We have just returned from two weeks at the Sole Hotel in Riva Del Garda. The location & scenery was second to non. But the only blot on an otherwise fantastic holiday was the 4* hotel. I would put it as a 2*. I cant understand how it was given the 4* rating.The room we were put in was very small with a tiny window which was at head height. A reasonable sized bathroom but a tiny shower cubicle. We found the staff generally unhelpful & uncourteous. The food on half board status was limited & poor quality & totally different than was given to the puplic coming to have a meal for the evening.
Riva itself is well worth a visit, very scenic, with plenty of walks for the more energetic or plenty of seating to relax & take in the breathtaking views. Ideally suited to couples. But be aware of the many push-bikers. Take the ferries from Riva & visit Lamone & Malcesine. A day trip to Venice is worthwhile (although very busy) for about 59 Euros

Stayed at the Sole 14-21 July travelling with Jules Verne. Located in car-free picturesque and historic waterfront piazza. Our room 203 had a lake view, partly obscured by trees but a view of the water and harbourside nonetheless. The room was spotless, roomy with lots of cupboard and drawer space and must have been refurbished in the last year or so. Twin beds were comfortable. It had a room safe (10 Euro returnable deposit for use). Large bathroom with shower, toilet and bidet. Efficient air-con, and double glazing so no noise from outside at night. No swimming pool, but a roof terrace with sunbeds. Cheapish wifi internet access also available. Staff are by and large friendly.
So the downside... half-board food is not so good, and certainly not of the quality that is served to other customers. You select your three course evening meal at breakfast from a choice of four or five options for each course. Very hit and miss with more of the miss! Also ask to have a table outside when you first go to the restaurant (if that's what you want). It's much nicer outside with views of the lake rather than the crowded restaurant.
Breakfast is OK with a choice of fruit salads, cereals, cheeses, hams, salami, bread rolls etc. Many of the rooms don’t have a view of the lake or balconies.
Previous reviews have commented on the short walking to parking areas... I expect they’d also have complained of the noise of cars if they were allowed to drive around close to the hotel... some people seem difficult to please. It’s not the greatest hotel in the world but any deficiencies are made up by the location.
If you are visiting Riva a trip to the Dolomites is a must, Venice will be extremely crowded in high season. An evening at the opera in Verona is expensive but quite spectacular.

We just come back from our honeymoon from Hotel Sole. We have had a fanastic time in Riva. Be warned however when we arrived the receptionist told us if we wanted a lake view we should pay extra 10 euros night,We decided aganist it. But our room was very comfortable and we had a balcony to drink our wine on in the evening. The food was fine but nothing to write home about, but the staff in the restaurant are very friendly. Location is the best about this hotel it is, next to the ferry port, on the town square and short walk from the beach.
Great for honeymooners and our friends the grey army.

The Hotel Sole is stunningly located on the edge of the lake on one side and the main square on the other. I am writing this, sitting on the balcony overlooking the lake (see pic) and can confidently say that it is a priviledge to be staying here. The rooms are classically styled, but recently decorated, bathrooms are clean and modern, beds comfortable, food and staff are more than adequate and faciltiies are good for a family-run mid-sized italian hotel. Having stayed at the Grand Hotel Serbilloni in Bellagio in the past I can safely say you won't be disappointed here.
Riva del Garda has a surprisingly large old centre - hundreds of interesting shops and many cafes to sit inand watch the world go by . As for Kermit's review - i can only conclude that his experience was coloured by the fact that the Hotel is in the middle of a pedestrian zone - the upside is no cars and noise, the downside is its a 100m wlak from the nearest carpark to bring your cases.