Breathtakingly beautiful, the Italian Lakes district is a stunning natural backdrop against which man has added some charming towns and villages.
Whether it's Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Iseo, or even Lake Lugano, which is technically in Switzerland, but has the same spectacular scenery, sunny climate, fantastic food and elegant architecture. Peaceful and glamorous, the Italian Lakes have it all. But one of the best things about holidaying here are the views. Especially the ones from the balcony of your room in one of the 20 best Italian lakeside hotels.
Our Gurus have sieved through their recommendations for the best places to stay on each of the lakes to come up with a definitive list of the best Italian lakeside hotels, so you can start to plan your trip!
If you want to be right on Lake Como, try the Villa d'Este, one of the more traditional five star hotels, the kind with grand state rooms, chandeliers, heavy fabrics, private balconies and private boats.
Like the Villa d’Este, Villa Flori is right on the water’s edge at Cernobbio. As well as the unbeatable setting, Villa Flori has 52 contemporary chic rooms and suites, some with enormous balconies which hang out over the lake. Their restaurant offers alfresco dining from an Italian menu, plus there’s a lovely pool and spa.
The Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como in Lake Como’s tiny Blevio is a collection of lakeside villas with 73 magnificent rooms, a huge spa and two gourmet restaurants. The beautiful pool actually part floats on the lake itself and the subterranean spa is cut into the rock of the lakeside.
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 Lake Garda. 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 neoclassical landscaped gardens all around.
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 beautiful views of the lake. There’s also Michelin starred dining and lovely gardens and terraces.
If you're looking for lakeside grandeur on Lake Maggiore and a central Stresa location, book a room in the traditionally luxurious Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees. The hotel fronts onto the lake, a wonderful white facade with rows of little balconies. It oozes elegance and sophistication and also boasts great facilities including spa and gastronomic restaurant with lake views.
The Hotel Verbano is on one of Lake Maggiore’s islands, and is a beautiful restaurant with 12 charming rooms with romantic terraces for soaking up the astounding views.
If you're here for the views one of the best places to stay on Lake Orta is the Villa Crespi. This wonderfully grand villa is an exciting place to approach, but when you arrive you'll probably only have eyes for the views from the lovely terraces. The restaurant has two Michelin stars, so this is also a must for foodies.
Another top foodie destination on Lake Orta - and this time a bit friendlier on the wallet - is the Hotel Il Giardinetto. This restaurant with 59 rooms is right on the water. In fact its sun decks and terraces actually hang over the lake. With rooms starting from £70 per night and a gourmet menu, this is also incredibly good value.
The Villa Feltrinelli, in Lake Garda’s Gargnano, is an aristocratic villa conversion, with 21 rooms boasting beautifully restored interiors with antiques, beautiful fabrics and paintings. There’s also a Michelin starred restaurant. The perfect honeymoon hotel for anyone who can afford it.
Directly lakeside, the 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.
The Relais Regina Teodolinda, in Lake Como’s Laglio, has gardens which spread right down to the water’s edge. There are just six suites, which have a relaxed, almost rustic charm with all the modern conveniences of course.
Also in Laglio, the Relais Villa Vittoria is a wonderfully romantic hotel, also right on the edge of the lake. As well as stunning views, this hotel has 11 delicately sumptuous rooms, an excellent restaurant, and peaceful terraces overlooking the lake.
Bellagio’s opulent Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is an elegant grand dame, with all the trappings of old fashioned luxury. Think doric columns, beautiful antiques, frescoed ceilings, grand sun terraces, spectacular views of Lake Como - of course - and a Michelin starred restaurant. They also have a private boat.
Or there’s the equally grand, but not quite as lavish, Grand Hotel Tremezzo with 89 elegant rooms right on the water’s edge. Five stars worth of beautifully understated interiors plus generous sun terraces, an excellent restaurant and spa and parklands surrounding the hotel. Plus, one of the pools actually floats on the lake!
The Bellevue San Lorenzo on Lake Garda in Malcesine, is a charming 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.
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 early 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.
The Albergo Milano in Lake Como’s Varenna is a charming hotel in an enchanting lakeside setting. There are a collection of 14 rooms, triples and apartments, all with whitewashed walls and private balconies. There’s also a lovely restaurant.
Also right on the water in Salò, the Hotel Bellerive is a mid-sized hotel with 46 large, stylish rooms plus an outdoor pool, a fantastic Italian concept restaurant, and sailing and golfing opportunities nearby.
Beautifully positioned right on Lake Garda 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.
Owned by the same family for four generations, the Albergo Olivedo is a gorgeous ten room townhouse hotel right by Lake Como at Varenna. The decor is traditional, with stone floors, pastel walls and private balconies. Family friendly and laid back, the Albergo Olivedo also has a lovely little Italian restaurant. Rooms start from around £90 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, a private jetty with direct lake access, plus there’s a great pool. It’s also very family friendly.
Lake Garda’s 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, with rooms starting from under £100 per night, and it’s quite romantic.
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.
Laglio
Utterly romantic hotel on the edge of Lake Como. Spectacular views, delicately sumptuous rooms, excellent restaurant and terraces, and plenty to do on the lake. Honeymooners would be in heaven!
Cernobbio
Romantic lakeside opulence without compromise. Almost regal bedrooms, suites, and villas have rich chintzy fabrics, chandeliers and private balconies. Spectacular lake views, excellent restaurant, pool and spa, and private boats. Magnificently special.
Tremezzo
Five Star Luxury from a Grand Hotel on the water's edge of Lake Como. Elegant interiors are understated, rather than overly lavish. Glossy parquet floors, brightly coloured walls, a mixture of contemporary and Baroque furniture, spectacular views from terraces. Excellent restaurant, spa, parklands.
Blevio
A five-star luxury spa hotel on Lake Como. Sprawling villas house magnificent rooms, a huge spa, and two gourmet restaurants. The floating swimming pool extends into the lake. A great choice for total pampering and relaxation.
Lake Maggiore
Luxurious lakeside opulence in a Five Star Grand hotel. A beautiful setting, sumptuous rooms and suites, delicious food, spa and plenty to do on the lake. A romantic spot, family friendly too.
Lake Orta
Fantastic restaurant with charming rooms on the water of Lake Orta. Gourmet food on romantic terraces, sun decks overhanging the lake, pastel rooms with wonderful views over the lake. A romantic choice for an authentic Italian break.
Lake Orta
A glorious period villa with a fantastic restaurant and gorgeous gardens. Romantic bedrooms and suites have four poster beds, chandeliers, walnut floors and huge marble bathrooms. Stunning views over the lake from outdoor terraces. Very romantic, very good food.
Varenna
Charming lakeside hotel. An enchanting setting on Lake Como, various rooms, triples and apartments, with white washed walls and private balconies. Very good restaurant and spectacular views from the terrace. A great choice for families, groups and romantic breaks.
Varenna
Gorgeous townhouse hotel on Lake Como. Charmingly traditional bedrooms have stone floors, pastel walls, and private balconies. Magnificent views from every room and authentic Italian food. Laid back, family friendly.
Lake Maggiore (Isola dei Pescatori)
Special restaurant with rooms set on an island of Lake Maggiore. Excellent local cuisine from romantic terraces overlooking the lake. Lovely bedrooms and living areas in creams, with brick fireplace, wooden beams, white washed walls, and private balconies. Ideal for a romantic break or a wedding.
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.
Cernobbio
An unbeatable setting on the water's edge of Lake Como. A beautiful hotel with fabulous facilities. Contemporary chic rooms and suites, some with enormous balconies overhanging the lake. Al fresco dining, delicious Italian cuisine and spa. La Dolce Vita!
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