Salò’s elegantly memorable Liberty-style facades date from its period as capital of the whole Lake Garda region, which is also when its grand villas, palazzos and Renaissance style civic buildings sprang up. Salò’s contemporary accommodation scene owes much to this period too, because some of these charming buildings have been converted into the best places to stay in Salò. Salò’s other accommodation options include gorgeously preserved historic hotels, some excellent picks for romantic foodies, great value guesthouses and B&Bs, and a family-friendly hotel with really versatile room configuration choices.

Salò’s best hotel views can be found either right on the waterfront, or higher up the slopes, towards Monte San Bartolomeo, in the peaceful hills overlooking Salò’s impressive rooftops. If you’re hoping for grandeur and opulence we think you’ll find the best places to stay in Salò’s old town, which is in between the water and the hills, and also where you’ll find its Gothic Duomo, which has an excellent art collection. Everything radiates outwards from the Duomo, in a serious of squares and charming lanes lined with cafes, bars and boutiques. Within this web you’ll also come upon a Baroque-style clock in an 18th century tower, and a number of smaller churches. This area of Salò also appeals to romantics and foodies, who will be interested in the large Saturday markets.

Salò’s position, in a protected natural inlet at the southern end of Gardone Riviera, may well have been why it was chosen as a regional capital, but it also means Salò has more than its fair share of Lake Garda’s beaches, and the best places to stay in Salò are great picks for swimmers, sailors, rowers, paddlers, and anyone who wants to mess around in the water. These days it also means it’s on a ferry route, making Salò an excellent base for exploring the whole lake.

The Best Places to Stay in Salò

For The Views

• Idyllically positioned on the slope of a hill over Salò, and overlooking Lake Garda, the Villa Arcadio is a stone villa converted into a sensational accommodation choice for romantic foodies with a preference for simple decor and incredible views. Its 17 rooms, and just one suite, have terracotta tiled floors, bare stone walls, exposed beams and simple furnishings, while the communal spaces show more of the building’s history, with more stone and the hint of old frescoes. The gourmet restaurant spills out onto a pretty, shaded terrace, and the pool has one of the best views over the lake.

For Families

• The Hotel Bellerive is a charming choice, right on the shores of Lake Garda, so that many of its 46 rooms and apartments have views of the water, and private balconies from which to enjoy them. The apartments are large enough for many families, and have kitchenettes and living space too. Though we recommend you try the restaurant, which sources all of its ingredients within a radius of 100kms. The pool sits behind the hotel, offering more privacy and afternoon shade, and there’s lots to do nearby.

For Couples

• The Hotel Locanda del Benaco looks perfectly traditional from the outside, but its interiors have been entirely reimagined, with brushed concrete, squared corners and smooth, dark wood. It now has 13 rooms and suites, many with views, and luxurious bathrooms complete with whirlpool tubs for two. The restaurant has similarly chic and minimal decor, and spills outside onto a terrace that directly overlooks the lake.
• The Hotel Sogno is just along the water from Salò in the quieter, but still picturesque, village of Valtenesi. The terrace restaurant is right by the lake shore, and the food there is great! Plus it has a small private beach too. But it offers more than just peace and lake access. Inside, its 18 rooms and suites are spacious and light, individually decorated with contemporary style. The suites have private balconies.

For Great Value

• The Hotel Laurin is a conversion of a glamorous 20th century villa with impressively decorative stonework and tropical-looking gardens with an inviting pool. Inside are 30 rooms and suites — some still feature the original parquet and beautiful private balconies. The public spaces are grander, with frescoes, art, and Art Nouveau furnishings. The restaurant serves authentic local cuisine. Historic, beautiful and romantic, and surprisingly affordable.

Prefer a Self-catering Apartment or villa?

• Sometimes a villa or apartment is the best option if you're travelling in a larger group, so if you decide that you'd prefer a self catering option, check out our online booking partner, booking.com for some inspiration.

Travel Information

• Salò is on western shore of Lake Garda, about mid-way down, so positioned between several international airports: Verona-Villafranca, Brescia-Montichiari and Milan’s Linate and Malpensa. Brescia-Montichiari is closest, around half an hour by car, or just under an hour by public transport. Verona-Villafranca is about 50 minutes' drive, or an hour and a half by public transport, and Milan is about an hour and 20 minutes away by car, or two and a half by public transport.
• If you want to hire a car — which we strongly advise if you’re staying on Lake Garda and want to venture further afield — we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Salò, is very popular in the peak summer months, so if you want to visit at this time of year we recommend you book your hotel/s and restaurants early. Salò is charming well into autumn and winter too, and spring is also very beautiful. May and June are a good compromise if you’re still hoping for warmth and sunshine, with temperatures reaching about 25°C (a popular time for walking holidays) and September.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Lake Garda
• Consider including other local centres in your search like Gardone Riviera, which is just to the north, Gargnano just a bit further on, or even Garda or Torri del Benaco, directly across the lake
• You could also consider refining your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, be it the best hotels with a view on Lake Garda t,he best family hotels on Lake Garda or the  best hotels on Lake Garda for foodies
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.