Most Romantic Hotels in Lake Garda

The luxurious Lefay Resort and Spa Lago di Garda is dripping in style and elegance, from the manicured garden landscape to the stylish lobby that looks like it could have been plucked from a design magazine. The 93-room hotel blends into the natural setting of the hillside seamlessly, with a sleek outdoor saltwater infinity pool that appears to drop off into the lake and a green lawn dotted with chic lounge chairs and umbrellas. Nothing is standard here, not even the rooms (all of which are actually suites). All have streamlined leather furniture, flat-screen TVs, and balconies with stunning landscape views. Modern and stylish bathrooms come with tubs, separate walk-in showers, custom toiletries, and bathrobes. Some rooms have whirlpool tubs next to large windows that overlook the lake as well as separate sitting areas and garden terraces. The opulent ambience and seclusion of the hotel attracts couples and some families.

Lido Palace opened in 1899 as a resort destination for European royalty, and today is a trendy high-end hotel with a mix of historic and modern architecture. The luxe rooms are comfortable and trendy with flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and often spectacular views, but they lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. The hotel offers a stylish spa, two restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and lovely gardens to relax in. Thanks to its many features, sharp look, chic rooms, and beautiful views of Lake Garda and surrounding mountains, this hotel attracts well-heeled couples looking for a top-notch, peaceful getaway.

Sitting atop a hill on a 40-acre private park, the Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga has panoramic views of Lake Garda and a romantic setting that's ideal for couples. The building has a homey yet elegant atmosphere and dates back to the 1800s, when Count Giuseppe Feltrinelli built the mansion as a hunting lodge. The hotel's rich history is mixed into its interior design scheme; each soundproofed room has a distinct design, with classic furnishings and bed-and-breakfast-like decor. All rooms have gorgeous views of the lake (some rooms have balconies), as well as mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. More picturesque views are found at Ristorante Sostaga, Villa Sostaga's fine-dining restaurant.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Garda, the thoroughly modern Hotel Kristal Palace takes romantic vacations seriously: no children or pets are allowed. The focus here is divided between excellent dining and the gorgeous scenery (the hotel is located within walking distance of both the lake and Riva's historic town center). The heated rooftop pool offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake. The 58 rooms are large, and outfitted with flat-screen TVs and minimalistic furniture. All in all, this is one of the nicest properties in the area.

The mid-range Hotel Castello Lake Front has a location on the water that’s a few minutes’ walk to the heart of Malcesine. Family-run, the hotel is quiet and peaceful, with its own private beach and pier. Rates include a hot breakfast buffet from the hotel's excellent restaurant, and guests receive a substantial discount for lunch and dinner. The hotel’s 36 rooms are starkly modern but still cheery thanks to big windows and a few brightly colored details. Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of the rooms is the clear glass walls that separate the walk-in showers from the bedrooms. (Blinds provide privacy.) Most rooms have private balconies with seating and exceptional views of the lake, garden, or mountains.

Sitting on the shores of Lake Garda outside Malcestine, the upper-middle-range Ambienthotel PrimaLuna is a boutique property with a strikingly original design. Its minimalist industrial decor, which extends to the 38 rooms, makes extensive use of wood, iron and steel, and bold colors on concrete walls. Open shelves replace dressers and armoires in the rooms, and some rooms have funky touches such as circular beds that rotate. But most have balconies or patios with spectacular lake views. The hotel's excellent restaurant, which serves a sumptuous buffet breakfast including house-made cakes and pastries, has a terrace overlooking the lake. The hotel also has a beachfront bar, an outdoor pool with stunning views, and a fitness center.

The Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort is a four-pearl property surrounded by gorgeous, extensive grounds a bit outside of Riva del Garda's town center and a short walk from the beach. With multiple pools, restaurants, fitness and wellness facilities, and a kids’ club, the hotel offers all of the amenities expected of an upscale property. Room decor isn’t as elegant or modern as the rest of the hotel, and air-conditioning is only available during the summer, but all rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and balconies with lovely views.

The 29-room Wellness Hotel Casa Barca is a modern, upper-middle-range property with a picturesque hillside setting overlooking Lake Garda, just a five-minute walk from the lovely town of Malcesine. Rooms are simple, modern, and fresh, with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs, plus balconies or terraces -- some have outstanding views of the lake. There are two outdoor pools, gardens and trees all around, and a modern wellness center and spa. The free breakfast buffet gets rave reviews, and there's also a bar.

The 59-room Hotel Excelsior le Terrazze is good for a quiet country escape. While not elaborate in style or offerings, its stunning hillside view over Lake Garda is a sight to see. The on-site restaurant serves excellent food on a terrace overlooking the lake, and guests can take advantage of free afternoon tea and a free excursion. Rooms are of average size, with elegant (and understated) decor.

The mid-range, 167-room Grand Hotel Gardone Riviera was the first hotel to be built on the banks of Lake Garda. It comes with a private jetty for guests with boats, a charming outdoor heated pool, and a variety of on-site dining options. Although Wi-Fi is free in common areas, guests must pay for access in the spacious and classically decorated -- albeit somewhat outdated -- rooms, all of which have verandas or balconies.

The people behind the Color Hotel clearly put a lot of effort into dazzling guests -- you'd be hard-pressed to find a corner of the hotel lacking fancy design touches or an art piece. The facilities are equally impressive, with four pools, two bars, a wine cellar, a renowned restaurant, and huge gardens. The location is great -- almost on the edge of Lake Garda -- although there is a busy road in between, which some rooms look out on.

Hotel Lago di Garda is an upscale 43-room boutique hotel right on Italy's picturesque Lake Garda. The astounding location and views are among the biggest draws, while the contemporary decor and the hotel's display of artwork sets the property apart. Amenities include a lovely spa and a great restaurant, though there is no pool. The economy rooms include nice extras like fruit baskets and DVD players, while the guests in suites get extras, like access to the jacuzzi and sun terrace. For the price and location, Hotel Lago di Garda is hard to beat.

This quiet resort and spa in Sirmione’s romantic Sirmio peninsula in Lake Garda provides a peaceful retreat and jumping-off point for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside. Rooms are on the small side, and some have remarked that the decor could use an update, even seeming unfinished in some spots. However, many have commented favorably on the relaxed country charm to the aesthetic and service, the pleasures of walking into the nearby town center, and the excellence of the on-site dining options.