Hotel Eden Garda

While the nondescript '70s architecture and pastel green facade are unlikely to get many new arrivals too excited, there's more to Hotel Eden Garda that first meets the eye. The property was completely renovated in 2015, and while most of the interiors are hardly what you'd call chic, the property is modern, spotlessly clean, and immaculately maintained throughout. It's owned and run by the Zeni family, and there's a particular focus on creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, which guests almost universally remark upon being one of the hotel's real draws. With just 39 guest rooms spread over three floors (there is an elevator), the place also has an intimate and relaxed feel. A tidy ground-floor pool terrace and rooftop solarium also provide plenty of outdoor space to relax in the sunshine. Most of the guests hail from the U.K., and most are usually couples, though there are also some families with kids. Be warned that there are several hotels called Eden around Lake Garda, with others in Sirmione and Torri del Benaco, which can sometimes lead to confusion for arriving guests.

The hotel is located on a fairly busy road in a largely residential neighborhood set on the edge of the lakeside town of Garda. There is little in the immediate surrounds, aside from a few restaurants within a short stroll; it's a brisk 15-minute walk downhill to the town center. A free shuttle service also runs into town throughout the day (from May to September). In Garda, travelers can explore the charming lanes of the old town, as well as enjoy a meal at one of the lakeside restaurants. Around a five-minute drive away is a long stretch of pebble beach of Pincherle, and a 15-minute drive is the hilltop San Giorgio monastery with spectacular views of the surrounds. The medieval city of Verona is also 40 minutes away by road, and its airport is half an hour away. Day trips to Venice are also possible -- it's around an hour and a half by car. 

The hotel has 39 rooms, all of which were refurbished in 2015 and are bright and contemporary, with simple modern furniture, wood-veneer flooring, and high ceilings. There are three room types -- Classic, Superior, and Deluxe -- starting at a very modest 183 square feet (17 square meters) and going up to 260 square feet (24 square meters). Each has a different accent color -- gray, blue, or red, respectively -- but the main difference between them is size. All open to furnished balconies or terraces, with most Deluxe Rooms overlooking the pool; some other rooms might overlook the car park and kitchen. An extra bed can be added to Superior Rooms, and Deluxe Rooms can fit two extra beds (and accommodate up to four guests).

Rooms are all air conditioned, with flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and minibars, plus Wi-Fi is free of charge (though generally slow). Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained with walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and toiletry sets; Deluxe Room bathrooms have showers with water-massage jets.

While one of the more dated-looking areas of the hotel, the restaurant is bright and airy, and more importantly serves excellent quality food for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is always included in the rate and half-board plans are available (and include an impressive five-course dinner and unlimited drinks). Lunch and snacks are available at the more contemporary bar which opens on to an alfresco terrace. An outside swimming pool is large enough to rarely feel crowded, with a small poolside lawn and around a dozen loungers. A rooftop terrace features a spacious heated whirlpool tub with views out to the lake, plus more space, loungers for sunbathing, and a snack service. Free parking is also available on-site and (sometimes slow) Wi-Fi is provided.