The best hotels in Lake Garda
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For many northern Italians who don’t like crowded, sultry beaches in the south, Lake Garda is the ideal spot to relax, sunbathe and sightsee. The surrounding Alps make the air cool and pleasant even in August. Having a splash or going out on a boat ride in its translucent waters after visiting one of the many picturesque fishing villages is a great way to unwind.
Lake Garda has always been a place for body and soul regeneration. Ancient Roman aristocrats used to flock here to spend time in their lavish lake-front mansions; then aristocrat families in the Middle Ages picked it as their favourite retreat for the healing power of the thermal waters. Although it may get crowded in high season, the great thing about Lake Garda is that there are always hidden gems worth discovering, quiet spots where time stands still. And there are a variety of Lake Garda hotels to pick from, ranging from medieval-style castles and grandiose Renaissance palaces to eco-friendly retreats and former peasant farmhouses where you can live the rural idyll.
Alternatively, browse our edit of the best hotels in Lake Como to plan the perfect trip to Italy's chicest lake.
How we choose the best hotels in Lake Garda
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve. For more information on how we review hotels and restaurants, please look at our About Us page.
Georg RoskeBorgo Tre
Staying here is like stepping back in time. Located in an offbeat corner of Lake Garda, near the village of Torri del Benaco, you'll have an entire rural hamlet (called 'borgo' in Italian) to explore. The resort is a finely renovated farmhouse dating back to the 1700s, where olive oil was made. Ancient olive groves still dot the borgo, a cluster of stone dwellings turned into just four exclusive apartment-suites of 50 and 80 square meters, each with their own private garden, floor-to-ceiling ancient stone fireplace, outdoor bathtub and underfloor heating. You can even book the entire farmhouse for exclusive use and celebrations. Minimalistic design with local materials such as marble, oak, and linen for the bed sheets is reminiscent of a bucolic, idyllic farm where fresh local produce is sourced and savoured at breakfast. The lavish garden provides a holistic experience for guests to rest and connect with nature through yoga, sauna therapy and bath rituals. Surrounded by olive trees, stone paths unwind to the wellbeing retreats in the garden. There's a small heated pool, a sauna with an open-air shower and a cold plunge, a barefoot path, and an outdoor fitness and yoga area.
Address: Rossone di sopra, 3 / I-37010 Torri del Benaco
Natiia
Imagine staying at a castle, where for dinner you're served the zero-mile veggies and fruits straight from the orchard of the rural estate. Natiaa is located up on the hills not far from the quiet lakefront village of Lazise where wine and oil have been made for centuries. Vineyard aperitifs and picnics in the shade of centuries-old trees are a must here. The place is packed with history. Back in 1872, a rich local lord called Count Girolamo Brognoligo turned the villa into a medieval castle, as was customary at the time among lake nobility. Surrounded by 10 hectares of green oasis, the courtyards are dotted with palm trees, panoramic crenellated walls, and a majestic watch tower once used as a look-out spot across Lake Garda. Natiia also has a peasant vibe; while the façade may be shiny and noble, the rustic buildings of the simply-decorated suites hail back to when local farmers tended to the fertile fields. Among the exclusive services offered is reaching Natiia by carriage along a lush path lined by chestnut trees. For pampering, the spa features sensory showers and a steam bath. The on-site Osteriia restaurant combines high-end cuisine and simple peasant dishes, serving each day fresh hand made pasta.
Address: Via Fossalta 17, Lazise
David C TomlinsonHotel Querceto
This is more than just a four-star luxury hotel; it's a green microcosm located far from the crowds, up on the pristine hills surrounding the picturesque lakefront hamlet of Malcesine. Boasting unique lake views, Hotel Querceto (the name means ‘oak forest' in Italian), is set within a park of 7000 square meters of centuries-old trees and a maze of winding stone paths. You can opt between mountain, lake or garden view suites with panoramic views out on the patio. Here, all the main areas are scattered outdoors, not concentrated in the main building, meaning daily walks to get from one spot to another will keep you fit. The park and flowery lawns are dotted with private cosy furnished areas where you can rest on sofas and sun-beds, taking in the beauty of the surrounding nature. In winter, soft wool blankets are scattered around the lounge chairs to keep warm. The park paths lead to an open-air jacuzzi where you can enjoy 'floating breakfasts', a sauna, pool, terrace and bar. There's even a huge open-air shower and a 'forest dome', a round, elegantly designed structure of transparent walls with a 360-degree view of the mountains. You can also exclusively book the 'forest dome' for stargazing at night and private romantic dinners with either fish or meat menus.
Address: Via Panoramica 113, Malcesine
Getty ImagesPavilion Suite
Pavillion Suite is located in an historical building finely restyled. Here, imperial grandeur mixes with elegant design. Its ten exclusive luxury suites, each with jacuzzi and a some with their own private spa, offer an unforgettable experience. They're set in a wing of the prestigious Officers' Pavilion, which was built in 1856 in neoclassical style. It’s one of Peschiera del Garda’s iconic landmarks, and sleeping here is like stepping back in time to when the Austro-Hungarian empire ruled over northern Italy. The ‘Pavillon’ is where colonial Habsburg officers and their families resided. All suites come with a panoramic balcony overlooking the lake the property's internal garden, and soundproof windows. The imposing brick and stone structure has been recently restored and made over, all while maintaining original architectural elements: vaults, arched porches, high ceilings and large spaces, meeting the modern needs of comfort. Located in the heart of Peschiera del Garda, this refined building offers breathtaking lake-front terrace views, Art Nouveau pieces scattered between the lobby and the rooms, and a modern café restaurant that serves traditional local cuisine with experimental twists. Sunset aperitifs here are a must.
Address: Piazzale della Serenissima 5, Peschiera del Garda
Monastero Arx Vivendi
Prepare for an unplugged spiritual retreat inside a medieval monastery, lavishly restyled into a sparkling white sanctuary. Located in the village of Arco, along one of Lake Garda’s tributaries, Manastero Arx Vivendi is offbeat and far from the crowds. Arx Vivendi mixes ancient architecture and sophisticated modern design; sleek lounges are juxtaposed with centuries-old stone columns and arches where monks once went about their life of meditation and prayer. The monk cells have been restored and turned into 40 new rooms and suites spread out across 3 floors. All have 5-meter tall ceilings, breathtaking views of the Alps and some are fitted with a private sauna. The largest suites were obtained by joining two former monastic cells, and there’s even a huge loggia with private balcony. The most sumptuous suite has its own private 280 square-meter garden with a terrace, seats and deckchairs as well as a private sauna. Watch time slide by in the lush gardens or check into the spa, “Salus per Aquam” (meaning ‘health by water’). It features a heated outdoor pool, more saunas, and a Turkish steam bath. The restaurant, enclosed by the cloister walls, serves dishes made with locally sourced products. The wine menu pays homage to local bottles from premium vineyards that grow along the shores of the lake.
Address: Via Mantova 13, 38062 Arco
Getty ImagesVilla Remo, Hotel Galvani
The Galvani are an historical family of hoteliers renown on all banks of Lake Garda, and they opened their first hotel back in the 1950’s. What started off as a simple, no-frills inn with tavern in the village of Torri del Benaco, has expanded into several annexed luxury villas and apartments. The most recent new addition is Villa Remo, named after a ‘pioneer’ of the family, which has 12 suites of up to 47 square-meters spread on 4 floors. Each boasts spectacular lake views. The great thing about Villa Remo is the sunlight that streams into the rooms throughout the entire day. The largest suite is modern in design, with parquet flooring and floor-to-ceiling sliding windows. It has an impressive 29 square-meter private terrace where you can enjoy a refreshing glass of wine as aperitif just before dinner, or relax on the lounge chairs. The jewel in its crown? An infinity ‘sky pool’ overlooking the pristine hills and lake, and a spa, of course, with an internal warmer pool, a sauna and Turkish bath. The family-run terrace restaurant prepares traditional homemade delicacies and specialises in fish. For guests exploring Lake Garda on taxi boats or dinghies, there's a private dock.
Address: Loc. Pontirola, 94, Lago di Garda 37010 Torri del Benaco
Hotel Villa Arcadio
This hidden villa retreat is perfectly placed on the green hills of Lake Garda, near the town of Saló, and surrounded by olive groves and fruit orchards. As a former 13th-century convent, a mystical vibe permeates the property, with monk cells transforming into elegant suites with original frescoed walls and vaulted ceilings. Outside, you can take supper on the terrace with views of the lake, soak up the sun by the infinity pool or explore the wider area via an arranged excursion – the hotel has its own seven-seater Riva Aquarama Special motorboat available for private use.
Address: Via Navelli, 2, 25087 Salò BS, Italy
Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli
As soon as you enter this 1800s Art Nouveau-style lakefront mansion turned boutique hotel, time stands still. The villa has a storied, if somewhat dark, history – it was once home to Mussolini and his family – which can still be seen from the preserved frescoes, stone columns and an elegant courtyard garden. Each of the 20 rooms is uniquely decorated with antique furniture and ornate objects, while the restaurant offers the option to take supper in the private dining rooms or outside on the pergola. The lakeside views are framed by olive groves, magnolias and oak trees, creating an ideal opportunity for an unplugged stay. The location, in a sleepy town on the outskirts of Gargnano, offers plenty of peace and silence while still being close to Lake Garda's top highlights.
Address: Via Rimembranza, 38, 25084 Gargnano BS, Italy
Colin DuttonLocanda San Vigilio
There's a laid-back and cosy vibe to this charming lakefront hotel. As a former 1500s inn where pilgrims and travellers rested overnight, the place is packed with history – previous guests include Napoleon and Winston Churchill. Thanks to its enviable location on Punta San Vigilio, a peninsula that juts out into the lake, all rooms have stunning panoramic views and balconies suspended above the gentle waves. The dining room features a spectacular loggia with lovely lake vistas, and aperitivo is at the pier lounge bar.
Aqva Boutique Hotel
Located just outside Sirmione, close to the healing thermal baths loved by the Ancient Romans, Aqva is postcard-pretty with minimalist blue glass and white stone architecture reflecting in the water. This unique lakefront location is a prized spot for just a handful of guests – there are only 18 rooms within the adults-only hotel, all crisp with modern and minimalist decor. The sleek details spill into the communal areas with travertine floors and artworks displayed in the corridors. There's direct water access from the hotel’s hotel’s pier, making it ideal for a guided boat tour or a reinvigorating morning swim.
Address: Via XXV Aprile, 4, 25019 Sirmione BS, Italy
Grand Hotel Fasano
It’s one of Lake Garda’s most historic hotels in Gardone Riviera, housed in a former lavish hunting lodge initially built in the 1800s for the Austrian imperial family. Naturally, the location is a standout – right on the lake and surrounded by a botanical park. There’s even a tiny private beach lined with cabanas and sun beds. Suites have a neoclassical style reminiscent of the glamour of bygone imperial days, all with breezy balconies and lake views. The hotel has three restaurants serving Mediterranean and Italian dishes – don’t miss the tasting menus at Il Pascatore for a standout supper, including dishes like risotto with duck ragout and hazelnut butter ice cream for pudding.
Address: Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli, 190, 25083 Gardone Riviera BS, Italy
Vivere Suites & Rooms
Hidden among the rural wilderness of the small village of Arco, this architectural bolthole is designed to mirror the surrounding vineyards. There are no brick walls across the six eco-friendly suites. Instead, floor-to-ceiling glass windows flood the spacious suites with natural light, while wooden details, organic fabrics and cube-like four posters create a warm ambience. For the most privacy, book into the Corner Suite, which enjoys the morning sun and has direct access to the vineyard via the garden. The hotel is committed to a green philosophy, with much of the power generated from geothermal energy and solar panels, while the onsite pizza restaurant serves exclusively locally sourced ingredients and regional wines.
Address: Via Gobbi Epifanio, 30, 38062 Arco TN, Italy
Lefay Resort & Spa
The architecture of this hotel, perched above the town of Gargnano, is inspired by the traditional tiered lemon houses of Lake Garda, with stone pillars supported by wooden beams. Suites make the most of the views overlooking Lake Garda via floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, while interiors are a serene mix of natural fabrics, walnut and olive wood, and marble tubs in the bathrooms. The isolated spot lends itself to creating a wellness haven – choose from an array of health programmes in the spa designed to help with stress, sleep and detoxing. The restaurants here are equally health focussed, focusing on natural local ingredients and Mediterranean cuisine.
Address: Via Angelo Feltrinelli, 136, 25084 Gargnano BS, Italy
Marco RothackerVilla Cordevigo
Real grandeur and elegance await you in this superb castle-like property in Cavaion Veronese. Built in the 1600s as a private residence for aristocratic families, the villa later became a hotspot for European royalty who flocked here to holiday. There’s a lot to take in during your stay, from works of art on the walls to shining Murano chandeliers and frescoes on the ceilings, as well as a grand staircase and a mosaic-decorated park full of ancient statues. All suites have an aristocratic glamour, with rich carpets, fabrics, and lavish marble bathrooms. The outside grounds are equally pleasing to the eye, from the manicured gardens to the lemon-yellow poolside lounges and umbrellas. The hotel is also home to two elegant restaurants, a cosy bar with a garden terrace and a cracking wine cellar with over 600 labels.
Address: Località Cordevigo, 1, 37010 Cavaion veronese VR, Italy