Photo of Salò

About Salò

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?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Salò

Best Hotels in Salò

  • Hotel Locanda del Benaco Salò 13 rooms from £104

    Local exploring  -  In an area, home to many high end shops and restaurants
    Back to Nature  -  Rooms offer wonderful views of the lake and mountains
    Birdwatching  -  Home to a wide variety of species, be sure to bring a pair of binoculars
    Great walks  -  Trails offering beautiful scenery around the hotel
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyViewsParking

    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. See More

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  • Hotel Laurin Salò 30 rooms from £123

    Foodies  -  Garda Food and Wine Trail & Strada dei Vini e Sapori del Garda: visits to about 100 producers (wineries, oil mills, cheeses).
    Families  -  Swimming and Lake Garda to explore by boat. Many child friendly sights in the area, such as movie studio and safari park
    Sights nearby  -  Salò, Gardone Riviera, Toscolano Maderno, Gargnano and Limone del Garda
    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViews
    Recommended by  -  CN Traveller

    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. See More

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  • Hotel Bellerive, Salo Salò (Lake Garda) 46 rooms from £131

    Foodies  -  Restaurant '100km' is a concept by Fred Plotkin, using products sourced within this distance. Olive oil & wine tours and tasting
    Families  -  Apartments are big enough for the whole family, with kitchens to make picnics. Boat trips on Lake Garda, swimming and cycling
    Sights nearby  -  Brescia and Verona, between Venice and Milan, between the Dolomites and the sea
    Sailing  -  Minutes from the hotel
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel

    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. See More

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  • Villa Arcadio Salò 18 rooms from £208

    Foodies  -  The restaurant is sensational, with four-course taster menus made using produce from the garden
    Total relaxation  -  The quiet lakeside setting and exemplary service makes this a great place to come and unwind
    Great walks  -  Take long walks through the Alto Garda National Park
    Views  -  Stunning views over Lake Garda
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

    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. See More

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