Whether you want to indulge in a spa holiday, soak up lake views from your room or get out on the water, there’s something for everyone at Lake Garda. It’s a long, narrow lake framed by the Dolomites and neat vine rows, dotted with elegant resort towns that were created for centuries of well-to-do visitors. Today they attract romantic couples, families and athletes looking to relax, whose accommodation options range from traditional villa hotels to state-of-the-art wellness resorts. There are also charming guesthouses and B&Bs, farmhouses, restaurant with rooms and apartment hotels that allow you to live the local life to its fullest.
Villa Cortine Palace Hotel, situated on the tip of Sirmione peninsula, is a lake-view hotel that’s rich in frescoes and antiques, and it’s surrounded by its own acres of centuries-old private parkland bursting with towering cypress trees and neoclassical statuary. Guests enjoy the best views of the lake in their rooms, which have been designed to feel like a grand old country house. There’s plenty to do in the hotel, including taking a dip in one of the lake-facing pools, visiting the on-site art gallery and spa or just relaxing on the terrace.
The hotel is a short walk from the town centre, where there are a variety of restaurants, museums and shops, and it’s easy to get out into the surrounding mountains by bus or car. It’s also a good choice for those planning to do some hiking, as there are plenty of trails in the surrounding hills. Alternatively, guests can visit the hotel’s on-site lakeside restaurant, Aqua, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner using local ingredients. In addition to enjoying a wonderful view, guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s freebies, including a welcome drink on arrival, Wi-Fi and breakfast in bed.
Hotel Garden, located in a bright yellow building, is another lake-view hotel that’s ideally placed for walking into the town centre and exploring the gardens. Its small old-fashioned lobby has green marble floors, a curved wooden reception desk and pale-yellow walls adorned with oil paintings. Its rooms are similarly quaint, with details such as a futon or pared-back four-poster bed and partition screens that create separate sitting areas.
There are some excellent Lake Garda hotel options for fans of modern design, such as Hotel Locanda del Benaco, a minimalist property in Salo, on the lake’s western shore. Its rooms are spacious and have lots of wood, while the design aims to keep lake views as the main attraction from any angle. It’s the ideal base for a quiet getaway, although it does become lively at the weekend as party-goers descend on Salo to rub shoulders and dance.
A palatial lake-view resort such as Lefay Resort & Spa is ideal for a romantic getaway, especially for newlyweds or honeymooners. You’ll find plush interiors, choice couple dinners and a fully equipped spa at this high-end hotel. Its location in Peschiera del Garda, just north of the Arboretum of Arco, is also a big draw.
