Villa Giulia Rooms & Bike, a B&B with a pool near Lake Garda
Villa Giulia Rooms & Bike is a bed and breakfast in Toscolano Maderno, on the Lombard shore of Lake Garda, a few minutes' walk from the water. It has roomy rooms, a pool with a whirlpool, a sauna and a garden. I'd recommend it to couples, families and cyclists looking for a quiet base.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of B&B Villa Giulia Rooms & Bike.
Where Villa Giulia Rooms & Bike is and how to get there
Villa Giulia Rooms & Bike is in Toscolano Maderno, on Via Giovanni Pascoli, on the Lombard shore of Lake Garda. Guests describe it as a few minutes' walk from the lake, in a spot that is both quiet and convenient. Parking is free, in the quiet little road beside the house, as one guest who stayed there reports.
A car helps for getting between the lakeside villages, but so does a bike, given what the name makes clear about who it is for. According to the property's description, Desenzano Castle is about 29 km away and the Terme Virgilio in Sirmione about 35 km.
What the rooms and shared spaces are like
The rooms at Villa Giulia are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a microwave, a coffee machine and a kettle. In practice you feel at home, with a few more comforts than in a traditional B&B.
Guests call them roomy, original and well furnished, with comfortable, fresh-smelling beds. One review mentions a huge bathroom and a large terrace, but be aware that the rooms are not all the same.
- Air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom
- Fridge, microwave, coffee machine and kettle
- Pool, whirlpool and sauna
- Garden, terrace with mountain views and barbecue
- Free WiFi in all areas
What guests say
On Google the rating is 4.7 out of 5, from 53 reviews. It is a high score, and the positive reviews make up the large majority.
Many people praise the hospitality of the people who run the house, described as kind, helpful and attentive to detail. Roomy, well-kept rooms come up often too, along with the cleanliness and a generous, good breakfast.
Lots of guests mention the whirlpool pool in the garden, described as very well kept, and how close it is to the lake. Some use it as a base for visiting the small villages around Garda, and one talks about excellent value for money. This is the picture that convinces me most.
What to know before booking
Criticisms are few, but they are worth reading. An older review says the pool needed better maintenance, while the more recent ones praise it. If that is the main draw for you, ask for confirmation.
Another point concerns the bathrooms. In one guest's case the bathroom was opposite the room, and the reviewer notes that this is not the case in every room. If you want an en-suite bathroom, say so in your request.
There is also a very negative review that stems from a misunderstanding about a booking between a guest and the people running the property. It is an isolated and fairly old episode, but it is a reason to keep your booking confirmation and details to hand.
Finally, breakfast is not always included for everyone. One person who stayed without breakfast still found free coffee and tea. Check what your rate covers.
Who it suits
Villa Giulia seems a very good choice for couples who want to relax, with a pool, whirlpool and sauna after a day on the lake. It also works for families, as the place is set up for them, and one parent says their daughter would have happily swum in the pool at nine in the evening.
It is ideal for cyclists, given the word Bike in the name. Less suited, perhaps, to anyone looking for nightlife or the sea at Rimini, of course: people come here for the quiet. If you prefer another part of Lombardy, take a look at Villa Noce - Guest House in Brescia, which has more of a city setting.
- Couples looking for relaxation and wellness
- Families who want a pool and roomy rooms
- Cyclists and anyone visiting the lakeside villages
What to do in Toscolano Maderno and nearby
Toscolano Maderno is a village on the shore of Garda, and the lake is the real star. You can stroll along the shore, have a drink on the lakefront or use the town as a starting point for the neighbouring villages.
On the active side there is cycling, which is also referenced in the name of the property. For a different day out, Desenzano and Sirmione, with its thermal baths, are an easy drive away. If you are looking at other options on the lake, you could also try Hotel Mefuta in Gardone Riviera, B&B La Maison Boutique in Desenzano del Garda and Trattoria Bar Centrale e Locanda San Felice in San Felice del Benaco.
My advice is to book ahead for summer weekends, when Garda fills up. If you want the pool and sauna to yourselves, pick a quieter period and write to Villa Giulia Rooms & Bike before you arrive.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
