Hotel Flaminia by Joanna Monkhouse

A hotel of two halves, the Hotel Flaminia is one of Sirmione’s most interesting options. From one of the village’s pretty pedestrian squares, the hotel’s sleek modern lobby leads down to a sunbathing platform floating on the lake. Two narrow buildings along the lake front in the heart of the old town. One, as yet unrenovated, has floral rooms that are popular with older guests. But anyone young and hip visiting Sirmione should head straight for the Flaminia’s annexe. Renovated by the innovative owner, ultra-contemporary in blues and browns, the rooms lack full lake views from all but a sought-after few. Bathrooms have been given the same treatment with frosted glass doors, Jacuzzi baths and large round mirrors.

Hotel Flaminia also has double options for eating – Ristorante Signori’s stylish interior and romantic lakeside terrace complement its inventive, modern cuisine, whilst Margherita is a popular café/pizzeria on the square, cheap and chic.

Leave your car in the car park before the narrow entrance to Sirmione’s historic centre, there is no need for it (nor space) in the village.