Lake Garda is the single largest lake located in Northern Italy bordering Trentino, Verona and Brescia. This beautiful region was formed by melting glaciers from the Alps during the last Ice Age and has now become a popular tourist destination for Europeans.
There's a wide range of accommodation options in the area of Lake Garda from luxury five-star villas to quirky little boutique hotels. A majority of the hotels are found by the lakeside with their own outdoor swimming pools, some even have their own private beach!
If you are arriving in Lake Garda by plane, the nearest airport is Verona airport which is just over 30 miles away from the southern tip of the lake.
Budget
There's plenty of low cost accommodation found around Lake Garda whether you want to stay in a cheap and cheerful hotel or a quirky B&B.
Hotel Garni Ischia is a small family run hotel located in Malcesine. This charming hotel serves a delicious buffet breakfast in the morning and if you choose to spend the day at the hotel they offer an outdoor swimming pool and olive grove garden. Whilst Hotel La Terrazzina is perched on the hills of Gargnano, boasting panoramic views over the lake, Monte Baldo Mountain and flourishing olive trees below.
If you would rather stay in the Toscolano Maderno area then you must look into staying at Hotel Belvedere. This authentic Italian hotel is famed for its excellent restaurant on the sun terrace. Another place to stay at in Gargnano is Hotel Garni Riviera. If you book early you may be able to secure a room with a balcony overlooking the river. On the other hand if you are thinking of spending your holiday in Riva Del Garda then you must try Residence Segattini. You will never get bored at this hotel! As it offers table tennis, a fitness centre, a children's playground, an outdoor pool and even a tennis court!
Self-catering
There's a wide range of self-catering options around Lake Garda whether you want to rent out an apartment for the duration of your holiday, or stay somewhere which offers the options of both cooking for yourself or going down to the restaurant in the evening.
Apparthotel San Sivino can be found surrounded by a large park which slopes into beach beside the lakeside in Manerba Del Garda. This is a the perfect place to take the kids as there are four swimming pools to choose from and a mini golf course and table tennis. Bertolleta Village is a 20th century Italian farmhouse in Peschiera Del Garda now converted into a number of air conditioned self-catering apartments. On site you will find two outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, a volleyball pitch and a children's playground.
Residence il Sogno offers a number of apartments complete with kitchen facilities and patios in Desenzano del Garda. The city of Verona is only a 30km drive away from here if you choose to hire a car and Gardaland is just a short drive as well. Whilst if you would rather stay in Bardolino look no further than Residence Blue Lake offering modern and colourful apartments will fully equipped kitchenettes. La Villa Fasano is another option to look into, located in the Gardone Riviera which offers a rooftop terrace, a large park complete with a playground and an inviting outdoor swimming pool overlooking the lake.
All inclusive
There are a few all inclusive options provided by tour operators located around Lake Garda.
In Bardolino you will find the Parc Hotel Germano Suites, which boast stunning views over the lake and is only a short walk away from the centre of town. If you decide to spend the day at this hotel there's a large outdoor swimming pool on site as well as fishing pond, where you are allowed to catch carps in the summer months. Whilst the charming Hotel Cristina is another cheap hotel to look into, located in Limone Sul Garda. Spend the day relaxing by the two swimming pools or take an evening stroll around the park.
Another option to think of in Limone Sul Garda is Hotel San Pietro, which features large spacious rooms which either come with a balcony or terrace overlooking the mountains and the gorgeous lake.
On the beach
There are quite a few hotels dotted around the shoreline of Lake Garda which offer their own private beaches.
Hotel Acquaviva Del Garda is located on the south-western shore of Lake Garda in Desenzano del Garda. This stylish hotel offers a private beach with towels and parasols provided, as well as free fitness facilities at the hotel. Whilst the four-star Hotel Eden can be found in the nearby town of Sirmione. This popular hotel is only 100 metres from Sirmione Castle and is located right on the lakeside with a terrace and sun loungers found backing out onto the water.
Hotel Villa Capri is a stunning hotel located on the waterfront of Gardone Riviera featuring a large expanse of gardens and an inviting outdoor swimming pool. Whilst a more affordable option is Apparthotel San Sivino in Manerba which faces the Sirmione Pensinsula. These self-catering apartments come with a fully equipped kitchenette and a terrace or balcony overlooking the lake. On the other hand Hotel Gabry is another place to stay at in Riva Del Garda. This affordable three-star hotel is only a short walk from the river and only 800 metres from the centre of town.
Top end
There's plenty of luxurious hotels in Lake Garda, whether you want a relaxing spa holiday or want a hotel with all the facilities you could possibly wish for.
The recently renovated Wellness Hotel Casa Barca in Malcesine lies embedded in a large olive grove spanning over 4500 square meters and boasts a new health spa complete with an inviting whirlpool. Whilst Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga is a historic hotel surrounded by Cyprus trees and rich with old traditions of the ancient family of Counts Feltrinelli. This is a magical place perfect for all ages and members of the family!
Whilst Hotel Villa Florida can be found by the lakeside in Gardone Riviera. This elegant hotel is set in 6 hectares of olive groves and floral gardens and has been owned by the same family since the early 1950s. However if you prefer somewhere a bit more modern look no further than the five-star Lefay Resort and Spa Lago Di Garda in Gargnano. This stylish hotel prides itself on eco-sustainability and boasts a large panoramic outdoor pool which comes to life at night!
With a spa
There are hundreds of hotels to be found in Lake Garda offering spa facilities and different types of massages.
Hotel Villa Del Sogno is an elegant hotel located in the beautiful green gardens of the Gardone Riviera. During the day enjoy a relaxing massage or play tennis in the park and when the evening final draws in enjoy a candlelight dinner on the Maximilian restaurant terrace. Located just a couple minutes' walk from Sirmione's historic centre is the grand Villa Cortine Palace Hotel. This five-star hotel is set in four hectares of gardens, complete with roman inspired fountains and statues.
In Densenzano Del Garda you will find the modern and stylish Hotel Acquaviva Del Garda overlooking the river. Spa facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub and luxurious Turkish bath. Whilst if you are a fitness fanatic there is free use of the gym as well! However, if you're looking for a cheaper option the Apparthotel San Sivino in Manerba could be just for you! There are four swimming pools to choose from here including access to the beach. Whilst Hotel Villa Capri, also in Gardone Riviera offers elegant spacious rooms with balconies and views over the lake, and if you want to spend the day relaxing there are a variety of massages on offer as well as an outdoor swimming pool.
Family friendly
There's a good choice of family friendly hotels in Lake Garda at both ends of the price range, catering for all your needs to keep the whole family happy!
The stylish Color Hotel in Bardolino is so popular with tourists around the world that it won a Trip advisor award of Excellence in 2013 due to its many facilities on offer including three swimming pools and great customer service. Whilst Hotel Castello Lake Front is situated in the northern region of Lake Garda in Malcesine and features a whirlpool, private beach with a pier and a panoramic sun terrace!
The four-star Hotel Caesius Thermae Spa in Bardolino is a large hotel complex ideal for the whole family. Choose whether to take a dip in the swimming pool or have a massage treatment at the wellness spa or spend the day at one of the nearby theme parks including Gardaland. The Enjoy Garda Hotel is a slightly smaller hotel but the modern and safe surroundings make it a great place for a family holiday in Peschiera del Garda. Whilst if you would rather stay in Sirmione, Hotel Belvedere is another option to consider. This more affordable hotel is found incredibly close to the beach, so this is ideal if you want to spend your holiday sunbathing.
Romantic retreats
Lake Garda is the perfect romantic location for couples, there are a few cheap options as well as luxurious five-star hotels.
Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga is an authentic 1800's Italian villa found sitting on the hillside of Gargnano, surrounded by a lush forest of 40 acres. Whilst in Salo you will find the charismatic four-star Hotel Laurin which offers an elegant restaurant and breath taking views over the lake.
Another option to look into is the three-star Hotel Gardenia al Lago in Gargnano. This charming little hotel is found nestled in lush olive and palms tree by the lake. Enjoy a candle lit dinner on the outdoor terrace whilst you listen to the water lapping against the hotel. Hotel Villa Giulia is also located in the same town by the lake. This small and traditional hotel offers a fitness centre, swimming pool and is located right next to a shingle beach.
B&Bs
The Secret Garden in Densenzano Del Garda is a delightful little boutique hotel found just a couple minutes' walk from the town centre. This is the perfect place to stop off at if you have hired a car and is a lot more affordable than staying in the large hotels nearby.
If you are thinking of staying in Peschiera del Garda then look no further than Massoni Bed & Breakfast. This highly recommended B&B is a great place to stay at if you're a sports enthusiast as you are only a few minutes away from the lake side and there are many routes to ride a bike along. However, if you want to stay in real authentic Italian accommodation head to La Casa Marla in Sirmione. Enjoy a great breakfast at this charming hotel every day and receive excellent customer service from the friendly hosts.
Near the airport
The nearest airport to Lake Garda is in Verona, there are plenty of hotels which are located next to this airport and are only a short drive away from Lake Garda.
Airporthotel Verona Congress & Relax is a luxurious four-star hotel only found around 800 metres away from Verona Catullo Airport. Decide on whether to spend the day lounging by the pool or receive an aromatherapy treatment in one of the massage rooms. Or you could stay at the exclusive Hotel Veronesi La Torre, also located next to the airport and is only a 15-minute drive away from the city centre of Verona.
However, if you are looking for somewhere a little less pricy then Hotel West Point could be just for you. This relaxing hotel features a wellness centre, an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub. Whilst another option to think of is the three-star Hotel Antichi Cortili which is a family run hotel only 500 metres away from the local railway station and a short drive away from the airport.