With crystal clear waters and a stunning Alpine landscape, it’s no surprise that Italy’s largest lake is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. Surrounded by quaint towns, with each one offering its own unique attractions and excellent hotels, the Lake Garda area is an all-round paradise for visitors of every kind. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat with dreamy views of the water or a family friendly resort complete with a state-of-the-art spa, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Amongst our top-rated hotels for Lake Garda, you’ll find traditional villas with decorations that would impress the Tsar, contemporary offerings chic enough for James Bond to swing by in his latest sports car, and pared-back properties which let the lake views do all the talking. Whether you’re staying right on the water’s edge at Gargnano or surrounded by fragrant olive trees at Sirmione, the views will take your breath away.
Our Gurus recommend the southern regions of Lake Garda for the most spectacular accommodation – particularly those around Riva del Garda, Torbole and Sirmione. There are beaches all along the shore, and the lake’s clear waters make it a popular destination for water sports. But it’s not all about the water – the surrounding mountains, including Mount Baldo, also offer great conditions for climbing and mountain biking.
At the northern end of the lake, the village of Lazise offers a good range of hotel options. There’s the Appartamento Riva Del Garda, which is a great choice for families thanks to its comfy rooms and kids’ facilities, and there’s also the swanky Appartamento Daniel, which comes with a private rooftop terrace and lake view. If you’d rather a little more independence, there are a number of unit-style accommodation choices that will give you all the benefits of a hotel with the advantage of being self contained and in close proximity to the town centre.
The imposing Art Nouveau mansion of Hotel Lido Palace is the height of luxury in our books, and it’s not just because of its stunning lake views. The property is home to a world-class spa, and the restaurants serve up mouthwatering dishes like glazed mackerel with fennel, radish and pink grapefruit, or halibut with pumpkin, artichoke and truffle.
The gorgeous Grand Hotel Terme is in one of the most picturesque parts of Lake Garda, in Sirmione. Its rooms don’t reveal its age at first glance, with a sleek design featuring oriental rugs, leather sofas and geometric throw pillows. Many of the communal areas overlook the lake, and the L’Orangerie restaurant is a particular standout for its superb vantage point and dishes like glazed mackerel with orange, radish and pink grapefruit. The best thing is that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a stay here, as this is a hotel that knows how to keep its prices down.hotels garda lake