Best Boutique Hotels in Lake Garda

Spectacular views of Lake Garda are at nearly every turn at this 27-acre, hilltop resort. The eco-friendly luxury hotel features three stylish chic pools (including a sleek saltwater infinity pool with a bar), and an underground spa with Turkish bath and hot tub. A free, fresh buffet breakfast is offered every morning and regional cuisine is served at Trattoria alla Vigna for lunch and dinner (reservations required). The 93 spacious, stylish rooms (which are really suites) have mixed wood flooring and walls that are accented by colorful modern paintings. Also on offer: streamlined leather furniture, flat-screen TVs, writing desks, and balconies with stunning landscape views. Modern and stylish bathrooms come with large tubs, separate walk-in showers, custom toiletries, and bathrobes. 

Lido Palace pairs historic grandeur and contemporary architecture. In its past, the luxury hotel has received Austrian princes, duchesses, and even King Vittorio Emanuele and Queen Elena in 1921, and recent renovations injected the Old World resort with the trendy and innovative design seen today. There are 42 chic, urbane rooms with flat-screen TVs and minibars, but no coffee- and tea-making facilities. The bars and restaurants are equally sophisticated, with intimate lighting and views of the lush landscape. (Room service is also available 24/7.) The sleek, stylish spa has saunas, baths, sensation showers, and a salt room, and there are also indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and lovely gardens filled with trees, green lawns, stone paths, and loungers for relaxing.

The 19-room Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga is a hillside refuge overlooking the gorgeous Lake Garda and surrounded by lush gardens and pathways. The alpine location means that leaving the hotel is a bit of a journey, even by car, and guests often opt to stay on-site at night and take advantage of the fine dining available at Ristorante Sostaga. The rooms at this hotel are large, bright, and cheerful and many have gorgeous lake views from their balconies. 

One of the nicest properties in the area, the 58-room Hotel Kristal Palace is a quintessential luxury boutique hotel. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Garda, this thoroughly modern hotel takes vacation seriously: no children or pets are allowed. The focus here is divided between the gorgeous scenery and excellent dining instead. The heated rooftop pool offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Large and sparsely decorated rooms match the modern look of the hotel; all have private balconies, minimalistic furniture, and luxurious natural stone bathrooms. The hotel is located within walking distance of both the lake and Riva's historic town center. 

The Ambienthotel PrimaLuna has three standout features: Its lakefront location, its lovely outdoor pool, and its decor -- a bold and cheeky jumble of modern styles. All 38 of its quirky rooms are individually decorated, mixing bold colors with wood and concrete. Most of the rooms have lake views, and many have balconies or patios with tables and chairs. All rooms include flat-screen TVs and slippers, but not all have minibars and coffeemakers. 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 29-room Wellness Hotel Casa Barca is a bright, sunny, modern hotel in a peaceful lakeside setting. The surprisingly spacious (for Italy) rooms are modern and fresh, with vividly colored carpeting and bold accent walls in shades of red or fuchsia. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and cabinets with mini-fridges, and furnished balconies or terraces; some have gorgeous views of the lake. There are two outdoor pools, gardens and trees all around, and a modern wellness center and spa with a Finnish sauna, bio-sauna, and Turkish bath. The free breakfast buffet gets rave reviews, but no other meals are served on-site -- somewhat unexpected for a "wellness" hotel.

The mid-range Hotel Castello Lake Front is a quiet, family-run boutique hotel with a patio overlooking Lake Garda. The hotel's 36 rooms are starkly modern and bright, with sleek lines that are softened by neutral tones. Beds done up in simple white bedding rest on modern frames backed by padded headboards in light gray. All rooms include flat-screen TVs inlayed into enormous mirrors, minibars, rainfall showerheads, heated towel racks, slippers, and free Wi-Fi. Most (but not all) rooms have private balconies with seating and views of the lake, garden, or mountains. The excellent Al Bacio restaurant, whose menu focuses on local products and seasonal fruits and vegetables, draws guests and nonguests alike. The covered terrace overlooking the lake is an especially popular spot, as is the large lawn and beach area that's behind the hotel.

The Enjoy Garda Hotel is an upscale, family-run property with a swish contemporary feel located in the lakeside town of Peschiera. While the immediate surrounds aren't particularly attractive, the hotel is a short walk from the scenic shore of Lake Garda and a 10-minute drive (or less) from several theme parks. The 45 guest rooms are bright and modern. Suites have extra touches such as lake views and whirlpool tubs, though some room balconies overlook a busy road. The traditional Italian dining is a real highlight, and an alfresco terrace overlooks the hotel's heated pool and whirlpools. Free bike loans are a thoughtful extra, and the hotel draws a number of cyclists. All in all, this is one of the best hotels in town.

An impressively stylish art and design hotel, Color Hotel has fancy design details or artwork in seemingly every corner. The facilities are equally impressive, with four separate pools and a swim-up bar, a renowned fine-dining restaurant, a wine cellar, and manicured gardens full of lush vegetation and waterfalls. The Color Hotel's 80 rooms are individually styled, and all put an emphasis on bold design, with retro elements and quirky touches. Some rooms have furnished balconies with views of the lake, while others overlook a busy road. The hotel's location is great -- a two- to three-minute walk from Lake Garda and town -- and its rooftop terrace provides panoramic vistas. 

Though the upscale Hotel Lago di Garda is one of the oldest hotels on the lake, it doesn't look its age. In fact, much of is a treat for the eyes. The property prides itself on its art, which is showcased throughout the halls. At Aqua, the hotel’s restaurant, a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door looks out onto Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. Rooms at the Hotel Lago di Garda provide all the basics and a bit more: flat-screen TVs with cable and coffeemakers are standard, and fruit baskets and DVDS also await guests upon arrival.

Hotel Belvedere is a family-owned, cottage-style boutique property with lake views and pretty grounds. Its 12 rooms range from an economy option with street views to an apartment-style love nest with a private terrace overlooking the water. Breakfast gets rave reviews and is included with the price of the room. You won't find much in the way of public features -- there's no swimming pool, fitness center, or business center -- but there is a small bar area for cocktails and pretty garden with shaded lounge areas.