Hotel Kristal Palace – Tonelli Hotels

The six-story Hotel Kristal Palace is solidly contemporary, from its glassy exterior, to its mirrored lobby. The lounge bar is located in the front of the hotel, and a coffee table is filled with international newspapers from Germany, the UK, and Italy -- a nice perk for its many European visitors. The hallways are small with plain white walls, but there are other spaces in the hotel to gather. The hotel's restaurant Live is designed with contemporary furniture, light fixtures, and warm cream-colored accents. It also has an open kitchen plan, with a glass wall for guests to peer in. On the roof, the Sky Pool has breathtaking views of the mountains and Lake Garda. The ground is paved with brick flooring and cream-colored lounge chairs, umbrellas, and tables surround the swimming pool. The Sky Bar and Sky Restaurant are there as well, offering cocktails and bites for guests. There is more outdoor seating on the first floor, consisting of wicker table and chair sets with orange umbrellas.

The hotel is located on the northern side of Lake Garda, just three minutes inland. At the lake, water activities include kayaking, windsurfing, and mountain biking. To the west of the hotel the Campo Sportivo Benacense athletic fields can be found, and further west -- a 10-minute walk from the hotel -- is the main historic square of Riva del Garda. Many bars, restaurants, and other entertainment are located in the rustic town, some located right on the water. The hotel offers a free shuttle directly into the town.

The hotel offers eight different types of rooms, all decorated in pretty, coordinated themes, and color palettes like muted creams and bright oranges. Tufted headboards, natural wood floors, and clear acrylic chairs are examples of the stylish, modern touches found throughout the hotel. The rooms are large, and outfitted with flat-screen TVs and minimalistic furniture. They feature side tables, minibars, mini-fridges, and closets. Beds are king size, and outlets are located on either side. Bathrooms are spacious, and luxurious with natural stone and chrome finishes. They have standing showers, and no tubs. 

The star of the Hotel Kristal Palace is its rooftop, which offers amazing panoramas of the surrounding mountains and Lake Garda. The open-air deck is also home to the Sky Pool, the hotel's heated pool, a poolside bar, and the Sky Restaurant -- all of which are open seasonally. The eatery opens mid-day for meals, as well as breakfasts during part of the year. The Sky Bar serves up cocktails to the backdrop of live piano music. Another dining option is at Live, the hotel’s highly-rated fine dining restaurant, which also features live piano music. Every week, hotel staffers plan a special party with live musical entertainment and casino nights. There’s also a small gym with basic cardio equipment, but it is open only during the day.