So I happily strutted through the conservatory-like lobby to check-in and politely asked for a bottle of water. "Only available at the bar," replied the receptionist, who was not exactly bubbling over with friendliness. Simple Acqua seems to be a rare commodity even at top addresses.
After all, the Executive Junior Suite - on the fourth floor - quickly made us forget the welcome drink we had been denied: an ultrachic 60 m2 with park view and terrace! The bathroom with gray epoxy resin flooring and a Corian design pearl as a washbasin - absolute bliss! Incidentally, it was also a great idea to "dress" the corridors to the 42 rooms and suites extensively with ancient postcard motifs that were rotting away in Riva's town hall. In 2011, after years of decay, the Belle Époque palace was given a contemporary makeover and a glass top was added. The outdoor pool was added in winter 2018. The fitness center seemed to have no urgency, even the dark corridor there makes it look like a cellar dungeon. The spa, swimming pool and outdoor area, which almost completely absorbs the hustle and bustle of the promenade, are all the more inviting.
The gourmet restaurant Il Re della Busa - with a dream view of the mighty Monte Rocchetta with its fortress and chapel - specializes in lake and sea fish. The tartare of amberjack with mango, melon, plankton mayo and lime sorbet or lobster with porcini mushrooms, Granny Smith and summer truffles are mouth-watering. But meat lovers and vegetarians are also spoiled with delicious bites. The service is impeccable and waiter Omar from Vicenza is a particularly attentive and competent fellow. Even fetching water is easy for him.
After all, the Executive Junior Suite - on the fourth floor - quickly made us forget the welcome drink we had been denied: an ultrachic 60 m2 with park view and terrace! The bathroom with gray epoxy resin flooring and a Corian design pearl as a washbasin - absolute bliss! Incidentally, it was also a great idea to "dress" the corridors to the 42 rooms and suites extensively with ancient postcard motifs that were rotting away in Riva's town hall. In 2011, after years of decay, the Belle Époque palace was given a contemporary makeover and a glass top was added. The outdoor pool was added in winter 2018. The fitness center seemed to have no urgency, even the dark corridor there makes it look like a cellar dungeon. The spa, swimming pool and outdoor area, which almost completely absorbs the hustle and bustle of the promenade, are all the more inviting.
The gourmet restaurant Il Re della Busa - with a dream view of the mighty Monte Rocchetta with its fortress and chapel - specializes in lake and sea fish. The tartare of amberjack with mango, melon, plankton mayo and lime sorbet or lobster with porcini mushrooms, Granny Smith and summer truffles are mouth-watering. But meat lovers and vegetarians are also spoiled with delicious bites. The service is impeccable and waiter Omar from Vicenza is a particularly attentive and competent fellow. Even fetching water is easy for him.
