The challenge in recommending the best hotels with a view on Lake Garda is in refining your list so that it’s not an epic poem marvelling at the wonder of the place. Many poets and writers have loved her, and lived in and on her, and there are some seriously colourful soliloquies to her, from the likes of Tennyson and D.H. Lawrence, to Goethe and the Roman poet, Catullus. And many lakeside properties have rooms named in their honour. But that’s not going to help you choose unless we can refine the list... so here's the best 15 hotels with a view on Lake Garda.
Not all views are created equal, and some towns, like Sirmione, Gardone Riviera and Salò, seem to have the very best of the best as far as position goes, so quite a number of properties on our Guru’s final list of the 15 best hotels with a view on Lake Garda come from these towns. But there should be something for everyone on our list, because having the most spectacular views of Lake Garda doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag or a ‘no kids’ sign.
The Bellevue San Lorenzo on the water in Malcesine, is a late 19th century Belle Epoque villa turned 52 room hotel. As well as being surrounded by beautiful grounds and having lovely lake views, the villa has an outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa.
Beautifully positioned right on the water at Gardone Riviera, Bella Riva has 23 contemporary rooms and suites, an excellent restaurant and bar and a very nice pool. And the hotel has great watersports facilities.
The Hotel du Lac is located right by the water, on the outskirts of Gargnano. It has just twelve classically styled bedrooms (six with lake view and balcony), and stunning views across the lake towards the Monte Baldo mountain range.
Sirmione’s Villa Cortine Palace is a grand, old fashioned villa hotel, with 54 rooms and an absolutely splendid setting on a spit of land jutting into the lake. The rooms are grand, and Art Deco in style, with some beautiful frescoes and antiques, and there’s a private jetty, a lovely swimming pool and lush neoclassical landscaped gardens all around.
The Villa Feltrinelli in Gargnano is a beautiful aristocratic villa conversion, with 21 rooms boasting restored interiors crammed with antiques, beautiful fabrics and paintings. There’s also a Michelin starred restaurant., and views to die for! The perfect honeymoon hotel for anyone who can afford it.
The lakeside Locanda San Vigilio in Garda is an elegant, 14 room hotel owned and run by an Italian count! It’s been a hotel for 500 years and is immaculately decorated with antiques and beautiful objets. The hotel even has it’s own Emporium where you can buy beautiful things.
Gardone Riviera’s Villa Fiordaliso is a grand 19th Century Liberty-style villa with beautiful, historic interiors and a gourmet restaurant. There are just five rooms, which are traditional but timeless, and all with wonderful views of the lake. There’s also Michelin starred dining and lovely gardens and terraces.
Salò’s Villa Arcadio isn’t right on the water, it’s on the lake’s slopes so the views are panoramic. A wonderful stone villa converted into an 18 room hotel, and decorated simply, with bare stone walls and just glimpses of frescoes, the villa also has a fantastic gourmet-yet-traditional restaurant, a lovely terrace, a pool and gardens.
The Hotel Laurin is a stunning hotel with 30 rooms and suites, right on the shores of Lake Garda in Salò. Converted from an elegant 20th Century villa, guests can expect parquet floods, frescoes and Art Nouveau furniture. There’s also a lovely pool in shady gardens and an excellent restaurant. And of course fabulous views!
Also right on the water in Salò, the Hotel Bellerive is a charming mid-sized hotel with 46 large, stylish rooms plus an outdoor pool, a fantastic Italian concept restaurant, and sailing and golfing opportunities nearby.
For a great value family friendly option consider the Hotel Castello in Malcesine. It’s a small, contemporary hotel right on the lake - guests have their own private beach. Some rooms have private balconies overlooking the water, and there’s a lovely terrace and restaurant. Romantic but also family friendly and around £100 per night.
Hotel Gardenia al Lago is sitauted just outside Gargnano and offers superb value for money in its seven classically styled rooms - standard doubles start from as little as €100 per night including breakfast.
Gardesana, in the picturesque fishing village of Torri del Benaco, has 34 simple, comfortable rooms, great views and excellent food. It’s also wonderful value (and quite romantic), with rooms starting from under £100 per night.
Or there’s the Hotel Catullo in postcard perfect Sirmione, a great value hotel with 56 rooms starting from around £100 per night. There are lovely terraces right on the edge of the lake and a private jetty with direct lake access, plus there’s a very nice pool. It’s also very family friendly.
Originally built for the imperial family, the Grand Hotel Fasano is an historic grand hotel in a privileged lakeside position in Gardone Riviera. The architecture is romantic with fairytale turrets and lovely details, but its private terraces, pebbly beach, spa and tennis courts mean it’s also a good choice for families. The 76 rooms start from around £100 per night.
Gardone Riviera (25083 Gardone Riviera)
Very romantic and grand late 19th century, Liberty-style villa with historic interiors and gourmet food. Timeless, traditional rooms with antiques, lakeside views, and lovely gardens and terrace. Intimate and refined.
Gargnano
Ultimate luxury lakeside hotel in an historic house. Like staying in a private home, full of aristocratic heritage, with restored interiors and antiques, beautiful fabrics and paintings. Gourmet dining, a perfect honeymoon escape for those that can afford it.
Malcesine
Popular belle epoque villa with lovely grounds overlooking the lake. Five Italian Villas with simple yet stylish rooms. Highlights include a restaurant with a view, outdoor pool, fitness centre and small relaxation spa. Good value for a stunning spot.
Torri del Benaco (Torri del Benaco)
Excellent food and comfortable, simple rooms in Garda's showpiece fishing village. Perfectly positioned in a charming little port, it's a very romantic spot for a good value break. Homely and ideal for local exploring.
Garda
Elegant and intimate lakeside hotel, full of character, owned and run by an Italian count. A hotel for 500 years, the property is right on the waterside in a charming location, full of antiques and objets. A very special and relaxed place to stay.
Sirmione
Grand and charmingly old-fashioned villa hotel with a splendid setting in pretty Sirmione. Lovely lakeside gardens, grand 30s style bedrooms, frescos and antiques. Private swimming jetty and lovely pool. Super romantic, if you like historic charm.
Gardone Riviera
Dreamily positioned with views over Lake Garda. Contemporary, but still classic, hotel with fabulous rooms and suites, excellent restaurant, bar and pool. Fantastic watersports and activities. A great choice for families, an outdoor holiday, or a romantic break.
Salò
A fabulous stone villa with spectacular views over Lake Garda from its hilltop perch. Bedrooms and one suite are simply decorated with bare stone walls and glimpses of frescoes. Fantastic restaurant and terrace, swimming pool, and gardens around. Romantic, traditional, gourmet.
Salò (Lake Garda)
A delightful hotel overlooking Lake Garda. Large stylish rooms and apartments, many with views. Outdoor pool, and fantastic Italian concept cuisine. Sailing, golf and opera nearby. Gourmet, family friendly, all in a romantic location.
Salò
A stunning hotel on the shore of Lake Garda. Rooms and suites in a 20th century villa are elegant, with parquet floors and all mod cons. Frescoes and art nouveau furniture. Excellent authentic cuisine, pool and shady gardens. An idyllic choice, and perfect for a family holiday.
Gargnano (Villa di Gargnano)
An elegant villa overlooking Lake Garda. Edwardian style rooms with antiques, frescoes, views and all the mod cons. Sun terrace, beach and excellent Italian fare. Exquisite views across the lake, and lots of activities nearby. An understated but very romantic choice for a weekend of exploring.
Gardone Riviera
An historic grand hotel originally built for the imperial family. Its privileged lakeside position and romantic architecture make it the ideal spot for a honeymoon or romantic holiday. Fairytale turrets, terraces, private pebble beach, spa, tennis court and sumptuous rooms. Heavenly
Malcesine
A small contemporary hotel on the edge of Lake Garda. Contemporary chic rooms, some with private balconies overlooking the lake. Excellent restaurant and terrace and its own private pebble beach with deck chairs. A good value spot for a romantic holiday, family friendly too.
Gargnano (Villa di Gargnano)
A charming family-owned and run small hotel overlooking Lake Garda, just outside Gargnano. The twelve rooms (six with lake view and balcony) are traditional in style and feature period furnishings and antiques that perfectly complement the 19th-century building. A welcoming understated stay.
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