Lake Garda is one of the world’s most beautiful playgrounds for anyone who loves the great outdoors, or simply a room with a view! Long and narrow, the lake is framed by vineyards in the foreground, and the rising Dolomites behind — perfect for all sorts of watersports and mountain adventures. Nestled into this setting are charming resort towns and the spectacular Sirmione peninsula. And these locations are where you'll find Lake Garda’s boutique hotels. There are plenty to choose from, with a great variety of styles from grand palazzo and villa conversions, to traditional pensione, chic B&Bs and guesthouses, and rural farmhouse conversions. There’s certainly some line blurring between what is ‘boutique’ and what is just luxuriously historic and unique, but there are many properties with the personalised finish and detailing that tick most boutique boxes. Browse our pick of the best and start planning your waterside break.
Gardone Riviera
Gorgeous restaurant with rooms in Gardone Riviera. Enter through a charming courtyard with arched stone gateways and traditional oak doors. Chic all-white bedrooms and suites with exposed beams complemented with period furnishings. Eat delicious dinners at the on site osteria. A perfect base!
Sirmione (Colombare di Sirmione)
Slightly set back from the Lake Garda waterfront, Il Mosaico offers good value boutique accommodation ideal for those looking to explore the area by car. Comfortable, air conditioned bedrooms are striking in moody palettes with all the mod cons. Includes free Wifi and plenty of private parking.
Montichiari
A romantic, fairytale Italian palazzo in the picturesque village of Montichiari. Rooms are elegant and suites come with muslin-draped four posters and huge walk-in showers. The owners ensure you feel like friends, not guests! A perfect base for exploring the lakes and castles of the Brescia region.
Arco
This boutique hotel offers contemporary suites in one of the oldest properties in Arco, nestled on the shore of Lake Garda. Inside, modern design elements are perfectly juxtaposed with original wooden beams and part-exposed walls. Dine on the romantic restaurant terrace under a canopy of leaves.
Salò (Salò)
Rooms with floor to ceiling windows, luxurious bathrooms and hot tubs. An in-house restaurant with a covered patio overlooking the lake. Gorgeous set-up in the best location. Right on the lake within easy reach of town.
Valpolicella (Veneto)
Up in the Valpolicella hills lies this luxuriously converted 17th century stone house. With a gorgeous terraced garden, plunge pool and stylish bedrooms - it is a delight. The hosts, Mara and Filippo have good local knowledge and are more than happy to recommend activities and restaurants nearby.
Lake Garda
This hotel is nestled among the vineyards and olive groves of Valtenesi. Guestrooms are located in the carefully restored heritage farmhouse, where selected antiques complement the original terracotta tiles and exposed beams. Do a tasting session to sample the hotel's organic wines.
Lake Garda (Lake Garda)
A beautifully converted 18th-century farm, outside the medieval village of San Verolo. The restaurant heaves with happy customers every evening, testimony to the incredible food. Rustic chic bedrooms with vibrant walls and crisp white sheets. Heavenly pools and fragrant gardens seal the deal.
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.
Lake Garda (Tremosine)
A sweet and cosy four bedroom guesthouse, delightfully decorated. Perched on a hill side rooms boast unobstructed views of Lake Garda, plus wooden floors and elegant furniture. A restaurant serving traditional cuisine and homemade cakes, cheeses and croissants. You'll be tempted to call it home.
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.
Arco
A sleek collection of ground floor suites with private gardens and kitchenettes close to Lake Garda. Contemporary rooms, excellent spa and pool, yoga, cycling and great restaurants close by. A great spot for total relaxation and outdoor activities for families or honeymooners.
Gargnano
Handsome Victorian villa right on the water's edge. Light and airy bedrooms with original decorative flourishes and antiques. Fragrant gardens sloping down to the lakeside. Its unassuming and sophisticated charm transports one to another time.
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.
Riva del Garda
Five Star luxury on the shores of Lake Garda and at the foot of mountains and nature reserve. Stunning liberty building is home to designer contemporary flair - rooms and suites have all glass walls, modern gadgets, huge beds, and stand alone bathtubs. Fabulous spa, gourmet restaurant and grounds.
Sirmione (Sirmione)
In the historic centre of Sirmione, with traditional stone exteriors matched with elegant chic interiors. Boasting a bar and restaurant set besides Lake Garda, spa facilities and beautifully-maintained gardens. Rooms are light and spacious and also offer fabulous views. A luxurious stay.
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.