Hotels in Lake Garda

One of Italy’s most scenic lakes, Lake Garda draws visitors who love picturesque views, serene waters, and picturesque towns. From the lakefront villas of ancient Roman writers and European royalty that ooze luxury to modern resorts with lakeside pools and designer restaurants, there’s something for every taste.

A favorite yearly getaway for many Europeans, the area’s quaint villages are packed with photo-worthy sights and attractions. Some of the most popular stretches of shore are in Limone del Garda, known for its citrus groves and colored buildings, and Sirmione, whose medieval castle and stunning beaches on its peninsula have their own charms.

The largest of the Italian lakes, Lake Garda’s balmy Mediterranean climate makes it a year-round vacation destination. This is reflected in the wide variety of hotels on its shores. While some are lavish Renaissance palazzi with sprawling gardens and private lakefront, others are more contemporary, such as the Hotel Meridiana, which offers homely rooms with lovely balconies that look out to the lake.

For a more affordable option, consider Hotel Kriss, a charming hostel located just off the shore of Lake Garda in Bardolino. Its friendly staff have thought of everything that a budget traveler could need, from cheap aperitivi evenings on board a yacht to shuttle buses to nearby nightclubs and sporting activities on the lake. There’s even the option to book tickets for music concerts, parties and open-air film screenings on the lakefront.

If you’re a luxury lover, there are also plenty of high-end hotels in Lake Garda, like the Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort. The upscale property has a state-of-the-art spa, with rooms that offer dreamy lake views. Guests can also dine at Aquariva, the hotel’s restaurant, where fresh fish straight from the lake is served.

The hotel’s rooms are minimalist but comfortable, with blond wood floors and gray-and-white-clothed tables. A floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opens to a balcony that looks out over the lake and mountains. In the morning, you can wake up to a delicious buffet breakfast.

If a hotel with more of a design edge is more your thing, the Locanda del Benaco fits the bill. The stylish hotel is an antidote to the grand old residences found at other Lake Garda hotels, and its design has a more industrial feel. Guests can enjoy the views from their room’s large balcony, and the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows look out to the water as well.

This hotel is one of the best places to stay in Lake Garda if you don’t have a car. It’s situated right on the train line between Milan and Venice, and it’s just a short ferry ride from the main lakeshore town of Desenzano del Garda. The hotel also offers a free shuttle bus to town, and its rooms have lovely views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The hotel has a good restaurant and bar, and the staff are extremely helpful. They can arrange excursions to local vineyards and wineries, as well as boating trips on the lake.hotel in lake garda