The lake’s stunning beauty is matched by its wealth of luxury hotel options. Many of these hotels are converted from grand old villas, and have been lovingly restored with antiques, beautiful fabrics and paintings. Others, like the Lefay & Spa Resort high above Gargnano, offer 5-star opulence with an emphasis on wellness and relaxation. This is the perfect place to wind down after a day cruising the water or exploring the towns and villages that dot the shoreline.
The cosmopolitan city of Verona is just an hour’s drive north, and offers even more top-notch luxury hotels to choose from. Here you’ll find luxury boutique hotels with a hip design, as well as historic castles and palazzi which have been transformed into swanky modern accommodation.
Lake Garda is also home to some truly exceptional contemporary hotels, with rooms that are sleek and minimalist in style. Some are set among olive groves and have stunning panoramic views, while others are situated in the towns which dot the lakeshore.
On the west shore, the Hotel Eden is a ten-room boutique hotel built in an Art Nouveau building overlooking the lake. The property was a Count’s residence, and the interiors are immaculately designed with oriental rugs, leather couches and geometric throw pillows. The hotel’s rooftop terrace is a popular spot for cocktails and dinner, with the best views of Sirmione Castle.
The Feltrinelli Villa is another aristocratic villa-turned-hotel, and the 21 rooms here are designed to feel like private country house accommodations. The hotel’s Emporium shop sells a range of antiques and beautiful objets, while the Michelin-starred restaurant is a delight.
At the Hotel Vega, there’s an antidote to all of the antique-style rooms found at other luxury Lake Garda hotels. This small-scale property in the medieval castle town of Arco is a bit more modern, and features details such as futon-style or pared-back four-poster beds and partition screens.
If you’re looking for something a little more family-friendly, the Hotel Casa Barca in Malcesine has comfy rooms with large balconies that offer both lake and mountain views. The hotel’s pool is perfect for cooling off, and the property is just a short stroll from the center of town.
Staying in a luxury hotel on Lake Garda is an experience unlike any other. The hotels in the south of the lake are filled with Renaissance palazzi, while those on the northern side are more modern. With the towering Italian Alps as the backdrop to these picturesque towns, it’s no wonder this lake is so famous.luxury hotel lake garda