Strengths? Definitely the location.
That’s what the reviews say—many, across different platforms. People choose us primarily for our location.
Of course, that also comes with some downsides. For example, we are on the main road. But the rooms we renovated last winter, the ones “at the front,” were designed to turn what could be a disturbance into an advantage for our guests.
First, we soundproofed them as best we could and ensured the air conditioning worked efficiently inside. Last season, our guests confirmed that with the windows closed, no noise could be heard.
Then, we enhanced the benefits of facing south as much as possible: natural light, a view of Monte Rocchetta, and balconies furnished with comfortable armchairs.
And then?
Crossing the street from our bar’s garden, you enter the path leading to the beach. It’s a short walk (just over 50 meters) and not open to vehicles, making it safe.
From there, you can also join the cycling path—an absolute luxury. Without ever returning to the road, you can cycle toward Torbole, follow the Sarca River to Arco, continue toward Dro, Fies, Lake Cavedine, and even Lake Toblino.
Or, of course, head toward Riva’s historic center, Piazza Catena, where you can access the Ponale trail or the stunning new panoramic cycle path, which will eventually connect to Limone’s trail. Even now (though it’s blocked after about 1.5 km), it’s a delightful route to explore, whether on foot or with a city bike.
And that’s exactly why we believe a city bike is an essential amenity for us—for a hotel in THIS location, more than a 10-15 minute walk from the center.
A bike to avoid parking hassles. A bike to leave your own “good one” safely in the garage—the one brought for excursions but not ideal for going out for dinner or grabbing an ice cream in the evening.
A comfortable way to enjoy a ride along the bike paths, without a specific destination. I love doing this in winter when I have a spare half-hour—feeling the fresh air on my face, looking around…
But sometimes, there’s an ocean (or in our case, a lake) between saying and doing.
To provide the RIGHT service, we’d need 150 bikes—two for each of our 75 rooms, not even counting the kids who already have their own.
But where would we put them all? We often discuss it, ask for advice, but realistically, we can’t find space for such a large shelter or garage.
So we thought: in that small grassy area near the private parking for the Green and Balance rooms, where no one ever goes, could we build a small shelter? How many bikes could we fit?
10. Maybe 12 if packed tightly.
So the only solution was to assign an exclusive bike to each Green room, just as we did with the Balance rooms. That way, guests would have them conveniently under their own rooms. And with 8 rooms, times 2 (since they’re all designed for adults), that would add 16 more bikes.
By squeezing them between the porch where the other bikes were and the new shelter, we managed to fit them all.
That way, the OTHER bikes—the white ones, for those who know us—would remain available for guests staying in the other rooms.
Of course, we’re still far from having a bike for everyone. But better this than nothing…
