Beach Hotel Du Lac

Travelers flock to Lake Garda for its majestic views and serene settings, and hotels fill the scenic highway lining this waterfront stretch. Although on the dated and traditional side, decor at the Beach Hotel Du Lac is cheerful and pleasant, though it's the spectacular lake vistas that take center stage. Large terraces right on the water take in the view, and expansive seating here is popular for al fresco dining and the free afternoon tea, coffee, and cake. A private pier with loungers is great for lake swimming, plus the hotel has a pool (although it's unheated and lacks views). Expect tiled marbles and loud yellows in the conservatory-style lobby, where cuboid sofas have retro accents amid woods, and their blonde hues continue in the restaurant. Its wickers are bland, although backlighting at the bar is edgy, and food is generally well-received. The property's romantic vibe attracts leisure couples, plus the occasional families.

The hotel sits directly on Lake Garda's northern coast, and panorama vistas here take in the water, mountains, and neighboring Malcesine. This medieval town is 15 minutes on foot via a lakefront promenade, with bus alternatives from outside the hotel also running to farther towns. Malcesine's cobbled lanes are pretty, and the town has restaurants and a 14th-century castle. Malcesine bus station is an 18-minute walk. Allow similar walking times for the Malcesine- Mone Baldo cable car, which offers splendid Dolomite Mountains views and hiking trails. Gardaland and Movieland amusement parks are around an hour's drive, with 90 minutes by car for Verona, and Verona Villafranca Airport.

The bright rooms have a traditional, cheerful look, and face either the pool, mountains, or parking lots in Standard Rooms, or the lake in upgraded ones -- worth the upgrade. They're largely decorated the same, with blond-wood in headboards, night stands, desks, and shelving, accented by canary yellows and teals in old-fashioned fabrics, and slate-gray floor tiles. Lake artwork is tasteful in most rooms, although tiny Singles and some Standard Rooms have a simpler look. Standard amenities include phones, desks, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and mostly flat-screen TVs (but some tube-style), while upgraded rooms add yellow-pleather sofas and loungers on the terraces. Regardless, rooms have furnished balconies.

Suites have living rooms, canopied beds or beamed ceilings, and wicker furnishings. Family Suites sleep four. Safes, AC, and free Wi-Fi are provided for free, but crib fittings incur fees.

Features mostly revolve around the stunning lake setting. A private jetty offers lake swimming, plus sunbathing right on the water, although white plastic loungers here are limited. A vast array of terrace seating overlooking the shore have plenty of dining space, and are more attractive than the drab restaurant. Still, the well-reviewed eatery serves buffet fare, including free buffet breakfasts with made-to-order cooked items and a continental spread. Afternoon tea, coffee, and cake are free. The bar serves a range of beverages and snacks. Surrounded by greenery, loungers, and umbrellas (but lacking views), the outdoor pool is decently sized and has a fountain feature, though note that it's unheated. Cushioned swing seating and a freestanding whirlpool near it are simple. Sadly, there's no pool bar. Spa and gym setups are basic, although the former is mood-lit, with lots of color in wind, salt, and relaxation zones, plus it offers a sauna and massages. Guest PCs are free to use in the lobby. Pets are welcome for a fee. Private underground parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.